Friday, November 1, 2002

Landmark Lady War Eagles volleyball going strong

Chemistry, skill and maturity are all factors in developing 1-A teams that hold their own with larger 3-A, 4-A and 5-A schools.

The reigning state champion in girls volleyball, Landmark Christian School, won the 2002 area championship, October 22nd, and they've set their sights on the state championship tournament once again.

The Lady War Eagles are 41-11 and are ranked 5th in all classifications.

Landmark competes against all sizes of Georgia schools (including 5A) throughout the season, but in post season takes on only AA and A teams.

How does Landmark grow single-A teams that are competitive with larger schools' 5-A teams?

Coach Barb Mason credits several factors, including maturity and skill of the players and an electrifying chemistry stemming from the team leadership, spiritual development, unity and the overall success of the school's volleyball program.

"It's a huge advantage to have a middle school feeder program," Mason noted, "but in addition to that, I think that just the success of our program has made girls attracted to it."

Coach Mason, who is now in her ninth year coaching volleyball at Landmark, works with the girls on spiritual, as well as athletic, development.

The season began with a spiritual retreat and the team enjoys a season-long Bible study. This year's Bible study theme is "Don't sweat the small stuff, because God is in the small stuff."

The 2002 Landmark Christian School Varsity Volleyball War Eagles are: junior Rachael Brannon, outside hitter; senior Emily Burslem, back row specialist; senior Jessica Dull, outside hitter; senior Nikki Hanners, middle hitter; freshman Mary Lacis, middle hitter; junior Lauren Mason, outside hitter; freshman Ashley Mead, middle hitter; sophomore Kelsey Muse, back row specialist/setter; senior Ruthie Stacks, setter/hitter; and junior Katie Thornton, outside hitter/setter.

The team travels to the sectional tournament in Rome Nov. 26.

Semi-finals are November 2 and state finals are scheduled for November 9.

Landmark's extensive overall athletic program is made up of 42 teams playing on three levels: middle school, junior varsity, and varsity.

Since joining the Georgia High School Association in 1992, Landmark has won 39 region and area championships, seven state runner-up spots, and 16 state championships.