Seniors Give Team Leadership

Senior leadership is a lot like home cooking...there's nothing like it.

The 1999 Falcons have three seniors who have experienced the challenging game at UWRF and seen both good and hard times. Sarah Carlson, Beth Imdieke and Meggan Klassen will use the lessons learned in past years to help the Falcons to yet another successful season.

When the three started their volleyball careers at UWRF the Falcon program was well established both in the WIAC and at the national level. The 1995 team had qualified for the NCAA Div. III national tournament.

In 1996, when all three were freshmen, the Falcons won the WIAC championship and qualified for the second straight year for the NCAA tournament.

One of the hard times came in 1997 when the Falcons put together another solid season, only to lose in the first round of the conference tournament and with it a spot in the national tourney.

But the team rebounded in 1998 to finish second at the WIAC tourney and earn a spot in the NCAAs where the team won a first round match.

Each player agrees that the first year was both very challenging and exciting. "In 1996 it was just getting used to the college game," Carlson said. "It was fun and exciting to win the conference title.

Imdieke remembers her first season as, "chaos to come in here and play at such a higher level. It was a lot of fun and we learned a lot."

Klassen wasn't sure what to expect when she entered the program. "But it was ideal for me because I was able to play with and against Cara Gustafson and Jen Frold, who were both All-Americans. Blocking against them everyday and being able to watch and learn from them was something that I can look back at and say I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. It was a great way to acclimate myself to a collegiate career."

The 1997 season was a disappointment, but was not a waste. "It was very disappointing, but we learned from it and it made us a stronger team,"said Carlson. "We lost quite a few seniors from the 1996 team, but we still thought we would be able to go on," said Klassen.

"Then in 1998 we came back with a team where everyone got along and everyone worked hard," said Imdieke. "My junior year was great because we came back and went further then we've ever gone," added Klassen.

The three think that the 1999 season can be even better.

"I think we have the tools, the abilities, the experience, all the ingredients, to go even farther," said Klassen. "This year is even more exciting because I think we have even more potential than last year."

We've got so many players who can play in different positions and not just in one spot. We can switch things up with no problems at all," said Imdieke. "We've got a great team," said Carlson. "We're a very versatile team and can go very far if we keep working together."

Falcon coach Patti Ford says the three players have all had different roles with the team.

"All three are different. Meggan has the most experience starting some matches as a freshman. Sarah has been a real steady performer as a defensive specialist. Beth has been a great role player and accepting the responsibilities that we throw at her in a variety of different situations. The seniors came in when the program was at its peak. They had some great players in front of them. They experienced going to the nationals so they have always known what it takes to guide and lead this program."

Falcon volleyball has special meaning to each player.

"Falcon volleyball to me means team. Not just 23 individuals, it's everybody giving all they have to work for the common goal. I think our program is very reputable and respected," said Carlson.

"It's a well respected team throughout the WIAC and the nation. It's a team that goes in every day and gives 110 percent," said Imdieke.

"Falcon volleyball is high expectations," said Klassen. "The second you walk into the gym there's nothing to hide. If you're not willing to work hard then you may was well not come in the door. And Falcon volleyball means competitive."

"The key to the success of this team is that we have three solid seniors who have been in the program and know what it's like," said Ford. "We've got a core of young players who are right behind them athletically and mentally and who are helping in reaching our goals. The tradition was set when they came in and they have worked hard to maintain that consistency of our program. It's a difficult task, but it will be very rewarding to them."