Palos South Boys Volleyball Teams Top Post-Season Tournament

Both Palos South Middle School boys volleyball teams won their championship games during the Southwest Interscholastic Conference (SWIC) post-season Volleyball Tournament in December.

The eighth-grade team, coached by Angela Turner, finished the season with a 13-1 record and tied for first place in the conference with Jerling and Orland Park. Charlie Padgurskis and Gabe Vinh were named to the SWIC All-Conference Team and Liam Rathbun was voted the tournament Most Valuable Player.

Members of the 8th grade team are Jakub Tylka, Liam Rathbun, Alex Jackovac, Gabe Vinh, Liam Pascual, Tommy Garvey, Josh McCluer, Michael Mackey, Colin O’Leary, Brian Kaufmann, Jacob Szafraniec, Charlie Padgurskis, Finn Carroll, and Nolan Hobart.

“Watching these boys grow together as a team has been an incredible experience. They are amazing student athletes and never gave up on themselves or each other. I could not be prouder of their hard work and dedication,” said Coach Angela Turner.

In addition to winning the post-season tournament, the sixth- and seventh-grade team, coached by Kelsey Safranek, finished the season with a 13-1 record and finished in second place in the conference. Cullen Kirkner and Finn Arundel were named to the SWIC All-Conference Team and Elijah Johnson was voted Tournament MVP.

Members of the 6th/7th grade team are Mikey Gaw, Finn Arundel, Cullen Kirkner, Ben Nunez, Pat Hunt, Nick Kielt, Darragh Doyle, Moe Shraim, Logan Gerretse, Elijah Johnson, Max Zwijacz, Sam Wrobel, and Omar Shaban.

“I am so proud of these boys. They worked so hard this season and impressed me everyday,” said Coach Kelsey Safranek.

8th grade team photo: The Palos South eighth grade boys volleyball team won the Southwest Interscholastic Conference (SWIC) championship game in December and tied for first place in the conference. The team includes (Left to Right) –Top: The team includes (Left to Right) –Top: Jakub Tylka, Liam Rathbun, Alex Jackovac, Gabe Vinh, Liam Pascual, Tommy Garvey, Josh McCluer, Michael Mackey. Bottom: Colin O’Leary, Brian Kaufmann, Jacob Szafraniec, Charlie Padgurskis, Finn Carroll, and Nolan Hobart

6th/7th grade team photo: The Palos South 6th and 7th boys volleyball team won the Southwest Interscholastic Conference (SWIC) championship game in December and finished 2nd in the conference. The team includes: (Left to right) – Top: Mikey Gaw, Finn Arundel, Cullen Kirkner, Ben Nunez, Pat Hunt, Nick Kielt (Behind trophy), Darragh Doyle, Moe Shraim, Logan Gerretse, Elijah Johnson, Max Zwijacz, Coach Safranek Bottom: Sam Wrobel. Not pictured: Omar Shaban.