Eastern Greene is one game away from state volleyball crown

Setting goals and working hard are pretty much the norm for most high school athletes and teams.

At least athletes and teams that aim for the ultimate prize at the end of the season: A state championship.

Unfortunately, only a handful of athletes and teams achieve those goals each year.

For Eastern Greene High School's volleyball team, it has that opportunity. A state championship is just one win away.

"As principal my hope is our girls have shown that setting high goals and hard work can have a huge payoff," EG Principal Kevin Frank said Tuesday morning. "Lots of teams set goals and work hard, but since Eastern has never had a team go this far, hopefully it shows others it can happen here."

The Thunderbirds will play for the Class 2A volleyball state championship Saturday at 1 p.m. in Ball State University's Worthen Arena at Muncie.

Eastern Greene, ranked No. 3 in the state with a 35-4 record, will face No. 2-ranked Wapahani (29-6). You can watch the game live at www.gcdailyworld.com by clicking on the Eastern Greene logo on the front left of the home page.

The importance of the accomplishment was clear to Eastern Greene fans and parents of the players following a tough five-game victory over Indianapolis Ritter at the Forest Park Semistate last Saturday night.

During the celebration those fans shared their feelings with Frank.

"Different parents came up to me Saturday night after we won it ... they said it's so awesome and so great because it has never happened before," Frank recalled.

The school has rallied around its team. Each day the students are encouraged to dress up to support the Lady Thunderbirds.

The schedule:

* Monday was costume day, with the theme: A treat to watch our Thunderbirds.

* Tuesday was tie-dye/hippie day, with the theme: Our T-Birds are psychedelic.

* Wednesday is twin day, with the theme: We all want to look just like our T-Birds.

* Thursday is neon day, with the theme: Our T-Birds glow in the dark because they're so hot.

* Friday is black camo day, with the theme: Wear black to help hunt for our state title.

Frank said he's enjoyed his part in preparing for the state finals.

"It's been a pretty unique and special experience," Frank said. "We had our webinar/conference call (Monday), and not having been a part of an IHSAA state finals before, that was a pretty neat experience."

Classes are still in session this week, but along with their regular work, the students have an eye on Saturday afternoon.

"I think the whole school is buzzing that we have a team going to the state finals," Frank said. "The teachers are all excited.

"The participation in spirit day has been pretty high, as high as I can remember (in his 15 years at the school, the past six as principal). There are lots of kids showing good school spirit and they're happy for the team."