1. Max Miller<br />Men’s Volleyball – interview w/ Interim Coach Brett Fergueson<br />International Recruiting Brings Pirate Success<br />In 2008 the Park University Pirates won the NAIA Invitational Tournament bringing success to the volleyball program once again. The Pirates have had a plethora of talent flowing into Parkville from a huge international reach from successful students and friends. The communication has been very clear from multiple past seasons, Park University; a global leader in academics, international education and athletics offers students the perfect opportunities to study various degrees’s and excels in multiple sports. The University has the humbleness of a small college town atmosphere, but just minutes away from the busy streets of Kansas City. Attractive options such as this have enabled our programs to be blessed with a wide range of talent. Also another reason why “Park was ranked #1 by Parents & Colleges an online resource for potential college-bound students.” **** took this from the website, didn’t know if we wanted to cite that …. *******<br />Interim Coach Brett Fergueson former NAIA Invitational National Champion from the 08’ season has been getting things done on the court. Park has had four coaches in just four years, and Fergueson has had an extensive history with Park University, and hoping to make his mark for future seasons. “I treat these guys like my brothers”, says Fergueson. <br />The style of volleyball is best described as European (ball setting and control) which he receives from MB Senior Bosko Novovic and S Senior Phillip Heckman. The United States natives which brings special talent from San Diego, California the Penolio brothers, MB Senior Jake and OH/RSH Sophomore Zach which have shown excellent displays of athleticism, effort and skill this season along with DS sophomore Kalani Rose. Shawnee, Kansas native DS Freshman Cory Roberts also has spectacular season with his defensive abilities. Then Fergueson brings in the unique mix of speed and power which he is receiving from the S. American student’s athletes such as Erick Albuquerque, Vinicius Baigan, Rob Cordero, Raphael Vieira and Luis Zepeda with a perfect combination of speed, power and talent. This unique blend of athletes has been conquering teams all season and becoming very difficult to stop. Little or no injuries have been recorded and the team has maintained a sense of health. Now of course, the common flu bug flies around and affects players from time to time, with the additional common wear and tear of season injuries such as back, pulled groins, jammed fingers, but none of these have debilitated this year’s team. <br /> His unique energetic style of coaching is unparallel compared to some of the older coaches in the AMC conference. Fergueson is out on the sidelines during games, motivating his players and giving inspiration to his athletes, and not so much coaching that’s for practices, but managing the guys and becoming a leader.<br /> “Leadership is crucial; some of these guys are my age but we all work together as a team and become successful doing so.”“The international community has been brought to us by the positive influence the school has outside the United States, and the word of mouth from former coaches and players offer excellent solutions for friends looking for a greater opportunity,” says Fergueson.<br /> The Pirates are taking normally successful programs and giving some serious competition and topping the charts this season. The weekly rankings place Park at 3rd in the nation in the NAIA after taking out Missouri Baptist last Friday in a three set sweep. Thus, giving the Pirates a record of 12-5 on the year and 5-4 in MAMVIC West conference. This weekend the Pirates are stopping by Davenport, Iowa this weekend for the Saint Ambrose Tournament to play Robert Morris at 8pm on 3/4/11 and then again Siena Heights at 11am on 3/5/11 following another shown down with Lindenwood to end the tournament at 8pm. <br />You can catch these Pirates on www.parkathletics.com for the road game follow up articles, and make sure you attend the next home game series will be on March 18, 2011 the Park University Invitational. Park squares off with Boise State at 8pm, hope to see you all there!<br />--30--<br />
