Know sweat

Chiefs prepared to work overtime to
remain among elite teams in the KLAA

  Here's all you need to know about the Canton volleyball team's work ethic: Following a week of grueling two-a-day practices, coaches Mary Kryska and Jen Barnes were prepared to give the Chiefs Saturday off because of a four-hour car wash later in the day.
  "But the girls insisted that we practice," Kryska said. "So we're coming in from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. before the car wash. That's how passionate they are about winning. They're the ones who suggested the two-a-days, too."
  Kryska, who served as Barnes' assistant the previous three seasons, will swap roles with Barnes this season after Barnes decided she needed to reduce her hours following the birth of her son earlier this summer.
  Kryska is well-qualified for the increased role as she has been an assistant coach at the high school level since graduating from Canton in 2001.
GREAT IN '08
  Canton is coming off a stellar 36-12-2 season that ended with a disappointing loss in the Division 1 District tournament. The Chiefs return eight players, including senior captains Jordan Kielty, an All-KLAA outside hitter Jordan Kielty; Lauren Macuga and Leah Powers.
  "Jordan is not only one of our best offensive and defensive players, but she's the one who brings the whole team together," said Kryska. "She communicates to everyone on the floor and makes sure everyone knows what we're doing."
  Macuga is a candidate to serve as the Chiefs' libero, a back-row player who never leaves the floor.
  "Lauren didn't start playing here until her sophomore year, but now she's one of our best defensive players," said Kryska.
  Along with being a stellar defensive performer, Powers makes sure the team stays fired-up through thick and thin.
  "Leah is our team motivator," said Kryska. "She does a great job of getting everybody up. She's the one who'll provide a motivating quote before our matches. She'll be one of our back-row players, either outside or on the right side."
BIG SHOES TO FILL
  Taking over the setting role from three-year starter Kacy Moran will be senior Traci Breitmeyer, Moran's back-up last season.
  "We're working hard to get Traci meshing with the entire team," said Kryska. "She's coming in and working extra hours, and she's doing a great job so far."
 Seniors Anna Larner Kelsey Lindberg will serve as invaluable do-everything players, Kryska said.
  "They both can play anywhere we ask them, too," she said.
  Senior Allison Trapp returns as the Chiefs' starting middle hitter.
  The Chiefs' only two juniors are Tori DenBoer, an outside hitter, and Laura Fcasni, a defensive specialist.
The sophomore class is led by standout outside hitter Kristen Muir, who sparkled  on the outside opposite Kielty despite her freshman status. Other 10th-graders include Jackie Waite, who will see time at setter, and Alaina Turner, who excelled on varsity after getting promoted from the JV squad mid-way through last season.
  The team's lone freshman is Erica DenBoer, the younger sister of Tori.

Ed Wright can be reached at [email protected] or (734) 453-1980.