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2009-11-21

2009-11-18

2009-11-05

Agriculture

Lifestyles

Monday, October 26, 2009 10:05 PM

Photo by Elliot J. Sutherland/The Ottawa Herald

Central Heights High School junior Marissa Cox hits the ball back over the net Saturday in the 3A sub-state. Cox finished with 55 kills in helping lead the Vikings to the 3A state tournament in Salina.

Viking spikers take step — make state tourney

Excitement builds

By Greg Mast/Herald Sports Editor

There is a buzz circulating the halls of Central Heights High School.

One of the biggest weeks in school history is on tap for the Viking fall athletic teams.

The Central Heights volleyball team qualified for the 3A state tournament in Salina. The Vikings open play 9:30 a.m. Friday.

The Viking football team looks to wrap up a perfect district mark Thursday at Burlington and take a three-game winning streak into next week’s first-round playoff game.

This is the third straight year the Vikings have won their district.

On Saturday, senior cross-country runner Ethan Van Zant will compete in the 3A state meet in Wamego.

Senior volleyball player Casey Droddy said there was a lot excitement around the school Monday.

Viking coach Kelly Brown said the students support each other.

“Everybody is thrilled,” Brown said.

The volleyball team is looking to build a tradition. The spikers took fourth at state in 1982.

“We are excited,” Brown said. “We have multi-sport athletes. It will help us in all sports.”

Junior Marissa Cox said this is just a step in the process.

“We have been working toward a winning mentality,” she said. “We made a statement. It is an honor to go. The goal is not just to get there. We want to make it to Saturday.”

The Vikings, who topped Osage City, 20-25,25-20, 25-18, in the sub-state final Saturday in Wellsville, garnered the fourth seed with a 36-4 mark.

In other matches, Central Heights downed Maur Hill (25-5, 25-13) and West Franklin (25-20, 25-18).

The Vikings open pool play 9:30 a.m. Friday against No. 5 Atchison County Community (36-4).

Brown said Atchison County is a similar team to the Vikings.

Central Heights plays No. 8 Frontenac (20-14) at 11:30 a.m. and closes pool play at 12:30 p.m. against top-seeded Southwestern Heights (41-1).

The top two teams from each pool advance to Saturday’s semifinals.

“We have to control ourselves,” Cox said. “We need to play the way we played all season ... not being nervous or scared.”

Fans interested in attending Friday’s matches can catch a bus. Central Heights is providing transportation free of charge. The bus will leave 6:15 a.m. Friday.

Those interested need to call the office at (785) 869-3555 ext. 401. There is a minimum of 20 needed.

Kills — Cox 55, Horstick 14, Wuertz 8, Schulte 5.

Assists — C. Droddy 42, Cox 21, Wuertz 11.

Blocks — Cox, 20, 12 stuff; Hortstick 9, 7 stuff; C. Droddy 5, 1 stuff; Wuertz 5, 1 stuff; Smith 2, 3 stuff; Schulte 1, 2 stuff.

Digs — Cotter 32, Schulte 30, C. Droddy 23, Cox 21, Wuertz 20, Horstick 10, Smith 6.

Greg Mast can be reached at sports@ottawaherald.com