The boys’ volleyball program rose to new heights this season by not only winning every game in the league so far, but also by claiming the ninth spot in the national rankings out of 867 ranked teams, according to MaxPreps. According to the analytics, this is the best team in Oak Park volleyball’s history, which is a storied one; most recently, the team in 2012 was the CIF runner-up.

“Everyone has experience playing at a high level and we all love the game of volleyball,” said Jake Rosen, one of the captains and senior opposite.

As freshmen, senior libero Craig Lamb, alongside USC recruit and outside hitter Woody Cook had the honor of competing in the first CIF title the Oak Park volleyball program had ever achieved. Lamb and Cook both have the opportunity to repeat their success before they go off to college.

“Winning a second ring would mean everything to me. I have a different role on this team and winning CIF with all my friends would be amazing,” Cook said. He has the most experience on the team, with four years of varsity-level play.

The team, comprising three seniors and three sophomores in the starting rotation, has faced adversity this season because of its youth. However, it has built a strong chemistry and work ethic, and this is reflected by its record.

“The team’s biggest challenge lies in performing well in the face of adversity during the playoffs,” Lamb said.

The team has a 23-3 record, having lost to the Division I schools Loyola and San Clemente in the Best of the West tournament earlier in the season. The team finished the tournament ranked seventh. It was the highest ranked of the three Division II schools in the tournament. The third loss was the result of a controversial call by the side judge in a game against Burroughs.

“The biggest aspect of the team’s success is how well we cooperate and get along with each other. This is our second family and we’ve grown and watched each other grow as the season progressed,” starting sophomore Adam Park said.

After many years as the team’s head coach, Patrick Quinn has coached multiple CIF championship games and won his first ring in 2012. He uses his background in the army, where he played for the volleyball team, to motivate his players and keep them on the track to success. Quinn is very aware of the effort it takes to obtain a CIF title and is proud of his players’ efforts this season.

“[The team’s] dedication to a mutual team goal and hard work is what makes them successful,” Quinn said.