Men's Volleyball Set to Begin New Era at Roosevelt University
CHICAGO – The Roosevelt University men's volleyball team kicks off its inaugural season on Tuesday, January 26 when it travels to Elgin, Ill. to take on Judson University at 7pm in CCAC Conference action. Not only is this the first match of the season for the men's volleyball program, but the match begins a busy winter and spring athletic season for Laker teams.
Head Coach Nick Spallina and his Lakers start a new era of men's volleyball at Roosevelt University after the integration with Robert Morris University Illinois last year, where the program competed since 2011.
"We are honored to be the first men's volleyball team in the history of Roosevelt University," said Spallina. "It will be great to look back on this time years from now and know that this team started the legacy of men's volleyball at RU."
Spallina boasts some experience on his roster with seven players who previously played collegiately at Robert Morris, including sophomore outside hitter Conrad Para (SO/Chicago, Ill.). The sophomore started every match last season, and led his team in aces and was second in kills.
Joining the veterans will be a talented freshmen class highlighted by Zach Jarema (FR/Highland, Utah) and Brian Yoo (FR/Morton Grove, Ill.). Jarema is a 6'4" middle blocker from Lone Peak High School in Utah and Yoo is a 6'2" all-conference outside hitter from nearby Maine East High School.
The Lakers will play a 13-match slate this season with six home contests at the Athletic Convocation Center in Arlington Heights and seven additional matches on the road. The 2021 home opener will take place on Monday, February 8 against Lincoln College and the complete schedule can be viewed here. Fans are not be permitted to attend Laker home contests this season due to COVID, but live video of all home matches can be found here.
"We are excited to see the progress our program has made from last year and with the addition of some talented freshman, we are looking forward to having more success on the court this year." added Spallina. "This team is a great group of student-athletes that love the game and want to get better every day. It is a privilege to coach them and watch them grow into better players, teammates, and people."
Lakers fans…listen to a special men's volleyball preseason interview conducted by Lakers play-by-play announcer Tom Wuestenfeld with Head Coach Nick Spallina. The interview will air on January 26 at 6pm before the Lakers opening match at 7pm versus Judson. Listen to the interview here.