Competition season begins for the boys’ volleyball team on March 23, and they are looking to push their way through the opposition.

The team believes this season will be a challenge because they only have five returning seniors and nine juniors who moved up from the JV squad.

According to Head Coach Taryn Surbaugh, it is very important to her that the team builds a mentality of respect, dignity, hard work, dedication, leadership, responsibility, and greatness.

The team’s biggest obstacles will come this year against Plainfield North, Joliet Catholic Academy, and Minooka.

“I am hopeful that our team will play hard and show extensive growth from the start of the season to the end,” Surbaugh said.

The team as a whole is also looking forward to the matches involving Minooka, since they always play with a high level of competition.

“Since it’s my final year in the program, I would like to win conference and bring home a banner. I would also really like to win our regional since last year the team lost a heartbreaker. Redemption would be great,” Rhome Apton, senior on the varsity squad said.

As for Surbaugh, she hopes to continue the greatness of boys’ volleyball at South, so when other teams hear of the program, their names live with their accomplishments and not just winning.

“Volleyball has taught me the importance of having a great work ethic, communication, and lots of hard work,” Apton said.

The Cougars start their season at JCA on March 23, and will also participate in the Joliet West tournament from March 24 to March 26.