Yes, Jesse Lugo is a quality volleyball coach

I noticed we had a commenter that said Jesse Lugo wasn't a quality coach because of Del Valle's losing district record this year.

I believe our commenter forgot a crucial aspect of criticism: taking context into consideration.

Del Valle graduated 10 - yes 10 - athletes from last year's district co-championship team. That's debilitating in volleyball, considering teams suit up 11-13 players for varsity.

The Conquistadores, who also have been jinxed with injuries to key players, obviously are in a rebuilding year, as virtually every program goes through once in a while.

And unless you're Franklin volleyball - or your coach flat our recruits - then it's extremely difficult to remain on top.

However, Lugo's teams have been title contenders the past couple years.

Over the previous four seasons, Del Valle has a combined 54-8 record in District 2-4A and an 88-28 overall record.

Here's how the Conquistadores have finished in the district standings during that time:

•2007: Co-champions.
•2006: Second.
•2005: Second.
•2004: Outright champion.

Granted, skilled athletes go a long way in winning games, but you have to have quality coaching for sustained success.

Sure, Del Valle is taking its lumps this season, but expect the Lugo-led Conquistadores to bounce right back up in 2009.

Comments

[texball]

in a weak district.....

[reality]

Doesn't matter how many you graduate. If your a quality coach like you say Coach Lugo is then that shouldn't matter. Especially when your in a weak district, I agree with Texball that district is weak. Now as far as key injuries go there was really only one key injury on that team. That was when he lost his middle. A quality coach I think not.. He's just a person doing what little he has to to get paid.