Volleyball Webkey
Each morning when John Jay High School opens, volleyball coach Maria Mahoney peers into the gymnasium.
The hardwood floor is being repaired after it incurred water damage during the first week in August. Little by little, the coach has noticed the progress being made each day.
Mahoney is hopeful the amends will be done soon and the floor will be as good as new, since her team has not been able to play home matches. So far, the Patriots have played both their matches on the road.
“Every day it’s looking a little more complete. But it’s kind of crazy. Everything that was home is away,” Mahoney said. “Hopefully we won’t be out the whole season and we’ll be able to finish up the season on that beautiful court — and hopefully play some sectional games on that new court.”
The Patriots are trying not to allow the situation to affect them. In fact, the players have been more relaxed about the predicament than the coach.
“I kind of tell (Mahoney) ‘calm down.’ Overall we’re doing alright and handling it well,” said senior Skylar Kellam, who was a member of John Jay’s team in 2013 which reached the New York State Class AA semifinals. “It can be difficult at times, but we’ll be fine.”
The team may be back home sooner rather than later.
Superintendent Jose Carrion said the restoration should be complete in two weeks. The floor has been sanded, but needs to be sealed and painted. The school’s insurance company is covering the cost.
“It’s going to look like a brand new floor,” Carrion said. “Things happen. We’re working on it as best we can.”
Until then, the Patriots have to make do — which has come with negatives and positives.
On the unfavorable side, Mahoney said she has had to carry around the team’s equipment, which includes over 40 volleyballs, to their practice sites.
Yet on the plus side, the Patriots have gotten help in terms of practice locations.
Several schools, including Arlington, Beacon, Roy C. Ketcham and Our Lady of Lourdes, have offered to let John Jay practice in their gyms when time has permitted. However, the team has only practiced in Ketcham’s gym on one occasion. Likewise, the Patriots have practiced free of charge at Fishkill Recreation Center.
Mahoney and her players appreciate the support.
“It’s one big, volleyball world,” Mahoney said. “People are willing to help. We’re overwhelmed by the offers.”
Added Kellam: “It feels great, mainly because we know some of the other girls from club teams. We have a lot of support behind us, that’s important.”
John Jay visits North Rockland for its next match at 4:30 p.m. Monday.
A.J. Martelli: amartelli@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-437-4836, Twitter: @AJM_PoJoSports