High expectations return for defending WPIAL boys volleyball champion Shaler

By: Josh Rizzo
Sunday, March 24, 2024 | 11:01 AM

Shaler tore down the black-and-yellow curtain that had been surrounding Western Pennsylvania in boys volleyball for the previous five seasons last year. The Titans won against North Allegheny three times, captured the program’s first WPIAL championship, finished with a 19-1 record and reached the PIAA Class 3A championship match before being swept by Parkland.

Entering this season, the Titans are saddled with high expectations and a national ranking for the second straight season.

But senior middle hitter Zach Wurzer knows their reputation won’t carry the Titans back through the postseason.

“After last year, there are always expectations on what is to come,” Wurzer said. “Our mantra is that last year happened, and last year is behind us. Let’s see what we can do this year.”

What will help move Shaler forward is what the Titans bring back. Shaler only lost one player to graduation, Joey Gannon, and brought back eight of its top nine rotation players.

Zach Rosenwald returns at setter. Logan Peterson, a returning first-team all-state selection, and Wurzer are both effective at hitting on the outside. Dante Palombo and Logan Schimmel will hold down spots at middle blocker.

The Titans have developed depth throughout the program. Defensive specialist Cam Miller was a second-team all-state selection, along with Palombo, last season. Peyton Planz is another returning contributor, and Dunnovan Ronel returns in the back row.

Titans coach Paul Stadelman said that the amount of competition for sports in the program makes everyone eager to earn an opportunity to play.

“We have a good core behind them that are working hard and are antsy and itching for a shot at varsity,” Stadelman said. “This group is calm and refocusing on a new season. They understand. They’ve played volleyball for a long time and know that nothing is given and they have to earn it again. They aren’t going to take it for granted. Nobody is giving it to them.”

Wurzer said Shaler knows it will have to adjust. While the Titans only lost Gannon to graduation, Wurzer believes Shaler will need time to adjust to his absence.

The Titans’ success last season came in part because of how well everyone worked with each other. Regaining that magic with a new group will be something the Titans adapt to throughout the year.

Shaler’s emotional intelligence to recognize situations and work with each other is something that was a big part of the Titans’ run to the state title match.

“First, there is stuff with play sets, and you get a look from someone you are going to do this,” Wurzer said. “Whenever you know that things are starting to heat up and bullets start to fly, there are a lot of different personalities and emotions from everyone on the court. You have to know how to deal with emotions, and bounce them back out of it. You have to know the personal aspects and be able to handle them.”

Stadelman believes that Shaler has the capacity to have another strong season.

The Titans need to make sure they find the same magic.

“I think the kids have been focused on last year, which was last year,” Stadelman said. “We have to prove ourselves again. That’s great to have in our pocket, and it’s great that we’ve been there before.”

Tags: Shaler