Interscholastic volleyball may be coming to Lynn Classical.
More than 100 girls are participating in an intramural volleyball two days a week in the high school gymnasium. Plans are to have a junior varsity team in 2010 and a varsity team in 2011.
Frank Grealish, a social studies teacher at the school, is overseeing the program. Classical Principal Gene Constantino recommended an intramural program be launched after several girls had expressed an interest in volleyball to Athletic Director Bill Devin.
“I put up a sign-up sheet and over 100 girls signed up,” said Grealish, a 6-foot-4-inch former basketball player at St. John’s Prep in Danvers. “We had to split up the group in to freshmen and sophomores on one day and juniors and seniors on another day.”
The intramural program will continue until the start of basketball season on November 30 when gym availability becomes more difficult.
“We might continue the program mornings before school if there is enough interest in doing that,” said Grealish, who’s excited about the high turnout. “The girls see volleyball as a great opportunity to get in the gym, work out, and get in shape.”
Grealish is hopeful that Classical will field a JV team in the fall of 2010 and a varsity team in the fall of 2011.
English Athletic Director Gary Molea said there are 50 girls playing intramural volleyball at the school. Molea also expressed interest in starting a JV program in the fall of 2010.
Grassa leaning
toward Bentley
Lynn Classical basketball standout Jasper Grassa is leaning toward Bentley University.
Grassa, a 5-foot-11-inch senior, has also received correspondence from Division 2 programs University of New Haven and Adelphi (located in Long Island, N.Y.), and Division 1 schools Bryant, and the University of New Hampshire. Bentley is one of the top Division 2 programs in New England.
Jasper, son of Classical basketball coach Tom and Lisa Grassa. is a two-time Northeastern Conference All-Star. He is closing in on the 1,000-point career milestone.
Jasper is a wide receiver and defensive back for the Classical football team.
Lesley University recruits Tiro
Lesley University basketball coach Lucia Robinson is hoping to land St. Mary’s senior guard Bria Tiro for this year’s recruiting class.
Robinson, at 24 one of the youngest coaches in the country, scouted Tiro last season and considers the Spartans’ guard one of the top prospects on the North Shore.
Lesley, located in Cambridge, is a Division 3 program and has a Lynn player on its roster in former Lynn English hoopster Georgia Saltzman.
Vaughan’s Tigers have 5-1 record
Former Lynn English assistant coach Brian Vaughan is enjoying a stellar season in his first year as the Pope John head football coach.
Vaughan’s Tigers are 5-1 and appear headed toward a Thanksgiving showdown with Lowell Catholic for the Catholic Central Small title and playoff berth.
Vaughan was hired this summer and has quickly transformed a young team in to a title contender.