Boys Volleyball Feeling Confident in New Division

As the Varsity Boys Volleyball team prepares to kick off their 2025 season, both players and coaches are optimistic about the team's potential. With the preseason scrimmages behind them, the Maroon Raiders have fine-tuned their game and are ready to take on the challenges of the newly aligned division.

After three preseason scrimmages, varsity starter and team Captain Senior Gavin Warburton is confident in the team’s progress. “I think our team has come together by getting more proficient at tweaking the little things, such as serve and pass or hitting into different spots on the court,” Warburton said. These refinements will be crucial as the team faces tougher competition this season. With this being his final season at Nutley, Warburton has set ambitious goals for himself and his team. “I expect us to win our division and to win at least two state games,” he said.

His confidence is mirrored by Assistant Coach Gewecke, who believes the team has what it takes to be successful. “Varsity looks promising after finishing out their preseason scrimmages. The seniors have led the way with strong offensive performances, and a young, but talented, sophomore class is stepping up to a varsity team that graduated five seniors last year. I think Varsity will be a very competitive team this year with a lot of wins.” 

This season, the Boys Volleyball program has been moved up a division, a change that Warburton welcomes. “I don't think there will be any challenges with our division change this year. I think it should’ve happened a long time ago, and I still think we are in too low of a division.”

While Warburton remains unfazed, Coach Gewecke acknowledges that the new division comes with stronger competition. “Following the addition of a new division and the realignment in the SEC Boys Volleyball divisions, the competition in our division has gotten tougher this year. Barringer, Irvington, and West Orange were all a division up last year and are now in our division. Montclair Immaculate and second-year team Glen Ridge will also provide tough competition. Every team in our division will bring us a challenge, so we need to stay focused and bring our best to every single game.”

Warburton hopes to leave a lasting legacy for the underclassmen before he graduates. “I would like to leave behind another year added on our banner as well as my jersey number,” he said. His leadership, along with the team’s dedication, will be key factors in achieving their season goals. With a strong mix of experienced seniors and rising underclassmen, the Boys Volleyball team is poised for a competitive season. As they take on their new division, their focus and determination will be put to the test, and the team is eager to rise to the occasion. Fans and supporters can expect an exciting season ahead as the Raiders chase championship success.