Printer-Friendly
Email this Story
Post a Comment (1)
Crunch time for Vikings
Loudoun Valley High School's volleyball team has enjoyed many great moments so far this season -- winning the Cedar Run District title and the Northwest Region championship.
But when Viking coach Laird Johnson was asked his fondest memory, he referred to the first day of practice.
“It was a day where we talked about where we want to go.” Johnson said. “There's a certain freshness to the beginning of the season.”
Part of the first day of practice includes bringing out three practice boxes, something Johnson started when he became Valley's head coach in 2003.
Johnson paints the boxes white each summer and allows his players to paint them different colors at the start of each season. The players sign their names and write quotes on the boxes. The boxes are different heights; the players stand on them near the net, to equalize their heights.
“These boxes are a creative way for the team to stay focused throughout the season,” Johnson said.
Loudoun Valley will look to create more great moments as the state playoffs continue.
"We have set goals at the beginning of the season to take steps, the first step was the regular season. We are fortunate to now be at the fourth step," Johnson proclaimed.
Loudoun Valley (22-5) travels to Richmond to face Central Region champion, Mills Godwin (21-5) in the Virginia AAA semifinals Nov. 19 at 8 p.m. The match will be held at the Siegel Center on the campus of Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond.
Coach Johnson and his team are looking forward to continuing their road to glory and can clinch a spot in the state championship game, but first they have to hold off the Eagles.
"I have not been able to scout them personally but the media has done a good job covering them," Johnson said. "The online sources have helped me to get a feel for how they play."
The winner of Thursday's semifinal match will play South County or Frank W. Cox in the state title match Nov. 21 at 2:30 p.m.
Chris Ribeiro, a junior at Freedom High School, participated in Loudoun County School Business Partnership's Job for a Day program Nov. 18
Man I worked hard on this.. loll
Posted by CPR
Report Offensive Content
You must be logged in to post a comment.