Thomas Jefferson volleyball takes aim at section title

By: HSSN Staff
Saturday, March 24, 2018 | 10:10 AM

The senior-driven Thomas Jefferson boys volleyball team aims to make a strong push for a section championship in 2018.

The Jaguars challenged for the Section 3-AA title last season before finishing second to South Park. The TJ netters posted a 7-3 record in league play, and ended up 9-7 overall.

“We try to set high goals and expectations,” TJ coach Frank Staffen said. “We have a lot of players this year, with 28 total. We are returning a lot of seniors with experience.”

Staffen welcomed an athletic group of returning starters in seniors Dan Jordan (MH/OH), Logan Burnsworth (MH), Ryan David (L/OH), Eddie George (OH) and Jordan Stosic (DS/OH); joined by seniors Ben Milas (S/DS) and Nick Urbanowicz (OH).

TJ's veteran coach is expecting big things from Jordan and Burnsworth, who were named first-team all-section last year.

“Dan has really improved,” Staffen said. “Logan had a big (2017) season.”

David was named honorable mention all-section at libero a year ago.

“Ryan David and Jordan Stosic played last year as defensive specialists,” Staffen said, “but this year they (also) will have to play outside hitter. Eddie George played varsity last year and will be an outside hitter, as well.”

The Jaguars have been spending a lot of time in preseason practice working with the team's two new setters, Milas and sophomore Riley Hovan.

“With the (graduation) loss of Dan Francis, Ben Milas has been training for his new role as setter,” Staffen said. “Our JV setter from last year, Riley Hovan, will also step up to varsity this year. We basically cover every position in practice, but we have been working a lot with our new setter(s).”

Milas, Jordan and Burnsworth will serve as team captains this season.

Others looking to contribute at the varsity level for the Jaguars include senior Kevin Koett, juniors P.J. Chonko and Brandon Westwood, sophomores Riley Hovan and Sam Richard, and freshman Brayden Andrisko.

Staffen is expecting a three-way battle for first place in section play.

“We have a lot of good competition with Seton LaSalle, Bishop Canevin, South Park, Steel Valley and Keystone Oaks,” Staffen said. “I think it will be a fight between Seton LaSalle, Bishop Canevin and TJ for the top three positions in the section. All three are very good teams.

“We are looking forward to the challenge and trying to stay focused.”

Net notes: Burnsworth, a fourth-year netter, has enjoyed a highly decorated athletic career at Thomas Jefferson.

He is a two-time all-section selection in volleyball, and was on the All-WPIAL ballot last year at the middle hitter position. He also is a two-time all-conference lineman in football, and earlier this year was honored as the recipient of the coveted Breisinger Award.

“There isn't a more deserving kid on the team for the award,” said TJ coach Bill Cherpak following the Jaguars' football banquet. “He was a team leader and great role model for the younger players. He is a great kid who always does the right thing.

“He's very driven with a great work ethic, and a pleasure to coach. He played a great game at Heinz (Field), and was one of our most consistent performers all year.”

Burnsworth, who will continue his football career at Cal (Pa.), also has been awarded the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest achievement attainable in the Boy Scouts of America. He has amassed 29 merit badges as a member of local Troop 1843.

Francis currently is a freshman setter and business major at Penn State Behrend.

He was a four-year letterman in the TJ volleyball program, and was named All-WPIAL and all-section.

Ray Fisher is a freelance writer.

Tags: Thomas Jefferson