Volleyball returns to Chamois, Burkett pleased in new role as AD

Posted 8/7/19

The good news is that volleyball will once again be played at Chamois, provided participation lives up to the anticipation.

“We were fortunate that teams understood our situation last …

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Volleyball returns to Chamois, Burkett pleased in new role as AD

Posted

The good news is that volleyball will once again be played at Chamois, provided participation lives up to the anticipation.

“We were fortunate that teams understood our situation last year, and were willing and able to put us back on their schedule,” said Kyle Burkett, who assumed the role of athletic director after Brad Strobel retired last year.

“There was a good amount of interest at the end of last school year, and we hope that holds true as practice begins.”

Coaches Katie Kuschel and Leshia Kempker have been hired and the girls are scheduled to convene for practice Monday afternoon. Both Kuschel and Kempker have coached previously for the Lady Pirates volleyball team, and bring a lot of experience to the court.

“They know what they’re doing, and if we have the numbers, I think the team can be competitive,” said Burkett, noting there were seven to nine girls interested in playing. “That’s not a huge number, but enough for a varsity schedule. Volleyball used to be much bigger when I was younger, but when we started basketball, I think that drew some players away.”

Burkett coached for several years, stepping away after the Pirates fi nished fourth after the 2017-18 season, and now he’s content to serve as AD.

“I’ve been around athletics all my life, and I was told I’d make a good athletic director, so the position just kind of fell to me when Brad retired,” said Burkett. “There are some elements of coaching that I miss, but I think I’ll enjoy this position.”

Burkett said there are no major changes to the schedule for any programs, and believes regular-season games and tournaments will prepare teams for district play.

“It all comes down to motivation,” said Burkett. “Sometimes it’s tough to get kids motivated, but we’ll do our best.”

In addition to his AD duties, Burkett teaches Environmental Science, Driver’s Education and Physical Education.