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I attended the Hauser and Rushville volleyball match. The reserve team searched for consistency and eventually found it winning 2-1. The varsity team found consistency for part of the second set but didn't find it again while losing 0-3. Consistency leads to momentum, and momentum is such a key in volleyball. Every volleyball player and every volleyball team goes through inconsistent moments while knowing there will be another match to reverse it.

It was Senior Night. Senior Maley Jordan was honored as well as Senior Baylee Riley. It brought back good memories of our two daughters being in the program and Senior Night. It was good to see Dave Irvine again as he read information submitted by each young lady. (Dave also recognized the seniors of Rushville Lady Lions which was a nice gesture.) Maley plans to study criminal justice and eventually work for the FBI. Baylee plans to study nursing. Both expressed thanks to their parents and others. Maley ended her submission with some great advice: “You are the only person who can determine your limits. Never let your age, experience, fears, or others keep you from your goals.”

Knowing their coaches quite well, I know they would fully agree. I had Erica, Christian, and Ellie as students in fifth grade and worked with Jeff now and then by focusing on some skills or trying to provide some inspirational words. Some players will likely remember DRAC, the greatest volleyball player in the universe talking about the importance of Diving, Reacting, Anticipating, and Chasing. And I have played volleyball with Jeff and against him while always preferring to play on the same team. He had a high skill level, was a fierce competitor, and let his play speak for him. Each contributed to him being a great coach. I will always cherish the night Coach Case asked my dad, a World War II veteran, to speak to a team in the locker room and never forget Dad's one word response when asked what the flag meant. Without hesitation, he said the only word he needed to say, “Freedom!” It was a special moment for the players, coaches, me, and my dad. The freedom we experience in this country should never be taken for granted which also includes the opportunity to play the wonderful team sport of volleyball.

Several former players were in attendance as well as coaching assistants as Coach Case was being honored. His daughter and now varsity coach, Erica Case Raisor, took the microphone and first and foremost expressed thanks to him for being her dad and also her coach, her best coach. I remember those years when Erica was the setter while working extremely hard to help her dad develop the program. She stated the following: “We hope you know the difference you have made through coaching and most importantly your life! God has made you a blessing to so many as you have carried out you coaching ministry for 25 years. Thank you for all you have done for the Hauser Volleyball Program.”

And the program did develop as one of the best in the state. Much effort and time, hour after hour during the season and off season, was spent by Coach Case as well as others. Erica shared the following stats:

Match Record 557-188
Conference Record 146-17
Conference Champions 12 Times
Sectional Champions 13 Times
Regional Champions 6 Times
Semi-State Champions Once and Appearing In Muncie State Final

I was there when Hauser won their first Sectional Volleyball Championship in 2009 and then obviously won it many times afterward; I was also there when we had really good teams but just could not pull out a Sectional Championship. In winning or losing, Coach Case kept the game in perspective conveying life is more than volleyball as both our daughters have found out as well as numerous other former volleyball players. (I noticed two players from Rushville congratulating and talking with Jeff after the match due to knowing him through Club Volleyball.) Undoubtedly, the program has helped many Lady Jets and others in becoming who they are today, and I know that Coach Case is extremely proud of each.

Yes, Coach Jeff Case, thank you, and we wish you as well as Coach Erica Case Raisor the very best!