Serving Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wood Counties
Joe Durco takes over at Waite this fall, aiming to provide some leadership for an athletic roster.
“They have an unlimited amount of talent,” he said. “They just have to realize it and unleash it. They have talent. It's bottled up. They're seeing what they can do in practice, and they're shocking themselves.”
Durco spent the past 10 years coaching at Rossford, where he went up against some of the best volleyball teams in the area that reside in the Northern Buckeye Conference.
“Coming from Rossford and being in the NBC, I've seen a lot of quality volleyball,” he said. “We're going to emulate that, bring it to Waite, and follow some of their leads on how they played the game and relate it to us.
“Obviously we want to win more games. I told them our goal is a league championship and maybe a nice little tournament run.”
This year’s team will have to replace five seniors from a 3-10 squad that was the sectional runner-up a year ago. Those individuals include Alasia Huggins, Emma Phillips, Taylor Howard, Leah Scruggs and Keona Hopkins.
Stepping into their place will be a group of four seniors — Rayne Dehring, Riley Kuharchek, Carli Wilson and Daija Calhoun.
“I’ll be looking for leadership from them,” Durco said. “They need to lead. That’s what I’m working on right now.”
There’s also two newcomers to the varsity squad who have impressed Durco with their athletic ability and game knowledge — junior Jenesis Aguilar and freshman SuRyah Quisno.
“We’re working on every aspect of the game,” Durco said. “We’re working on strategy, getting to know everybody’s roles and responsibilities, and just being more aggressive in the game. We have to be willing to take our mistakes and learn from those.”
Durco said there is excitement within the program about their potential.
“I think teamwork and supporting each other are two of our strengths,” he said. “We are very excited. The girls are really buying into what me and my staff are bringing to the program.”
Durco’s staff will consist of his daughter, Karagyn, and former Start standout, Tamea Coleman. Both competed collegiately at Terra State, while Karagyn went on to also win a national title at Richard Bland College before closing out her career at UNC Pembroke.
“I got two excellent college volleyball players that I'm so happy to have,” Durco said. “They are giving the girls knowledge on a higher level.”
Time will tell what happens at Waite, but Durco took the job for a reason.
“I want to give back,” he said. “I want to restore some excitement and pride in this volleyball program and get the City League back to prominence in volleyball.”
