Morgan is breaking the mold

When it comes to great coaches, there are no molds. Bobby Knight threw chairs and beat up on players. John Wooden sat on the bench, holding a rolled-up program.

But Morgan's volleyball coach, Liz Wiscomb, sets her own mold.

"I just happen to be sitting on the sidelines," she said in a self-deprecating way. "I get a front-row seat."

And make no mistake about it. She is a great coach. Fifteen state titles don't just fall out of the sky. Her latest came in a thrilling five-game match over Carbon at this year's state tournament, where Wiscomb squeezed every ounce of whatever it took from her girls for the Trojans to come out on top.

She would never tell it that way. In fact, the way she tells it she was just happy to be there to see it.

"When kids give everything they got, it is fun to watch," she said. "They played with a lot of heart."

Surely, Wiscomb did not have to squeeze, plead or coax her players. They obviously love her and give their all because of a chemistry she emanates, that if it could be described in detail, all coaches would die for it. But one thing she understands that all great coaches and teams have is defense. She said defense was the strength of her team. But, she quickly added, "We can put the ball away also."

Indeed. Senior Chelsey Garfield delivered a state-record 47 kills in that final match. Senior setter, Kelsey Rees assisted on 64 setups. Both will most likely play at the college level.

Also graduating are Carolyn Johnson, Anne Robinson and McKenzie Creager.

Wiscomb said she loves her players equally.

"If you don't have role players, you don't have anything," she said. "It takes them all to win the darn thing."

Next year the cupboard will not be bare for Wiscomb. All great programs have up-and-comers in the pipeline and Morgan's program is no exception. Wiscomb counts 21 years experience here and an additional seven at Delta.

She names the returning juniors who all have extensive experience. Richelle Visage at middle blocker. Mikelle Kapp is the libero. Karly Prescott is an outside hitter and Cambree Mellott at opposite.

Wiscomb believes the future is bright.

"We have some good freshman and sophomores coming up," she said.

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E-mail: wjewkes@desnews.com