With his return to the Londonderry High School boys’ volleyball program this spring, respected veteran coach Dave Starin is now in charge of all things volleyball at LHS.
And Starin sounds more than a little intent on keeping the Lancer males on solid competitive footing in inheriting a contingent which went 8-10 last spring and finished eighth in the state.
“We are focused on building our program through a tough work ethic and holding everyone accountable for their actions,” said the coach. “We are going to be active members in our community and represent Londonderry in the most positive manner possible.”
The Lancers, who officially open their campaign next Monday the 10th by playing host to the Salem High Blue Devils, return six players from the 2016 crew including seniors Mike Vivian (a setter), Tim Sullivan (middle-hitter), Bryan Murphy (outside-hitter), and Danny Bears (libero), along with junior middle-hitter Tim O’Neil and sophomore defensive specialist Matt Nickerson.
Newcomers to the Lancer squad, who coach Starin is still working diligently to place in the most productive positions, include seniors Ryan Pitard, Nick McCann, Jackson Lyscars, Nalen Iarrobino, and Ian Candela, juniors Abhy Patel and Logan Agrella, sophomores Alex Crutcher, Patrick Cohen, and James Buttafuoco, and freshman Jacob Cullen.
As he acclimates himself to New Hampshire high school boys’ volleyball again, coach Starin feels as though the toughest teams this spring will include the defending state champions from Hollis-Brookline, the 2015 champs from Timberlane High of Plaistow, and Windham.