Published: September 06, 2008 12:35 am            

Former Neoga star takes over volleyball program

NEOGA — There's a new — but not an unfamiliar — face on the bench for this year's installment of Neoga High School volleyball.

While 21-year veteran coach Lori Beals has hung it up after a 415-259 career that features six regional titles and a trip to state in 2000, one of the legends of Neoga volleyball has stepped up to take her place.

Amy Hatton has taken the job at Neoga, returning to her alma mater where she is still probably better-known as Amy Walk — a hard-hitting middle blocker who led the Indians to their one and only trip to state during her senior season before taking her talents to Austin Peay State University and earning a trio of All-Ohio Valley Conference nods.

The first of three Walk sisters to lead Neoga before going on to play at the collegiate level, Amy is now married to Vern Hatton and back in Neoga to teach junior high English after a couple years as an assistant coach and teacher in the Charleston school district.

Hatton's return to Neoga will be interrupted at some point, however; her third child is due in mid-September.

When that happens, assistant coach Julie Fritcher will take the reins, although Hatton doesn't expect to be out of commission for more than a couple weeks.

The team Hatton inherits went 17-19 a year ago and has four letterwinning starters back.

"Strengths should be defense and blocking," said Hatton. "Our weakness is passing. We have to work on staying focused for the entire match and communicating."

Two of those letterwinners are seniors as middle blocker Megan Krampe and outside hitter Jessica Winchester take the court for their final year.

"Megan is a leader on the court and a strong hitter and blocker with a lot of varsity experience," said Hatton of the 5-foot-11 Krampe.

In addition, libero Olivia Mintun and setter Amber Ballinger return to the fold with varsity letters to their credit.

"Olivia is a hard worker and a vocal leader," said Hatton.

Senior Julia Russell is 5-10 and should be a strong hitter at the middle blocker position, while senior outside hitter Ashton Cleeton rounds out the Indians' senior class.

Other juniors include right side Jessica Fritcher, outside hitter Rachel Meyer and outside hitter/right side Elizabeth Alexander.

Sophomores Lauren Schumacher and Molly Tarter will also be on the varsity squad at libero and setter, respectively, while 6-1 freshman Amanda Baker will be getting a chance to put her size to use.

"Amanda is tall and athletic," said Hatton. "She'll see plenty of varsity time."

Hatton's goals for the Neoga club, which hasn't won a regional since Hatton's youngest sister, Emilie, led it to a super-sectional loss to Breese Central in 2003, include consistent improvement throughout the season, a top three finish in the National Trail Conference regular season and a championship at the NTC tournament.

Neoga's NTC schedule begins Tuesday with a very tough test at Effingham St. Anthony, the defending league champion.