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1974
Katie Montelli & Jackie
McGeehan
May 5, 2005
AP European History
Weston High School Volleyball began in 1969 as a small member of the sports department. With inadequate coaching and equipment, the ‘Trojanettes’ did not go far. It was not until Anne Marie Tomasicwitz, a former college level volleyball player, became their new coach, that Weston saw their first victory. With Anne Marie’s fresh enthusiasm for the game, a new level of play was attained as the Trojanettes were put to work. With the development of new skills, a passionate coach, and dedication from the community and players, the Trojanettes made the Finals of the State Tournament, the greatest achievement for Weston Volleyball.
Through 1974, volleyball was not only played at a different level, but also with different rules and regulations than today. The sport was played during the winter, which competed with the basketball season. As a result, “…The volleyball and basketball teams competed for the tallest girls.” (Devon Pfeifer) This in effect, led the team to focus more on skill rather than relying on height. Concerning the game itself, the games were played in tournament, tri-match style. In other words, more than one game was scheduled for one day. The games were also scored to fifteen. A team would receive a point only on a won service, not rallying scoring, which is most common today. Under this type of scoring, a side-out would occur for Weston when their opponent would serve the ball, and Weston won the rally. Weston would not receive a point, but would gain possession of the ball and of the service. To win a match, the teams would play the best out of three sets. (Weston Forum, WHS Volleyball Team Wins)
As we mentioned previously, there was a lack of height on the team. Therefore, through hard work and excellent coaching, the team was able to perfect other skills such as defense and serving. As the popular saying goes, “ Offense wins games, defense wins championships”, which the Trojanettes certainly proved. During the season, the girls practiced Monday through Friday after school until five o’clock. They did not play on the weekends, however, the Trojanettes took advantage of the open gym during the school day and regularly practiced serving, setting, and passing during free periods. For an example, “ The varsity team would have to practice fifty serves everyday before homeroom, lunch, and practice each night.” (Anne Marie Tomasicwitz)
During practice, Anne Marie would make each player play in each of the three positions on the court; including setting, spiking, and defense. Examples of drills Anne Marie used to improve skills were, standing on a ladder against the net and hitting balls at one person on court. Here they would dig or set the ball and become comfortable with acting immediately, which in effect, allowed them to gain quick reflexes. She would also have them practice Japanese sprawls, where the players would dive on the ground to pass difficult hits. Anne Marie’s favorite, and most original drill, was to, “…have each player set a basketball against the gym wall. In comparison a volleyball is much lighter, and after setting a basketball, a volleyball is a piece of cake.” (Anne Marie Tomasicwitz) With each of these drills, Anne Marie was able to take her team to the next level of play. The girls felt comfortable in game situations to throw themselves at the ball if necessary, allowing them to take risks. This was all a reflection of Anne Marie’s dedication and her desire to take Weston Volleyball to a higher and newer standard.
With these drills, Anne Marie was able to strengthen the Lady Trojan’s weaknesses, while gaining respect from the team. Her players felt highly of her and her ability. Devon Pfeifer, the setter at this time, reflected on her as being, “…a great coach. She was very nice, young, enthusiastic, fair, and a good person. She was successful because she had new ideas.” (Devon Pfeifer) The team was advanced in their level of play. Anne Marie set a higher standard, as they executed “…tricky plays” (Anne Marie) at the net. An example of these would be shoots and dinks, which was never thought of before in high school volleyball.
The Trojanettes played together for three years before 1974. As a result, they were able to grow together as a team, learning how to play off of each other’s strengths and weaknesses. “ Everyone was friendly, but not great friends. We worked well together as a team, even though off court we were not as friendly. There were no team- dinners like there are now. However, at the end of the school year, all of the sports teams had a banquet at Sherwood Island. Here they would play games and have a huge picnic.” (Devon Pfeifer)
Another aspect of the team’s success was their growing confidence. Throughout the season, as they began winning, the Trojanettes gained more support from the community and school. “ Because they were so successful, everyone wanted to watch them, so the stands were always full. We also set up a deal with the football team. If the football team went to the volleyball games, the volleyball team would go to the football games.” (Anne Marie) The school’s biggest supporter towards the volleyball program was, “…the athletic director, at the time, Tom Sacramone.” (Devon Pfeifer) The school also recognized their ability and supported them by giving the team new equipment and uniforms. (The Heliotrope) Through this newfound support and dedication, the team established new standards.
The individuals who comprised the team were, Misty Burke, Devon Pfeifer, Ramia Husseini, Beth Offenhartz, Tina Reifschneider, Kristy Sigmund, Kim Pommier, and Tracey Swiggett. (Weston Forum) As the varsity team had only eight players, there were two people sitting on the bench at a time. There was no real “star player”, but each member played an important role and made important plays throughout their games. As a result, no real bench warmer was established. Captain Kim Pommier played a large role on the team. Not only was she a strong competitor, but also a strong individual as she guided the team to the State Finals. She was recognized by many for her exceptional athletic ability. Two other leaders were Ramia Husseini and Misty Burke. Examples of team member’s athletic ability were apparent in certain games throughout the season. While playing against New Milford, “ Misty Burke was 100% accurate with her serves, being 9 for 9.” (Weston Forum, Weston High School Volleyball Team Wins.) This helped to clutch a Weston victory, 15 to 5. Verses Bassick, “ Tina Reifschneider had ten consecutive service points…” (Weston Forum, Volleyball Qualifies for State Tourney) This exceptional serving was only possible after Anne Marie’s focus on serving during practice.
From an outsider’s perspective, “ Weston was the team that everyone wanted to beat,” said Liz Montelli, a former member of the Barlow team during 1974. “ Picture this, the biggest game of the season was Barlow against Weston. The gym was packed; there were tons of fans, and an intense atmosphere. Weston was a short team, so they did not have a variety of hitters. They made up for this however with their defense. My team was much taller, but Weston dug up most, if not all, of our balls.” (Liz Montelli) In the end, Weston prevailed, a great accomplishment, and the next step to a tremendous season.
After an unprecedented season, the Trojanettes began the league (W.C.C) and state tournaments. Ranked number one in the class “M” division the Trojanettes were off to a great start. Beginning the tournament against Jonathan Law, Weston dominated, winning both games 15-2 and 15-10. (Weston Forum, Volleyball Team Wins WCC Champs) Next, Weston faced E.L. Smith, walking away with another victory of 15-8 and 15-2. Foran was up next, leaving Weston with a 6-0 record as they dominated on court. Lastly Weston faced Cheshire, where they won the first game 15-6, but lost the second 10-15. With a 7-1 record overall, the Trojanettes won the Western Connecticut Conference Title.
Entering the State Tournament Weston faced Bassick, Bethel and New Milford High School. Here they walked away with a victory against Bassick, 15-5. “Misty Burk and Kristy Sigmund both had 7 service points.” (Weston Forum, Volleyball Qualifies for State Tourney) Weston also won their second game against Bassick, 15-7. Continuing their winning streak, Weston played New Milford and won 15-9 and 15-4. During these two games there was excellent spiking by Beth Offenhartz and excellent serving by Misty Burk and Beth Offenhartz. Entering the semi-finals, Weston was up against Bethel. Winning both of their games, 15-7 and 15-1, the Trojanettes had exceeded all expectations. “It was so exciting! Weston had never come this far in the tournament, so it was a great accomplishment.” (Anne Marie Tomasicwitz)
At the finals of the State Tournament, the girls played at the University of New Haven to compete against Darien for the State Title. It was the first time Weston Volleyball had qualified for the State Tournament. Making it into the Finals is an accomplishment that has yet to be repeated at Weston High School. Darien was a feared team throughout the state, making them a fierce competitor for the Trojanettes. It was here that Weston ended their season with two loses against Darien High School. It was a strenuous game but both teams put up a great fight.
“It was thrilling and rewarding to coach such a successful season. They were all so talented that it was a pleasure to watch and coach. They kept me on my toes. It was rewarding to see how all of our hard work had paid off, and to receive state and league recognition.” (Ann Marie Tomasicwitz) The most significant change to this season was Ann Marie Tomasicwitz as the coach. Described by a team member as “determined to win”, she focused on improving old skills but also on learning new techniques. Focusing on specifics, Anne Marie taught her girls quick reflexes as they dug, set, and dove for the ball. Working not only on developing skill, but also on developing strength, the Lady Trojans could only advance. The girls conditioned, ran laps, jumped roped and squeezed tennis balls. Ultimately the Weston Trojanettes “…won the regional title, took first place in the W.C.C, advanced to the finals of the State Tournament, and ended up placing fourth in the state of Connecticut out of a total 46 teams.” (The Heliotrope, Volleyball Team Gets New Coach, New Uniforms; Emphasis On Skills And Conditioning) This was all made possible through new skills, a passionate coach, and dedication from the community and players.
