Danny Glotzbach, Jason Van Tiem, Jimmy Kennedy, and Patrick Kennelly discussed the possibility of gathering a group of boys to formulate a competitive volleyball team for the Hilltoppers.  The 4 freshmen had volleyball experience through St. Petronille School and realized that Glenbard West was the only school in the West Suburban Silver Conference that did not acquire a boys volleyball program.  With the support and many meetings, the boys felt they were making progress and that a future for Boys Volleyball was near.

BOYS AQUIRE A VOLLEYBALL TEAM AT WEST.  With uniforms, offsite facilities, a volunteer coach Christine Giunta-Mayer, and NO TEAMS TO PLAY, the boys simply organized their own practices and worked towards the future.  With the support of the GEPD, community schools, and the village of Glen Ellyn, the boys worked out twice a week and played inner-squad scrimmages to better themselves.  They were given a few open gym times at Glenbard West where they attempted to recruit students for their future program.  From March through May 21st the boys continued to promote and encourage the Glenbard West Athletic Department to consider the beginning of a Boy’s Volleyball Team. They were making strides and continued to practice without any competitions in order to assure that they were serious about making this an opportunity for others in the future.  The 2002 team consisted of Danny Glotzbach, Jason Van Tiem, Jimmy Kennedy, Peter Comerford, Patrick Kennelly, Nate Burrows, Kevin Rohr, and Brad Taylor.

2004

BOY’S VOLLEYBALL… CONTINUES TO GROW.  More meetings, many proposals, and a lot of information from the IHSA on what they could and could not do, the boys receive devastating news that the Glenbard West referendum did not pass.  Although morale is low, the boys pursued their request for a team.  With bigger strides, much persistence, and consistent determination, the boy’s felt they have a chance.  Christine Giunta-Mayer coached both teams, offsite and onsite facilities were used for practices, support came from different groups of parents and Glenbard West allowed for the students to display and show case their team.  In March the boys hosted an open gym at Beister.  They knew great opportunities were to come when Brett Kuzniar walked in the gym, which later became a key role to the Hilltopper success.  In April non-conference teams were notified and slowly a small schedule was built.   2004 was a big year for the boy’s volleyball team as a freshmen and Junior Varsity Team became a reality.

Let the games begin.

BOY’S VOLLEYBALL EMMERGES AT GLENBARD WEST HIGH SCHOOL Coach Giunta-Mayer and the boys continued to encourage students to try out for volleyball.  Rules and regulations meetings, hiring their own referees, scoring their own games, setting up for their 7 home competitions, finding busses, parents meetings, and delivering the information to the student body that there was to be an emerging sport at Glenbard West. In the spring of 2005 the Glenbard West Boy’s Volleyball Association was founded.  Glenbard West held their first Boys Volleyball Tryouts in Beister Gym. With enough interest and continued support from Coach Christine Giunta-Mayer (Sophomore and Varsity Coach) and the hiring of Freshman Coach Tim Hoder, the Glenbard West Boy’s Volleyball Association was able to field a freshman, sophomore, and Junior Varsity Team.  The boys were not participating in the West Suburban Silver Conference, however they were an emerging program and given the opportunity to join the teams in the IHSA Regional/Sectional Competition.  The Glenbard Boys were determined to prove that they had a program that would last, draw interest, and lead to much success.  Teams such as Fenton, St. Francis, St. Edwards, Montini Catholic, Lockport High School, IMSA, and St. Patrick’s took on the mighty Hill toppers.   Everything was going there their way.  In late March a local high school team dropped out of the Glenbard East Varsity Tournament and Hilltoppers were given an opportunity to show that they had what it took to play with the Big Boys.  They became a member of one of the toughest tournaments in the West and were soon getting recognition from other schools, coaches, and the Daily Herald.  With a great future ahead and hopes for finally becoming a member of the IHSA, Glenbard West Boy’s Volleyball was finally established and a recognized sport at Glenbard West High School.

GLENBARD WEST BOY’S VOLLEBYALL BECOMES A MEMBER OF THE IHSA.  The hard work had all paid off for the boys volleyball program.  Persistence, patience, and determination allowed for this group of boys to accomplish their goal, just in time for their senior year.  With 35 boys in the program, freshman A/B teams, junior varsity teams, and varsity teams developed.   The boys became an official member of the IHSA and were given the opportunity to compete in a number of games in the spring season.  The Varsity alone played 32 games and competed in the Glenbard East, Vernon Hills, Bartlett, and Benet Tournaments (Benet beginning their first program this year).  The Hilltoppers were given the opportunity to play Proviso West, Hinsdale Central, and Oak Park River Forest in order to prepare them for their conference competition next year (finishing 1-2).  They also competed against top teams in their region including Morton, Benet, St. Francis, and Leyden.  New uniforms, scheduled refs, 11 home competitions, court time, and continual support from parents, friends, coaches, and Glenbard West, Jason Van Tiem (sr.), Danny Glotzbach (sr.), Jimmy Kennedy (sr.), and Patrick Kennelly (sr.) played competitive volleyball their senior year.  Through their recruitment and valid efforts to have a memorable season, Peter Comerford (sr.), Ryan Comerford (jr.), Brett Kuzniar (sr.), Brian Hyosaka (sr.), Brad Taylor (sr.), Paul Hale (sr.), and Johnny Shurna (soph.) allowed for an outstanding season finishing with a winning record of 18-17. Brett Kuzniar was given the honor of ALL-AREA and attended the University of Iowa where he competes in Division I volleyball for the Hawkeyes. Congratulations to the graduating seniors who were a part of history at Glenbard West.  The history of the program was told at an emotional Senior Night as the boys met with all of their friends and families to say farewell.  They thanked everyone that allowed for the success of the program and played in Beister Gym for the last time.  In 2006 the teams accomplished something that was worth waiting for and continue to look forward to next season as members of the West Suburban Silver Conference (Proviso West, Hinsdale Central, York, Downers Grove North, Oak Park River Forest, Lyons Township, and GLENBARD WEST!)

2006 Roster

2006 Stats

2007

GLENBARD WEST BOYS VOLLEBYALL A MEMBER OF THE WCC CONFERENCE.  The year 2007 brought much success for the Glenbard West Boys Volleyball Program.  Coach Giunta-Mayer and the boys knew this year would bring growth to their program, along with competition.  As the Hilltoppers began their season, they realized they had finally reached a top level of competition.  Their schedule included highly ranked teams such as Hinsdale Central, L.T., O.P.R.F., Benet, St. Francis, Mundelein, Nequa Valley, DGN, Morton, and Oswego.  2007 also brought more students to the program, which included fourteen Varsity, fourteen J.V., and twelve freshmen.  With the entire Varsity team graduating their seniors last year, the juniors and two sophomores lead the team and brought more experience to Glenbard West Boys Volleyball.  The boys highlighted their season by taking 3rd in the Bartlett and Vernon Hills tournaments, almost upsetting state ranked Hinsdale Central (32-2), taking IMSA in two, beginning their season with a 3-0 record, and watching their teammates succeed in everyway. 

With history in the making, Kit Ortmann was the first Boys Volleyball All-Conference recipient, what an accomplishment.  The boys also highlight their game vs. Hinsdale South @ the Vernon Hills tournament as Johnny Shurna announced his acceptance of a basketball scholarship to Northwestern during their warm-ups!  Go Johnny!  The Junior Varsity squad also made history, as the first Glenbard West Boys Volleyball Team to take a conference title with a record of 5-1, overall record of 18-5. The Hilltoppers also hosted the first Boys Hilltopper Invitational Challenge at Glenbard West for 7th and 8th graders.  The tournament brought 18 teams to Glenbard West and a lot of young and perspective volleyball players.  The program was on the rise with another experienced coach on board, Coach Dan Scott provided energy and a great understanding of the game. 

Always a supporter, Coach Tim Hoder was another key to the success of the students and big thanks for years of experience.  Finally, Coach Pete Mastandrea has been an asset to the program as Coach Giunta-Mayer works in the fall with the Varsity Girls VB Program.  The two programs have merged, sharing equipment, sharing gym space, and sharing strategies.  Coach Mastandrea and Coach Mayer have taken a turn with GWVB.  Coach Giunta-Mayer looks forward to 2008 with a four year setter Jack Kennedy returning, an older Varsity team with years of volleyball under their belts, and a new freshmen class with lot of talent and experience. 

2007 Roster

2007 Stats

2007 Standings

2008

MAKING HISTORY- Not enough can be said about the Glenbard West Boys volleyball program in 2008.  History was made, goals were met, and the Toppers had an unforgettable year.  With Coach Giunta-Mayer coaching the program for its sixth season, the boys knew the expectations for the spring were high. The talent was there, the athletes were dedicated, and the Varsity set three team goals, in which all were accomplished, and then some!  With the highest enrollment of student-athletes to join the program, the GWBVBA was no longer building.  They had started a journey that was attracting top quality athletes and gained the confidence they needed to have a winning season (19-15).  With only 2 returning seniors from the previous year, the young Hilltoppers proved to the WSSC that they could compete with the best.  The Varsity Topper boys highlighted their season by making history.  This year alone they were awarded 2 all-conference players (captains Jack Kennedy and Kit Ortmann), had a winning record in the conference of 4-2 (3^rd place defeating OPRF, York, Proviso West, and Downers Grove North), went 4-1 in the Vernon Hills tournament, finishing second place overall, had a Senior Captain Kit Ortmann named all-area (Daily Herald), and most important, boys volleyball was accepted into Glenbard West High School and will be recognized and funded as an official sport in 2009. 

Once again, senior leadership was key to the Hilltoppers success, Captains Kit Ortmann and Jack Kennedy were given the West Suburban Silver all-conference honors.  Kit Ortmann finished the season with 349 kills (averaging 10 kills per game) and Jack Kennedy was the connecting player who made it happen.  The only two returning seniors inspired and energized the team to set the bar high, and go for it all.  They were key components in chemistry of the team, and left a mark in the program that will never be forgotten.  Kit was also given the program’s second all-area award and was recognized by the Daily Herald as one of the best players in the DuPage County.   The Varsity as a whole produced many upsets defeating Morton (Gold Division conference champs), Downers Grove South, Hinsdale South, and Vernon Hills. 

The Varsity was not the only team that deserved recognition.  The Junior Varsity squad defended their title as they pulled through for two consecutive years as conference champions.  They beat their conference record last year finishing 6-0.  Once again Coach Dan Scott provided the program with more volleyball knowledge.  But we can’t stop there.  As the history of the program continues, it’s time to put the freshman in the books.  With a record of 5-1, our freshman boys’ team won the conference.  This was a testimony to the time and dedication that our new coach, Pete Mastandera, brought to the program.  We also were fortunate to have a fourth coach, George Ellis, who acted as our conditioning and rotating coach.   With an unbelievable coaching staff and motivated student-athletes, every level finished their 2008 seasons with winning records, the best year ever.

Finally, nothing more can be said without mentioning the support from our parents, student-athletes, alumni, coaches, mangers, and fans.  Without all of you, the program would not be where it is today, and would not have been given an opportunity to go in the direction that it is headed.  The merge of the girls and boys program has made a tremendous difference in our success.  Coach Pete Mastandrea and Coach Giunta-Mayer understand the importance of the connection between the boys and girls programs  Sharing equipment, exchanging stories, creating new drills, looking to the future, designing practices, cleaning up equipment, taking care of Glenbard West High School, and most importantly, teaching and coaching kids to value their school, their programs, and themselves. More thanks to the amazing managers (Liz Lombardi, Emily Lombardi, Erin Loftus, Ruth Mulvihill, Kim Lancaster), the awesome play by play throughout the games (Tommy Nalon), the support from the founders of the program (Jim Kennedy, John Glotzbach), and the new student-athletes to come, you can expect more from the Glenbard West Boys Volleyball in the future.

2008 Roster

2008 Stats

2008 Standings

2009

2009 brought another promising year as the Toppers continued to grow in numbers and in experience. Coach Giunta-Mayer continued to coach her seventh season at Glenbard West and found senior leadership to be the key to success this year. Captains Scottie Glotzbach and Ben Jacobsen lead the team in another winning season with Jonny Schmid receiving All-Conference Recognition. With two starting sophomores on the floor, the Hilltppers new that their athletes had winning attitudes and the talent to get the job done. Their highlights include winning records at all tournaments finishing with a 12-7 overall record on the weekends. The Toppers hosted the first annual FEED THE NEED program at Glenbard West, collecting over 300 bags of food donated to the Glen Ellyn Food Pantry and People's Resource Center in Wheaton. This community partnership with SFHS was the first of many examples of their willingness to play hard, work hard, and share their accomplishments with the community. Coach Giunta-Mayer was recognized by the IHSA with an award for "Sporting a Winning Attitude." This prestigious award was then presented to the athletes for their amazing efforts to make "Feed the Need" a success

With a heavy weighted Senior Team, the Toppers found their experience to be an advantage on the court. Senior Jonny Schmid finished his season with 173 kill and 97 blocks with an all-conference title and all-area recognition. The senior class proved the dedication to the program as they were a part of the building blocks as freshmen. As a team, the Varsity highlights include all of their tournament play, defeated teams such as Vernon Hills, Waubonsie Valley, Naperville Central, Morton, and Hinsdale South.

Once again, the Junior Varsity/Sophomores and Freshmen teams took another conference under their belts, winning the WSS with a 6-0 record, making this the best year we have every had in the lower levels. Coach Dan Scott and Coach Pete Mastandrea are drawing kids to the program with their amazing coaching techniques, abilities, and great way of working with our athletes at Glenbard West.

Another season, another success for the Glenbard West Men's Volleyball Team. All levels continue to grow and finish with winning records. The program continues to grow with numbers that allowed four more athletic teams an opportunity to get involved at GW. The Toppers have goals to meet for next year as they continue to work with the women's program to make sure that the exchange of coaches philosophies are promoted throughout the teams. Finally, the support from our families, parents, friends, student body, and administration continues to build a bridge in the school that accounts for the success of this program. This that was constructed years ago continues to grow and connect everyone together.

2009 Roster

2009 Stats

2009 Standings

2010

LET'S GO- BEST YEAR EVER!

The Glenbard West Men's Volleyball Team continued to make history this year as they finished with their best season ever 21-14. With the Varsity placing 2nd in the WSC and the JV/Soph, Freshmen A and B levels taking 1st, the Toppers continue to sweep through the conference and not look back. Coach Giunta-Mayer finished her eighth season, with her toughest schedule yet. This year the "Tree Toppers" received top recognition in every newspaper, realizing that they were no longer to be put on the back burner. They were succeeding at every level and they were not knocking on any doors, they were walking through, winning games, and turning heads. This year Varsity players Chris Thompson, Kevin McGinnis, and Adam Lepold received All-Conference for the WSS. Chris Thompson was awarded All-Area for the Daily Herald and Local Sun, while Kevin McGinnis earned All-Area for the Dailey Herald and Adam Lepold for the Local Sun. Glenbard West Players also received their first All-Tournament recognition with Adam Lepold earning All-Tournament at the Brother Rice SMACK ATTACK with Chris Thompson and Kevin McGinnis receiving All-Tournament at Benet Academy. Finally, voted by his peers, family, and friends, Adam Lepold was awarded the Trib-Local Player of the month earning $500 for the Building Grounds Project at Glenbard West. These accomplishments could not be made without a team effort and this year the Toppers put themselves in the books with a successful season and a promising future.

The "young" Varsity team was led by 3 seniors, 8 juniors and, 2 sophomores. Their winning record was a reflection on their focus to win games make history. Finishing second in the conference, the Hilltoppers defeated Hinsdale Central, York, and Lyons Township for the first time since the making of men's volleyball team. Their schedule was increased to a level that allows the Hilltoppers to prove they can play with the best. The Toppers competed with the best teams in the state including Lincoln-Way Central, Providence Catholic, St. Francis, DGS, and Morton. Glenbard West was invited to join the top teams in the state at the Brother Rice Smack Attack and found to be one of the only teams to move over a bracket into the next division. The Toppers highlight their season with their outstanding away record, winning 15 games on the road! They continue to move up the ladder finishing in the Silver Division at Glenbard East, Gold Division at Benet Academy, and the Bronze Division at Brother Rice. The Hilltoppers fought the fight at the 2nd Annual "Feed the Need" on the court and off. As the boys battled for the title on the floor, they received an accomplishment beyond words as they collected over 4,200 lbs of food that were donated to the Glen Ellyn Food Pantry and People's Resource Center. Finally, the Toppers hosted the students from the Blackfeet Reservation in Browning, MA. They raised money by working a funfair and donated all proceeds to the students, allowing them to come to Glen Ellyn for their 8th grade trip. .

Coach Scott and Coach Mastandrea had their best seasons this year, finishing 70-3 overall. With the most games on the schedule, the lower levels continued to carry the tradition in the Men's Volleyball Program. JV and Freshmen squads combined brought home five 1st place trophies at local tournaments. They played with the desire to win and proved that the quality of the Men's VB Program at Glenbard West is tip notch. Coach Dan Scott and Coach Pete Mastandrea lead the Toppers in the lower level success, along with Coach Filkins who brought a great perspective and work ethic to the program.

Topper volleyball at Glenbard West is seated on top, with one of the best records throughout the men's programs at Glenbard West. The Varsity was led by Senior Captain Chris Thompson, Senior Bailey O'Brien, and Junior Kevin McGinnis. Chris Thompson had a coming out year in 2010, exploding on the court and proved to be a six rotation player. He finished his season leading the team with 247 kills, and 97 digs in the back court. He set the precedence at GW leading the young student-athletes through his ability to teach, learn, accept, lead, and dig deep to always put points on the board. Following Thompson's lead was Adam Lepold who finished with triple digits of 207 kills and 1137 blocks. None of this happens without outstanding efforts of Chris Glotbach and Alex Emanuel, the quarterbacks of volleyball. And the setters can't produce without the backcourt as Kevin McGinnis set an all time record at GW with 300+ digs and consistent passing and ball control throughout the season. The TOPPERS are on TOP and show no signs of coming off the hill. Look out next year, it should be quite season!

2010 Roster

2010 Stats

2010 Standings

2011

TOPPERS CLIMB TO THE TOP - 4th in State
The Men's Volleyball Program reached it's highest rank this year, breaking individual and team records, and setting the standard for other programs at Glenbard West.  With the Varsity and Freshmen A placing 2nd in the WSC, the JV and Freshmen B took first, once again proving that Glenbard West Volleyball is here to stay.  Coach Giunta-Mayer finished her ninth season with the best record the program has had.  This year, the "Larva" Toppers received recognition throughout the state.  The Varsity opened the eyes of the fans, the players, and their competition.  They were rated and listed to be one of the best teams in the state, and that they were.  This year Varsity players Kevin McGinnis, Adam Lepold, and Ian Lawson received All-Area from the Daily Herald and Glen Ellyn Sun and All-Conference recognition from the WSC.  Kevin McGinnis was named Top 12 All-State players of the year, along with winning the DuPage Valley Player of the year for 2011 Men's Volleyball.  Kevin McGinnis broke the school record for aces and digs, while Adam Lepold topped the charts in blocks, Ian Lawson set an overall record for kills in 42 games, and Alex Emanuel receives all-area recognition and led the school in service points and assists.  All seniors received an All-Academic Letter from the West Suburban Silver for their outstanding accomplishments in the classroom and on the court.  These individual accomplishments were met by a team that had "the best character." It was their character and their will to "be the best" that gave this team an opportunity to be a part of the STATE FINALS in Hoffman Estates.
 
The Varsity team was led by 6 seniors and 8 juniors. Their winning record of 33-9 was led by the determination and leadership of their captains Kevin McGinnis, Adam Lepold, and Chris Glotzbach. Finishing second in the conference, the Hilltoppers defeated Proviso West, Hinsdale Central, LT, York, and finally OPRF.  This year the Varsity defeated five rated state teams, Lincoln Way East, Neuqua Valley, Downers Grove South, Lake Park, and Providence Catholic.  The Toppers highlight their season with their first win against top rated St. Francis at their 3rd annual "Feed the Need" game in Biester Gym.  Other highlights include an undefeated record at home, finishing 9-0, reaching the Gold Division at GE Springfest, winning the Silver Division Championship at Brother Rice Smack Attack, placing 2nd in the Benet Tournament, 2nd in the Vernon Hills, 2nd in conference, and finally, their POST SEASON RUN. For the first time Glenbard West reached their team goal by taking their season to the end.  Glenbard West won the Regional Championship, defeating Rolling Meadows and St. Charles North.  They continued their journey and found themselves upsetting 2nd seed Addison Trail and first seed Lake Park to win the Sectional Championship and move into the ELITE EIGHT at Hoffman Estates High School.  State Semi-Finals were nerve racking as the seniors were to miss a portion of their graduation and the juniors took finals in the morning.  However, the seniors were ready to get the job done, and the juniors helped to carry their team on to the next level.  Glenbard West was victorious against St. Rita High School to continue their dream to the STATE FINALS.  This game was pivotal to the boys, as our seniors put on their caps and gowns, hopped on a bus, and graduated with a round applause that could be heard for miles.  In the end, Glenbard West came back as true "Hilltoppers" bringing home a 4th in state trophy - HOW SWEET IT IS. 
 
The overall record of the program was 103-18, a season that will be unforgettable.  The lower levels played up in tournaments and met the toughest competition we have seen in the Men's program.  JV and Freshmen brought home six 1st place tournament trophies.  They learned and watched from the Varsity, as the juniors and seniors became incredible role models to our younger athletes.  Coach Dan Scott, Coach Pete Mastandrea, and Coach Lindsey Filkins set the standards at the lower levels giving our student-athletes the opportunity to grow and learn to become men.  This year, Glenbard West Men's volleyball began a new program called "This One's For You."  They put meaning into each game and found an understanding and compassion for people.  The coaches taught the student-athletes that their is more to life then volleyball and you can make a difference by simply lending a helping hand, thinking about someone, and often times, recognizing people for what they do or what they have accomplished.  This was the year to learn about teamwork and to make sure that every student new that we will accomplish our goals together, for not one man can do it alone.  In order to succeed, we as a family must ask for help.  We discussed our roles and teachers, coaches, and players throughout the season.  Our goal as a program was to teach more then the games, to instruct with person, with life-long lessons, and to allow the athletes to grow and bulild a structure of trust throughout their volleyball family and the community.  This year's games were dedicated and in honor of our Alumni, the Founding Fathers of the Program, Mr. Ron Murrison, Mrs. Pamela Zimmerman, Mr. Craig Thomas and Family, Mr. Josh Bowler, our friends and families, The Glen Ellyn Food Pantry, The People's Resource Center, the senior athletes and parents, and the Glenbard West Fans and Community.  Thanks to these wonderful people that cared, supported, and followed the Toppers throughout the season, the boys were successful on and off the court.  They learned how to be a team, how to find the desire deep within, they played with heart, learned how to be resilient, and found a way to "make it work" every game.  Thanks boys, you set the example this year - WHAT A RIDE!

2011 Roster

2011 Stats

2011 Standings