Bishop Fenwick boys volleyball wins state title for head coach Pete Ehrlich
FRANKLIN, Ohio (BVM) — A few years ago, Bishop Fenwick boys volleyball head coach Pete Ehrlich was heartbreakingly diagnosed with ALS. Two years ago, the Falcons made it to regionals, but were not able to pull through with a state run in honor of their coach.
However, with Coach Ehrlich still on the sidelines this season, the Falcons rallied, and brought home the program’s second-ever state championship.
Playing against Olentangy in the state final last weekend, the Falcons were given all they could handle. Despite going 25-3 and finishing No. 1 in the state poll, Bishop Fenwick received a test in a 3-1 victory over Badin in the semi finals, and would get another one here.
Olentangy hung tough in each of the first two sets, but the Falcons would grind out a close 25-22 victory in the first, and a 25-18 win in the second. That set the stage for the third set, which was also highly-contested throughout.
After an early Olentangy lead, Fenwick would take control, and eventually led 24-12, just a point away from a state title. But Olentangy would make a three-point run to get to 15, and a foul on the Falcons would give them an additional point. However, Fenwick stayed composed as they have all year, earning the final point and a 25-16 victory in the third set.
First team all-state performer Will Richards came up big in the final set with four straight service aces at one point. He finished the match with nine aces overall, 14 kills and 11 digs. Meanwhile, Fenwick’s other star — DII player of the year John Luers — had another strong performance with six kills and 26 assists.
After the game, the celebration was on for the Falcons, who enjoyed the title victory with their fans after coming out of the locker room. Perhaps the best site was Ehrlich in his chair with the championship trophy hearing chants of “Play for Pete.”
Thank you all who came to support us this weekend! This is one season we will never forget! #PlayForPete https://t.co/DTl4qA6Kko pic.twitter.com/XLQdl0fh1u
— Fenwick Boys Volleyball (@BFHSBV) June 7, 2021
Any state championship is special, but the Fenwick boys volleyball program’s 2021 run will always have a little extra meaning to it thanks to some special talent, and a little added motivation to play for.
