The University of Mississippi Athletics
ASK OLE MISS: Getzin Answers Your Questions
8/26/2008 | Athletics
ASK OLE MISS provides Rebel fans interactive opportunities with some of the key figures in Ole Miss athletics. The latest installment features head volleyball coach Joe Getzin. Questions were sent in by fans through OleMissSports.com over the past week, and Getzin has addressed many of those in the following Q&A.
Q: Where does SEC Volleyball rank against the rest of the country?
A: Last year, we were the fourth-ranked conference behind the Pac 10, Big 12 and Big 10. When I first got here, we were ranked about seventh, so we’ve seen a steady increase in the conference RPI. I think with new coaches coming into the conference, supporting volleyball and making it more of a priority, the sport continues to improve every year. The number of teams that we get into the NCAA has really shown that the conference has grown tremendously.
Q: Being a big Milwaukee Brewers fan, what do you think will happen first, the Brewers being mathematically eliminated from the playoffs or the Chicago Cubs winning the World Series?
A: I don’t think the Cubs have any shot at winning the World Series anytime soon. And I think the Brewers might eliminate the Chicago Cubs, so that’s my hope.
Q: What do you prefer, USA Volleyball or Junior Volleyball Directors Association?
A: I think that both organizations have very strong points, and I think USA volleyball in what it does with grass roots all the way up to the Olympics definitely serves a purpose. JDVA was trying to get more into the grass roots a little bit more and make it more inexpensive for most players to play. So I think that both of them have strong suits, and I wish they would get together and work out the details so they can join forces once again. I think the bottom line is we need more kids playing volleyball and both of them give opportunities for that to happen.
Q: How about letting those middle blockers block some free balls?
A: We’ve advanced beyond those days. Now we try to let our middle blockers attack more than handle the first contact. We spend a lot of time with middles talking about not taking those free balls and becoming better attackers.
Q: What were the biggest reasons for your turnaround from 7-22 in 2005 to back-to-back NCAA tournament appearances?
A: I think there are a number of factors. The kids finally believe in the system that we’ve been tying to implement from the day we got here. We’ve had several classes come through that have bought in to what we’ve been trying to do, and they’re dedicated to that. I think the biggest is the kids put in more time on their own to make this happen and dedicated themselves and committed themselves to being good. Anytime that happens, great things come about.
Q: Do you expect the success of USA Volleyball at the Olympics to raise fan interest here in the states?
A: I certainly hope so with the USA winning three out of four gold medals and a silver medal. I think volleyball is an exciting sport to watch both indoors and outdoors. I would say that if anyone comes and watches Ole Miss Volleyball, they will become a life long fan just because our venue is so intimate and you can make an impact on the game by being there and you get to see the athleticism of the girls. This year I think more than ever you’ll see how athletic we are.
Q: How much can the freshmen contribute this year?
A: I feel that both freshmen have put themselves in a position where they will contribute quite a bit from the get go. Morgan Springer, who comes from such a quality program like KIVA, brings lots of experience. We’re looking to rely a little bit on that. Katie Norris has made the transition from a middle blocker to outside, and by her doing that, we’ll utilize that a lot.
Q: How do our facilities compare to others in the SEC?
A: First off, it’s our facility and that’s the biggest thing. It may not be the biggest but it’s still ours and no other classes, no other sports or intramurals. We don’t have to share it with anyone, so it’s Ole Miss Volleyball’s facility. I think that has allowed the kids to come in anytime they want to serve and pass and play and they have taken advantage of it, and that’s one reason that we have improved rapidly over the last several years. While it’s on the small end, I think we use that to our advantage, and we have a good fan base that we are always looking to continue to grow. Once again, just come out and watch a match at the Gillom Center and you’ll fall in love with it.