Sir, yes sir!!!

I thought to myself a couple of weeks ago, "what could I do to become a better coach"? I thought, "go to a clinic and learn something new". Then I said to myself, "How can we make 2009 THE YEAR? Then it finally hit me. "Experience the same pain that our players feel during workouts" So I did the unthinkable. I signed up for a basic training class at the YMCA" I had 2 choices. Either go at 5:30 AM or 5:30 PM. Now, anyone who knows me knows that mornings are not my thing. I am a night owl. I am actually writing this at 12:15 AM on a school night. So I said to myself again, "Do what I would normally not do" so of course I joined the morning session. I am now in my 3rd week and let me tell you something. I cannot believe how happy people can be at 5 in the morning. It has been a very interesting experience with the running, torturous ab workout and millions of push ups. I was suppose to take this class with 2 other coaches but they backed out at the last minute. I will not mention their names so I dont embarrass them but I will say that their initials are JP and CF. Figure it out.
The first week, everyone who has not taken the class is named "recruit", the drill sargeant yells and you have to take a test. number of push ups and number of sit ups in 2 minutes as well as the mile run. I had 75 sit ups, 88 push ups, and a 7:40 run. I will admit to you that I practiced for about 2 weeks prior. Anyway, I will keep you updated on our teams off season progress and my fight to get up in the mornings. There are also a couple of things in the works that I am excited about for next year but cannot say exactly what it is just yet. And dont forget that Pain is weakness leaving the body, sir.

New Wellness Center set to open!

Dear VHS Volleyball Parents and players,

(See pictures on front page of website)

As you may or may not know, our brand new wellness center at VHS is ready. Over $250,000 worth of equipment will arrive at VHS on Saturday, Jan. 24th. This facility will be state of the art and will tremendously help not only our volleyball team but all of our athletic teams at the school. Larry Sandburg is asking that all teams help out in the assembly of the equipment this Saturday. Even if you can come to VHS for a little while this Saturday, it will be a tremendous help as we strive to work as a family at VHS. Below is a letter from Coach Sandburg as well.

The day we have all been waiting for is almost here. Saturday a truck will arrive at 7 am and must be unloaded immediately. We need all VHS athletic teams to get involved along with as many other people as we can get. All teams will be expected to attend since all are expected to use the facility. Only let me know, if for some reason, your team cannot be here.

Attached is the tool list for putting the equipment together. Anyone that has these tools at home are asked to bring them with you. If nothing else this project will be interesting. See everyone Saturday morning around 6:45 am.

Thanks Larry W. Sandburg
Athletic Director-VHS

Tools Needed

Combination Wrench 9/16; ¾
Sockets 9/16; ¾
Ratchet
Cordless drill w/ socket adapter
Tin snips
Tape measure
Chalk Line
Utility Knife
Two wheel carts
Four wheel carts


ALLEN WRENCHES

Off season plans

On Tuesday, all players will meet in the new wellness center immediately after school. We will have a meeting with Vern and the rest of the coaching staff to discuss our off season workouts. Vern will discuss in detail our goals and vision for our 2009 workouts. We will be breaking our team up into 3 different skill level groups. As we enter 2009, the bar will be raised and we are certain that our committed players will have a great time rising up to the expectations during this critical time of the year. War Eagle!

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from the Tennessee Mountains!

2008 FHSAA Academic State Champs

The FHSAA has just announced that the Venice Volleyball team actually DID win a State Championship this year but it wasn't on the court but in the classroom. Venice HS Volleyball is officially the 2008 Academic State Champions. What a fantastic honor and tribute to the teams hardwork in the gym AND in the classroom. In year's past we have come close to this award but this is a first for the program. Congratulations!!!!!!!

Elite 8

It was an exciting match on Tuesday as Venice played their game plan to perfection against the high flying Lakewood Spartans. Next up is this Saturday against Plant at the TeePee at 2:00. This match always seems to be exciting. In the last 4 years, Plant has knocked vhs out of the playoffs 2x and Vhs has bounced Plant from the playoffs 2x. Plant has an excellent team this year and it will be a tough match for us. See ya on Saturday @ 2:00!!!!

Sweet 16

After the Indians dominated their first round regional opponent, the stakes have gotten higher. St. Petersburg Lakewood comes to town on Tues. This is a very interesting match up as Lakewood boasts one of the best players in the state. Venice and Lakewood are complete opposites. We run a quick and fast paced offense. We use deception and different tempo sets and Lakewood throws it up and lets their athletic players go get it. The Indians will have to be at the top of their game on Tuesday. We hope to see the Venice community come out in droves to help us get the W. Venice's home crowd or otherwise known as the 7th person on the floor is similar to Texas A+M 12th player. Game starts at 7:00 but be there early and wear your green! This should be an exciting match.