STAFFORD – In material promoting the numerous achievements of the Southern Regional High School boys volleyball team, it states, “Tradition of Success. 23 years of achieving excellence through hard work, enthusiasm, dedication and passion. Creation of a family called Southern Regional Volleyball. Southern volleyball consists of a group of UNCOMMON PEOPLE achieving UNCOMMON RESULTS!”
There are plenty of successes to back up the bravado.
Coach Eric Maxwell, who began the program in 2000, has guided the Rams to numerous titles, including six overall championships in the NJSIAA Tournament. Their latest title – the Group IV state crown – was captured this season.
Maxwell arrived at Southern in the fall of 1999 after working for 11 years at Pinelands Regional where he coached several seasons of boys basketball, the final three at the varsity level. Then-Southern athletics director Kim DeGraw-Cole had just approved the start of girls volleyball for the fall of 1999 season. Maxwell’s sister-in-law, Cathy Maxwell, was the first coach of the girls team.
“After I arrived at Southern, Kim and I had a discussion in her office where she asked me if I was interested in beginning a boys program at this time,” Maxwell said. “That was a no-brainer. I knew I would be coaching under Dick Manzo in the boys basketball program, but I was quickly excited about the opportunity to start a boys volleyball program.”
A total of 18 athletes turned out for that first team. Ten played on the varsity team. Eight played on the junior varsity team. There were no cuts.
The team was 5-11 overall in the lone season the Rams have failed to qualify for the state tournament. The Rams’ first victory in history was by scores of 15-1 and 15-2 against East Orange on April 12, 2000. The Rams’ Most Valuable Player was a senior setter named Kyle Roberts. His senior teammates were Mark Gautier, James Gibson, Mark Keeler, Ben Kmosko, Mark Levy and Pat Massimiano. Junior teammates were Chad Baggott, Pepe Ramsey and Dave Shepard.
“What a great experience that first season was for our boys,” Maxwell said. “They were part of that inaugural season at Southern. They quickly learned how much fun this game can be while also understanding the work that is required in order to be successful. They also came to realize the competitive nature of the game and the intensity and focus required to perform well.”
The Rams’ assistant coach during their first two seasons was Dan Mathis.
“From day one of tryouts,” Maxwell said, “we realized we had an immense task before us. We were working with 18 young men who had basically little or no knowledge of the game of volleyball at least not at a competitive level. But how quickly they would learn. It was amazing how far they came in a short period of time. They were open to any and all criticisms and advice which the coaching staff would impart upon them.”
Southern and Long Branch were the first schools in history in Ocean and Monmouth counties to put boys volleyball teams on the court. The Rams lost eight of their first nine matches. Despite the setbacks, the Rams showed improvement.
“We gradually began to lose our apprehension and played with more instinct and confidence,” Maxwell said. “With that came an emotional quality to our game, which our players would soon realize was a necessary ingredient for any volleyball team to be truly successful.”
The inaugural Southern Invitational took place at the end of the first season. The Rams captured first place, besting Collingswood in the semifinals and Williamstown (15-7, 15-13) in the final. Maxwell filed an end of year report to DeGraw-Cole in which he stated, “Over the final few matches, our team came together. It was great to see the kids reap some rewards from their hard work. We’ve learned a lot this season, including a mix of hardships and the realization that we had a long way to go, to the successes which helped to motivate and keep us plugging along. These lessons will work in creating a positive future for the boys volleyball program here at Southern Regional.”
Even Maxwell is surprised at the successes of his Rams.
“Little did I realize how much success we would actually have,” he said. “That first year started building that solid foundation.”
Fast forward to this season. Smarting from the fact they had not won a state title since 2017, the Rams were determined to make it back to the top of the mountain. Losses to Old Bridge in the state championship match during the last two seasons further fueled the Rams’ fires.
“We were on a mission to change those results,” Maxwell said, “so we went to work like we always do.”
The Rams worked out with their club program, the Southern Ocean Volleyball Club, from September through February. Its coaching staff consists of former Southern players Robert Kraft (2006-09), Brennan Davis (2014-17), Matt Jones (2015-18), Anthony LeBlanc (2016-19) and Justin Kean (2017-20).
The hours and hours and hours of hard work and training paid off. The Rams (31-1) captured the Group IV state title with a 2-0 victory over Bridgewater-Raritan (18-7). The game scores were 25-17 and 25-18.
For Southern, senior outside hitter Lucas Kean notched 13 kills, 14 digs and four service points. Senior defensive specialist Cameron Nugent added one dig and two service points. Senior middle blocker Kyle Caufield added two kills and one block. Junior outside hitter Jack McKenna added six kills, one block, three digs and two service points. Senior opposite Patrick Gaffney added one dig. Senior libero Landon Davis added seven digs, three assists and 10 service points. Junior middle blocker Dane Calsyn added three kills and one dig. Junior opposite-defensive specialist Caden Schubiger added seven digs and one service point. Senior setter Ethan Brummer added eight digs, 19 assists and six service points.
Other team members were junior defensive specialist Max DiRocco, junior outside hitter-opposite Ian Batchelor, junior opposite-outside hitter Matthew Hoosack, senior outside hitter Jonah Short, sophomore middle blocker-opposite Aiden Krinic, sophomore opposite Jonah Krinic, junior defensive specialist Colin Olcott, junior setter-defensive specialist Angelo Addiego, junior setter Nick Gatto, senior middle blocker Chris Prosperi and freshman setter Logan Homme.
Kean, named the 2022 New Jersey State Player of the Year and a two-time first-team all-stater, paced the Rams. He’s a 6-foot-3, 190-pounder.
“We certainly were blessed with an incredible talent in Lucas,” Maxwell said. “He should have been named the New Jersey State Player of the Year this season. He was our team’s Most Valuable Player during the past two seasons and our go-to guy on offense. While you can’t win a state championship with one player, it certainly helps to have one with Lucas’ ability.”
Addiego finished the season with seven kills, four blocks, 30 digs, 122 assists, 30 service points and four aces. Batchelor added 12 kills, four blocks, 12 digs, one assist, five service points and three aces. Brummer added two kills, three blocks, 110 digs, 531 assists, 117 service points and 13 aces. Calsyn added 110 kills, 30 blocks and 37 digs. Caufield added 24 kills, 15 blocks, 12 digs and two assists. Davis added 239 digs, 46 assists, 208 service points and 24 aces. DiRocco added 36 digs, two assists, 52 service points and one ace.
Gaffney added 26 kills, 11 blocks, nine digs and two service points. Gatto added four kills, two blocks, 18 digs, 57 assists, 27 service points and three aces. Homme added four assists and four service points. Hoosack added seven kills, eight digs, four service points and one ace. Kean added 369 kills, 13 blocks, 169 digs, three assists, 130 service points and 35 aces. McKenna added 177 kills, 15 blocks, 204 digs, four assists, 148 service points and 24 aces.
Nugent added two kills, 16 digs, 59 service points and six aces. Olcott added 11 digs, 16 service points and one ace. Prosperi added seven kills, five blocks, six digs and one service point. Schubiger added six kills, 119 digs, three assists, 126 service points and 11 aces. Short added 11 kills, one block, eight digs and five service points.
The Rams’ lone loss was to host Scotch Plains-Fanwood by a 2-1 score on April 11. The Rams closed their season with a 26-match winning streak.
“What made this team fun to coach was its never-quit attitude,” Maxwell said. “And there was an incredibly inspired effort throughout the state tournament.”
This year’s court captains were Kean and Davis.
“We do not choose captains,” Maxwell said. “I believe that the leaders will rise up on their own. I let our seniors handle the captain’s responsibilities as a whole. Some guys are more vocal and some lead by example. I let that play out on its own. We have a court captain during game play. That was typically Lucas because of his experience. We used Landon as our court captain if not Lucas.
Southern also received strong play from McKenna, Calsyn and Aiden Krinic.
“We knew we had a quality offense with them,” Maxwell said, “but we needed our defense to be better in order to knock off Old Bridge specifically. Our defense was outstanding at the start of the season. We had our doubts because we were not blocking well for much of the season, but we went to work in the gym over the past several weeks to focus our energy on our overall defense and especially our blocking. These things came together at the most important time of the year as we went through the state tournament.”
And the Rams concluded their season with a special title.
“I think the fact that our previous state title was won in 2017 makes this title special,” Maxwell said. “We don’t like finishing second. Add to that the fact that Old Bridge was standing in our way again. We wanted this one badly. And they were considered the favorite.”
The so-called experts were wrong. The Rams toppled Old Bridge in the South Jersey championship match.
“That might have been the most inspired performance of any of my teams,” Maxwell said.
The Rams enjoyed another successful year despite the loss of Addiego because of a wrist injury. Brummer filled in admirably.
“I always feel that we have a really good chance to win it all because of the strength of our program, including our club program,” Maxwell said. “However, when we lost Addiego, I think our expectations hit a roadblock temporarily. This was a huge setback. However, because of the depth of our program, Brummer stepped up to take on the setting duties and we really didn’t skip a beat. Right up until we played Old Bridge and Bridgewater-Raritan we never felt comfortable. We knew each day required our full attention to detail in order to complete the task.”
Teams often bring their best efforts against the Rams in order to take down their dynasty, their empire and end their dominance.
“We embrace that challenge,” Maxwell said. “This is what helps us keep our focus each and every day. There are many teams that circle us on their schedule each year. We know we always have to be prepared. The Shore Conference (in which the Rams are members) continues to get better every year. Teams like Howell, St. John Vianney and Jackson Memorial make us work hard in practice to be ready to meet their challenge. Then there are the programs like Old Bridge and Bridgewater-Raritan that are out there. It’s never going to be easy – and it shouldn’t be. When we win a state title, we know that it was well deserved.”
Southern captured overall state titles in 2017, 2016, 2014, 2013, 2010 and 2009. Which state title does Maxwell consider to be the Rams’ most special?
“It’s hard to say which ones are more important or more special,” he said. “They all have a special meaning. You have to get the first one before you get multiple championships so 2009 was special in that way. And then to repeat in 2010 was like, ‘Wow. We did it again.’ And that was against St, Peter’s Prep. They were heavy favorites. Then, we went two years when we lost to Fair Lawn in the state tournament final. So to get back and win in 2013 and 2014 was an incredible feeling again and again. All of these have such special memories.
“I will say winning in 2016 and 2017 with my son, Matt, on the court is awesome as well. And now after a lapse of a few years it was a bit of a relief that we got another one. And to stop the incredible run of Old Bridge … all so special. Can’t really separate them. I will say this: In each of our seven state titles there was a point in time during the season when we weren’t sure if we were the best team or not. I think it’s times like these that are necessary for a team to have to get to work, knowing that this is not automatic. There is work to be done and there is a team or more out there that are good enough to beat us.”
Maxwell owns a 711-104 overall record at the helm. He has coached the Rams’ girls team to a 542-129 overall record from 2002-2022.
“It just means that we are doing something right,” he said. “All of the methods that we use and the lessons that we are trying to teach are paying off on some level. How do you become successful in anything? Hard work, passion, commitment, responsibility, desire, etc. When you bring hard work and enthusiasm to any aspect in life, it gives you a chance to be successful. That is at the root of what we are trying to accomplish. You need a strong foundation. We try to help build that foundation. And we try to help mold good people.”
Southern has won 13 South Jersey sectional titles. The Rams have earned seven No. 1 state rankings. They have been ranked among the state’s top five teams in 20 straight seasons. They have won 20 consecutive Shore Conference division titles from 2003-2023. They own 13 Shore Conference Tournament titles. They are 331-7 all-time against Shore Conference opponents.
They have posted 16 straight seasons with 30-plus wins (572-53 from 2007-2023). They are 17-time Super Six Showcase participants. They were 8-0 in 2009 and 2010 and own a 50-18 all-time record in the event. The Rams own winning streaks of 18, 30, 40, 33, 26, 32, 39, 27 and 26 matches,
The Rams often bury opponents under avalanches of points, “Southern Regional Runs,” Maxwell calls them.
“It’s just the idea that at any time we can go on a huge run to change the momentum of a match,” he said. “Not sure exactly when that term started, but it started in our early years. We have always played with confidence. We know our fundamentals are so solid. We are always on the cusp of getting hot. Going on a run. We have always felt that when we are within six, seven or eight points of our opponent that we are in striking distance. The game of volleyball by nature is a game of momentum.
“I don’t think there has ever been a game that we have played where we didn’t go on a major run at some point. Sometimes several big runs. The runs have always been something that gives us the confidence that we are not down and out.”
Practices are intense.
“Before many of our practices,” Maxwell said, “I would ask the players how important this particular practice was. The boys would say, ‘Most important practice of the year.’ This just developed on its own. It helped keep us focused on the idea that each day is so important so let’s make the most of it. We prepared so well for each of our opponents and kept making sure that we were getting better each and every day both mentally and physically.”
Matt Maxwell played under his dad from 2016-2019. He started on state championship teams in 2016 and 2017 as a freshman and sophomore. He helped the Rams win multiple Shore Conference Tournament and division titles. He was a first-team All-State selection as a junior and senior. He was second-team all-state as a sophomore and third-team all-state as a freshman.
A daughter, Emily, a 2015 Southern graduate, played on its girls team from 2011-2014. Another daughter, Olivia, a 2017 Southern graduate, was on the Rams’ girls team from 2013-2016.
Maxwell said he enjoyed coaching his children.
“What an incredible opportunity I have had to be able to coach our three children,” he said. “My wife, Jill, and I have been blessed by God to have three wonderful kids who are our life. And the fact they all attended Southern gave me the ability to be able to drive them to school every day and to be able to enjoy the time together on the volleyball court. This is not always easy. They also have the added pressure of being children of the head coach. I was certainly tougher on them at times because of our relationship. Of course, it’s easier and maybe more natural to be harder on your own kids.”
There were times when Maxwell sought help when the couple’s children were on his teams.
“I would often try to turn much of that coaching responsibility over to my assistants so as to make it a little bit easier for all involved,” he said. “That being said, it was still an absolutely awesome experience that has helped solidify our relationships. They are like their father, fierce competitors who desire to be successful. And they have been taught what it takes to be successful by both of their parents. So the same lessons that I have tried to teach every one of my players we have tried to teach our own children those same lessons at home and on the court.”
Maxwell coached his nephews, Drew and Liam Maxwell. The former played from 2007-2010. The latter competed from 2013-2016.
“I have fully enjoyed celebrating many victories over the years with our children while also sharing numerous heartbreaking losses and setbacks,” he said. “And it is all of these experiences that make us who we are and help us to grow into better people. Most importantly in all of this we desire to have our kids strengthen their Christian faith and their relationship with God through all of their life experiences.”
Also assisting Maxwell were Brian Roberts (2002-2004), Emin Tanrikulu (2005-2007), Mike Benedict (2005, 2006, 2008 and 2009), Leith Wenrich (2007), Paul Lovas (2008-2018), Ryan Fredrickson (2010-2013, 2017-2023), Todd Elsasser (2014-2015) and Eric Sharkey (2016-2023). Wenrich, Fredrickson, Elsasser and Sharkey played under Maxwell.
“I have been blessed with some great individuals on my coaching staff,” Maxwell said. “I need people who know the game of volleyball, but more importantly I need good people … solid people with good values and morals who are capable of teaching young men how to be good human beings. In our program, that is where we start. We want our young men to understand the values like hard work, responsibility, commitment, trustworthiness and reliability, etc. If we can get kids to buy into those qualities, we can get them to perform for us on the court. I have had coaches who model those behaviors so that our players understand what that looks like.”
Maxwell models the Rams after John Wooden’s Pyramids of Success, named for the legendary UCLA men’s basketball coach known as the Wizard of Westwood.
“Work ethic and enthusiasm are its two cornerstone building blocks,” Maxwell said. “I ask the players in this program to bring those two things with them each and every day as they enter the gym. We have continued to be a program that understands the proper balance of hard work, fun and enthusiasm. We take pride in what we do each and every day.”
Maxwell’s girls team won the Group IV state title in 2008. The Rams bested favored Hunterdon Central in the championship match.
“It was one of great team chemistry as well,” he said. “It was an incredibly hard working group from day one that season that had its sights set on something extremely high. We had been on the edge of greatness for a few years prior. We kept knocking on the door. I believe that Hunterdon Central had won the previous two Group IV state titles. So again, one of the things that plays into this is that you have to keep working hard every day and keep improving. Work on your game. Recognize your weaknesses and don’t allow an opponent to outwork you.”
Because of the pandemic, the fall 2020 season was moved to the spring of 2021. The Rams were ranked first in the state in Group IV and second in the state in 2021 and won the South Jersey title. They won a state record 40 matches in 2009.
They have been ranked among the state’s top 20 teams in 14 seasons. Cathy Maxwell, who coached the Rams from 1999-2001, posted a 50-17 overall record. The Rams won Shore Conference division titles from 2002-2014 and 2017-2022.
Southern won Shore Conference Tournament titles from 2004-2008 and in 2010, 2012, 2013, 2019 and 2022. The Rams are 369-40 all-time against Shore Conference opponents. They were Olympic Conference champions from 2003-2005.
“I am still having so much fun coaching the girls and boys teams,” said Maxwell, a United States history teacher at Southern. “There is no set plan to stop. I love the daily grind of preparing a team and going through the whole process of watching a team mature and develop team chemistry. And then there is the stretch run of postseason play. That gets the juices flowing. And the ultimate is to celebrate success. And to see the joy of your players celebrating what they worked so hard for.
“It has been an absolute pleasure to be at Southern Regional since 1999. I have been blessed by so many people too numerous to name from administration, fellow teachers, students, support staff, athletes, etc. My experience with both programs has been so rewarding. Not only because we have been successful, but because of the people involved. I have tried to push my players to be better volleyball players, but again more importantly to be better people. I hope this has been evident.
“The lessons that go on in our gym everyday are quite more about life than volleyball. The good Lord has blessed me with the opportunity to teach kids valuable lessons through the sport of volleyball. I am a flawed individual, but I hope I have achieved some success in things off the court as well.”
Southern’s overall boys season records: 5-11 (2000), 17-9 (2001), 18-7 (2002), 20-6 (2003), 27-4 (2004), 25-7 (2005), 27-6 (2006), 40-1 (2007), 30-5 (2008), 38-5 (2009), 34-6 (2010), 32-8 (2011), 39-2 (2012), 36-4 (2013), 37-2 (2014), 35-6 (2015), 43-2 (2016), 39-1 (2017), 37-5 (2018), 38-3 (2019), 30-2 (2021), 33-1 (2022), 31-1 (2023)
