HIGH SCHOOL PREVIEW CAPSULES

BOYS' VOLLEYBALL

Norwich Tech

Coaches: Tim and Deb Krodel

Key returnees: Sr. setter Cole Williams, Sr. defensive specialist Zachary Morris.

Top newcomers: Sr. middle blocker Bertrand Saint Louis, Jr. outside hitter Connor Owen, So. OH Tenzin Samten, So. MB Bradley Saint Louis, So. DS Kidsaimi Buenano-Balbino, Fr. RSH Xavier Quinn.

Outlook: Williams and Morris were members of the 2019 club team prior to the 2020 pandemic shutdown, so the Warriors begin their first varsity season with a young, inexperienced group that, according to Tim Krodel, "is excited and eager to learn. We will experience all the growing pains of a brand-new program playing varsity for the first time in school history. The eight players will play both varsity and junior varsity, Krodel said, adding, "The experience matches will acclimate them to both the pace of the game and the chaos that can ensue."

BOYS' CREW

East Lyme

Coach: Mike Shugrue (7th season)

Key returnees: Sr. Nolan Deschenes, Sr. Jonathan Northcutt, Sr. Tommy McGrath, Sr. Andruis Kirvelevicius, Jr. Evan Lombardo, Jr. Michael Leone.

Top newcomers: So. Olivier McCoy, Fr. Darius Kirvelevicius.

Outlook: After missing the 2020 season due to the pandemic, the Vikings return to the water this spring, although COVID-19 restrictions will result in a schedule predominately against Connecticut opponents instead of a New England Interscholastic Rowing Association schedule. Deschenes, Northcutt and McGrath will serve as captains while Andruis Kirvelevicius, Lombardo and Leon also provide experience.

GIRLS' CREW

East Lyme

Coach: Scott Mahon (27th season) Key returnees: Sr. Erin Munch, Jr. Jennie Sherwood, Jr. Jillian Sylvester, Jr. Mikayla Stahl.

Outlook: The Vikings lost six key rowers from the 2019 season and 2020 season, which was canceled due to the pandemic, including two who have gone on to compete collegiately — Amelia Anglin (Clemson) and Hannah Miller (Seattle Pacific). Munch, Sherwood and Sylvester will serve as captains while Stahl is now the first boat coxswain. "We are a young team, as most members are sophomores and juniors," said Mahon, whose team will compete against on-state competition only this spring. "But we have a fall club program, so we are coming into this season confident of success."