Even with the loss of seven seniors, including Niagara Gazette Player of the Year Tom Kotrys, the Niagara-Wheatfield boys volleyball program is expecting big things this fall. Just ask sixth-year coach Jim Proefrock.

“This is a younger group than we’ve had in the past. …but we’ll still be very competitive with the returnees that we do have and some good talent up from the JV,” he said. “We really expect to be in the top two or three of the league every year and I think that’s a very reasonable goal again this year.”

Among Proefrock’s top returnees from an 11-3 squad a year ago is senior libero Brian Almendinger, an all-Niagara Frontier League selection the past two years. Senior middle hitter Ben Woodbury is also being counted on to help replace some of Kotrys’ production.

“He’s stepping in real nicely right now,” Proefrock said of the six-foot, four-inch leaper.

On the outside, junior Kyle Henry is expected to be the Falcons’ top hitter. Also returning are seniors Adam Clabo and Steve Seyler. Additionally, N-W will break in a new setter in sophomore Lucas Kowalczyk.

Grand Island

Senior outside hitter Scott Holler hopes to help the Vikings stay in the top half of the league standings after finishing third a season ago at 10-4. Holler, whose older brother Paul currently plays at Medaille College, is within reach of the school’s all-time record for kills in a career. Sophomore Tyler Hinaman also returns at setter for GI.

“Our goal is to be competitive in every league match and to finish in the top four of the NFL,” said sixth-year coach Bill Schultz, who has competed on the national beach volleyball circuit.

Lewiston-Porter

The Lancers were hit hard with graduation, most notably third team all-NFL performer Jonah Jueckstock and middle blocker Eddie Wilson, making this season tough to gauge for second-year coach Joel Jueckstock.

“We lost so many seniors that we have a very fresh varsity squad that is looking to become competitive by the end of the year,” the coach said.

Lew-Port, which finished 1-13 a year ago, will be led by a pair of juniors in setter Charlie Mantell and middle hitter Colin Hanns.

Niagara Falls

The Wolverines continue to fight the numbers game, according to sixth-year coach Bill Schmidtke. That said, the Falls is starting new with only one player returning from last season’s 1-13 team. Local junior bowling star Tim Drylewski and tennis standout Matt Thompson look to lead the NFHS resurgence.

AROUND THE AREA

Defending Niagara Frontier League champions North Tonawanda lost a great deal of its starting lineup, but will continue to be strong under the leadership of eighth-year coach Luke Hodgson. Seniors Vincent Libroia and Kevin Fretthold will anchor the Jacks. … Senior twin brothers Kevin and Scott Whitehead will lead Gary Tocke’s Kenmore East squad. Todd Potter also returns for the 41st-year coach. … With a large returning core of players, including Connor Brogan, Nemanja Opaciz, Ben Bowler and Evan Bullard, third-year coach Aaron Miller is hoping for a league title at Kenmore West. … Lockport and fifth-year coach Chris Niver is also looking for big things with Stephen Kojsza, Sean Smith, Ben Jackson and Adam Taylor providing at least three years of varsity starting experience apiece.