Chicago Heights School District 170's Boys 8th-grade Volleyball Team recently completed an undefeated season by winning the SSJHSA (South Suburban Junior High School Association) Conference championship for the second consecutive year.
In notching its second consecutive title, the squad compiled a perfect 18-0 record, thereby extending the district's winning streak to 31 matches.
The team, under Head Coach Ryan Kvasnicka, and Assistant Coach Eric Gawczcynski ended its perfect campaign by defeating James Hart 25-12, 26-24.
The team clinched the conference championship a few days earlier at home with a 25-17, 25-16 straight-set win over Lansing Memorial.
"I am so very proud of our squad's success," Kvasnicka said, "and especially proud of the effort put forth by every member of the team."
"Of all the teams I've ever coached in any sport, this group ranks as my all-time favorites, not just because of our success on the court, but because this team's camaraderie was just amazing."
"The way that they cheered each other on, celebrated points together, pulled for each other, and wanted more than anything to see each other succeed was wonderful to behold," he concluded.
Members of the championship team include Garfield School's Alejandro Espinoza, Hector Perez, Miguel Vilchis, and Edwin Yepez; Greenbriar School's Tyler Irwin, and Rocco Pilotto; and STEM's Angel Galvin, Jr., Alex Kvasnicka, Edrek Pelayo, Jericho Rodriguez, and Leonardo Xolo.
CHSD170 Athletic Director Nick Pezzuto summarized the season by praising the efforts of the team.
"All the players and Coaches Kvasnicka and Gawczcynski did an amazing job in taking a diverse group of students and molding them into a cohesive championship team!"
"The entire School District 170 family are proud of their tremendous accomplishment."