By By DAN WEISS / Niles Daily Star
NILES -- Upon completion of the second season for the Krush Volleyball Club, director Dennis Cooper had an idea of how to end things on a positive note, no matter how the club's teams did throughout the season.
On Sunday afternoon Cooper organized a mother-daughter tournament, pitting players from the Krush teams against their mothers in a lighthearted competition.
The day turned out just as Cooper planned, with mothers, fathers, coaches and friends getting in on the action and everyone enjoying themselves.
Krush had plenty of reason to celebrate the end of its second season. After a good measure of success during its first year, Krush grew and improved across the board this past season.
In its first season, Krush had one 12 and Under team, one 13 and Under team, one 14 and Under team, one 15 and Under team and one 16 and Under team.
In its second season, the roster included one 10 and Under team, two 12 and Under teams, three 14 and Under teams, one 16 and Under team and one 18 and Under team.
All eight Krush teams played in the North Central Indiana Power League and one team, 14 Red, played in regional competition, including the Mideast National Qualifier in addition to league play.
When more players and teams are added, more coaches are needed and Krush found some high-quality leaders to fill its needs.
Cherie Schaller came aboard to coach the 10 and Under team and Jodi Ford took a 12 and Under team. Katie Luke, former Niles High School player, coached a 14 and Under team. Arwen Lietz, a former player at Wake Forest University, also coached a 14 and Under team. Candy Taylor, head coach at Eau Claire High School, coached a 16 and Under team. Linda Goodrich, one of Krush's founders and assistant varsity coach at Brandywine High School, coached at 16 and Under team. Marty Klubeck, a retired Air Force Major, took the 18 and Under team.
Four players from the 14 Red team were able to try out for either the U.S. High Performance camps or the U.S. 16 Junior team.
Laura Younquist and Missy Cooper tried out for the A1 High Performance Camp, which is held at the U.S. Olympic training site in Colorado Springs, Colo. Maddy Peterek and Mehgen Flynn tried out for the U.S. 16 Junior team.
At the final tournament of the season, the Lakeshore Volleyfest at Grand Valley State University, the 14 Red, 16 and Under and 18 and Under teams all competed. The 14 Red team finished second in the tournament, going undefeated in five matches Saturday and two on Sunday. Krush 14 Red lost 25-21, 12-25, 15-12 in the championship match to Lansing Area Volleyball Association.