While there’s no question about the youth and athleticism on the SBCC men’s volleyball team, the depth of the Vaqueros’ bench could turn out to be a key factor in the 2012 season.
“Our depth is unbelievable,” said Jordon Dyer, a sophomore setter who transferred from Golden West College after an outstanding prep career at Dos Pueblos High. “We have two teams that could beat a lot of teams. That really helps us have good practices.
“Our goals are to stay together and play together. Another one is winning state. I feel like we have a really good shot.”
The Vaqueros (2-1) make their home debut on Tuesday at 6 p.m. against Dyer’s former team, Golden West. Ty Dudley-Mann, a 6-1 outside hitter, came to the Vaqueros after redshirting at Golden West last year.
Michael Naki is the only returner from last year’s team that reached the playoffs for the first time since 2008 under the direction of new coach Armen Zakarian. The Vaqueros went 9-9 overall and took second in the Western State Conference at 6-4.
Zakarian started two different lineups in Saturday’s doubleheader at Santa Monica and the Vaqueros beat Grossmont 3-0 and San Diego Mesa 3-1.
Cody Kreitzer, Matt Winslow and Collin Cohen have led the Vaqueros in hitting in their first few matches. Kreitzer, who transferred from San Diego City College, is a 6-foot-2 opposite, Winslow is a 6-5 outside hitter and Cohen is the tallest player at 6-6.
Dakota Smith is one of the best passers and servers. Derek Martinez, the starting libero, is a transfer from Orange Coast who played with Dyer at Dos Pueblos. The middle hitters are 6-4 Johnny Brand of Bishop Diego, 6-5 Chris Utroske and 6-5 Aquiles Montoya.
“This is a unique team,” said Dyer, who‘s played with the USA National Beach team and went to the World Championships in Turkey three years ago. “It’s the first time I’ve played with so many talented individuals who bring so much to the table. Everyone rises to the occasion and raises the bar. We’ve progressed a lot since the first day of practice.“
Zakarian thinks the Vaqueros, comprised of 12 freshmen and four sophomores, can improve on last year‘s edition.
“Skill-wise, we have more talent than last year,” said the second-year coach. “I think we’ll have a better record and I think we’re a playoff team. Our league will be tough as always but there‘s no reason we can‘t win it.”
The schedule is a little strange, with four of the Vaqueros’ first five WSC matches on the road and four of their last five at home. They open WSC play on March 2 at Santa Monica.
“We’ve got a great group of outside hitters, they’re really unbelievable,” said Zakarian. “This is shaping up to be one of the funnest groups of kids I’ve ever coached. We have a chance to do some great things.
“And we have guys who are dedicated to making themselves better, both on the court and in the classroom.”
