By Jennifer Eisenbart
Sports Editor
Just how good could the Burlington High School boys volleyball team be?
According to long-time head coach Tim Gesteland, it might just be his best ever – and that coming from a man who has taken the Demons to the WIAA state tournament three times, though not since 2005.
Since then, BHS has seen rival Westosha Central make the state tournament two years in a row, making the semifinals both times.
“That’s our No. 1 target,” said Gesteland. “They’re our No. 1 destination to beat, that’s for sure.”
Gesteland has nine returning letterwinners, including seven starters, and Gesteland is confident in this team’s talent.
“This is the best team I’ve had in 15 years,” said Gesteland. “We’ve got the depth, we’ve got the numbers, we’ve got the quickness, all that stuff.”
The Demons did graduate two seniors, outside hitter Joey Gesteland and middle hitter Eric Gerber. But everyone else is back.
Leading the way will be six seniors, including four-year starting setter Zach Gesteland. He will be sending the ball to Nolan Rueter, a junior outside hitter, as well as senior middle Carson Biedrzycki, junior outside Ben Geiger and right side hitter Nick Bartlett.
Gesteland will be hitting on the outside this year as well, while Bartlett could set. Also back is Garrett Schilling, the team’s senior libero. John Martin will be in the middle, and is 6 feet, 6 inches – the team’s tallest player.
Other returnees are Joey Osmolack (OH) and Ethan Robers (utility) – both seniors.
Right now, Gesteland is setting its goal on a Southeast Conference title, which he thinks will come down to them and Westosha.
“We’ll see them a lot,” Gesteland said.
As for the other goal, it’s that trip to Wisconsin Lutheran College and the WIAA state tournament.
“They’ve got the confidence,” the coach. “We should be turning heads around the state.”
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