Slater hits the ground running at OHS

ONEKAMA — The offseason for a new coach can be a fast and furious test of organization, especially when it’s just two weeks long.

Sherri Slater, hired to take the reins of Onekama’s volleyball program less than half a month ago, hasn’t had too much time to prepare. But one wouldn’t be able to tell during the Portagers’ first practice Wednesday evening.

“I pretty much, from just being involved in this and staying involved volleyball, I know you’ve got to be organized,” Slater said Wednesday while flipping through neatly outlined pages of her clipboard. “I have eight pages here that we’re going to cover today. From basic, to real specific.”

Slater, along with new junior varsity coach Heather Timmons, will take over head coaching duties from Lanette Keith, who coached the Portagers’ JV and varsity squads for the past five seasons. Both Keith and Onekama School officials declined to comment on why the two parted ways.

The new hires, however, join the program with experience — Timmons, a 2006 Bear Lake graduate and a former player for the Lakers; and Slater as a middle school coach at Bear Lake for the past eight seasons.

 “Having done it before, I kind of know what to have in mind, but I know middle school and high school is a lot different,” Slater said. “You’re handling everything with a high school team, rather than teaching a middle school team the basic fundamentals and passing them on.”

However, Slater said the basics certainly won’t be overlooked.

“I think that the biggest thing we need to have going this year will be the fundamentals,” she said. “Plus, we’re going to be running a different offense, and will be focusing on strong defense.”

Wednesday’s first official day of practice for the season was more of a tryout at Onekama High School.

Slater said the large group will practice together this week, and by Monday will be split between JV and varsity squads.

“We had over 30 girls that signed up,” she said. “And one thing I’ve emphasized here is what’s going to work for the team? What’s going to work for the program?

“It doesn’t matter to me if you’re in ninth grade or 12th grade. What matters is your attitude, your effort and what your bringing to the table that can help the team.”

 

Article posted by Dylan Savela, Manistee News Advocate Sports Writer,  August 11, 2011
     
       
   
     

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