April 3, 2013
By Kelsey Detweiler, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - If you ask Mark Pavlik if he thinks the six seniors on his roster are, numbers-wise, the most talented group that have come through the program, he will simply say no.
But if you ask him if he thinks his five seniors are the group that cares the most to do the right thing at the right time no matter how unpopular it is, he'll answer with a different word.
"Absolutely."
The Lions will celebrate five senior athletes and one graduating student manager as a part of Senior Night on Friday in Rec Hall.
The six are some of what Pavlik said are the most dedicated, hardest working and personable young men to come through his office doors.
"They've created a team here where every position, no matter what you do, is appreciated," said Pavlik. "They believe that everybody can add to this team whether it's a first semester freshman or a senior. They've done some very good things to make this program stronger."
Collectively, they are a unit that leads by example but works to make an impact alongside every one of its counterparts. But within the team, each one of them makes their own mark.
Tom Comfort is the guy who leads both on and off of the court, willing to do whatever he needs to as hard as he can for as long as he can for the sake of his team. Looking back, Comfort said he couldn't imagine doing anything else for the past four years.
"It's really enjoyable when you get to play a sport that you love with your best friends," said Comfort.
Ian Hendries will leave the program as one of the most trusted middles in the game, putting up more than 140 blocks in just four seasons. He is the laid-back, loose one on the team that has kept everyone smiling and literally lives life one moment at a time.
Scott Kegerreis is also graduating after four seasons with the Lions. The 6-foot-6 outside is known for his always-changing hairstyles and looping swing, but Keggereis said that what he'll remember most about being a Nittany Lion are moments that came outside of Rec Hall.
"I think some of the best memories have come from just being on the team and around the team," said Kegerreis. "We're definitely an interesting group to say the least."
Matt Kapusta is in just his second season with the team after transferring from Penn State Behrend to University Park as a junior. While Kapusta hasn't seen much time on the court in his short stint as a Lion, Pavlik said that the senior is arguably the most loyal member of the team.
"If we ask him to stand in a corner and let guys throw volleyballs at him, he'd do it," said Pavlik.
Kyle Mars is tagged as the `guy you can count on'. The 6-foot-3 Lion has most notably contributed in the practice gym, challenging his starting teammates week in and week out, and continually giving Pavlik and his coaching staff yet another viable option on a deep bench.
Nick Turko will graduate after four of the most successful years a Penn State middle has seen in recent history, nabbing First and Second Team All-EIVA honors.
"Turko's the type of guy that sits there with his engineering homework and just pounds it through," said Pavlik. "He's not going to stop until it gets done. He carries that over into his volleyball."
As for student manager Corey Hobson, he leaves Penn State as more than just a guy with a clipboard.
"He has done everything that nobody knows about and he has done it willingly, with a smile," said Pavlik. "If you want a cup of something in return, Corey gives you a gallon."