He Laughs at Losses : Loyola’s Ace Spiker Likes the Role of the Underdog

Chuck Donlon knew what to expect when he decided to play volleyball at Loyola Marymount. He was aware that winning would be a rarity.

“When I came here, I knew we weren’t going to win many games,” Donlon said. “But I like being the huge underdog.”

Donlon doesn’t mind losing, although he admits it can get frustrating. The Lions’ 6-foot-4 middle blocker loves competing against the tough guys in his league, which includes powerhouses UCLA, USC and Pepperdine.

“I just look at other teams as being cocky,” Donlon said. “They come in here bored, saying, ‘Ho, hum, we’re playing Loyola today. One, two, three, let’s go.’ ”

The 19-year old thrives on being part of a team that isn’t expected to win.

“I guess it makes winning for him that much sweeter,” said Loyola volleyball Coach Rich Rosales.

Loyola’s prize recruit, couldn’t have picked a better school if he likes playing the role of underdog as much as he claims to.

The Lions are never expected to win their matches in the tough Western Intercollegiate Volleyball Assn. Loyola is currently in last place of the 10-member conference.

But much like the Loyola basketball team’s logo, “Shock the world,” Loyola’s volleyball team did just that with back-to-back wins over WIVA opponents. Now the Lions have a 2-13 league record.

Donlon played big roles in the victories over San Diego State and UC Santa Barbara two weeks ago. He was even named WIVA co-player of the week last week for his performances.

“We just couldn’t stop him,” said Santa Barbara Coach Ken Preston. “It had to do with their team digging a lot of balls. They really out-dug us, but Chuck was really hitting well.”

The freshman helped break Loyola’s 11-game conference losing streak with incredible hitting and solid defense.

“He was really getting frustrated with that long streak,” Rosales said. “Just beating San Diego was a load off his shoulders, and after we beat Santa Barbara, a lot of pressure was lifted.”

In Loyola’s 3-1 win over San Diego, Donlon had 10 kills, 2 blocks and 1 ace. Apparently it was just a warm-up for Donlon, who a day later was really hot against Santa Barbara.

He had 19 kills, 8 blocks and 10 digs against the Gauchos and a solid .341 hitting percentage in the game.

“We’re usually a roller-coaster team,” Donlon said. “For some reason, we play so much better and consistent against the real good teams than the ones we should be beating.”

The Lions weren’t expected to beat Santa Barbara, the WIVA’s third-place team, which is also ranked fifth nationally. That made Loyola’s home win over the Gauchos even sweeter.

“It was definitely the best victory that I’ve ever had,” Donlon said. “I just can’t explain it. It was incredible.”

It was even better for Donlon, who almost went to Santa Barbara. He was heavily recruited by the Gauchos during his senior year at Bishop Montgomery High, where he twice was an Angelus League volleyball MVP and all-CIF.

“I saw that he was a quick, big kid in the middle,” Preston said. “He’s also a very good hitter and he jumps well. Loyola apparently had more to offer him financially.”

Cal State Long Beach and the University of Hawaii were also interested in Donlon. And Santa Barbara, which finished fourth in the WIVA last year, has advanced to the West Regional playoffs eight of the last nine years.

So why did Donlon pick Loyola, the cellar team of the WIVA?

He gives two reasons: One is that he wanted to stay close to Manhattan Beach where he grew up with his mother and sister. The other deals with floor time.

“I knew I’d get to play here,” he said. “I know if I would have gone to UCSB, I probably wouldn’t be playing. So I try not to dwell on what could have been had I gone to a better program. I’m happy here.”

At Loyola, Donlon is the star. He is the only team member on a full scholarship.

Donlon leads the Lions with 23 solo blocks (the rest of the team combines for 35) and 28 block assists. His hitting percentage (.223) is second on the team to sophomore Chris Young, who’s hitting .263. Donlon also has 156 kills this season.

“When I first saw him, he was a sophomore in high school,” said Rosales, “and he really impressed me. Chuck is a very strong hitter. He can really dominate the front row.”

Sometimes Donlon’s physical talent isn’t enough. He said that after losing game after game, it’s tough to get pumped up and perform your best.

“What do I use as an incentive ?” Donlon said. “You know . . . that’s hard to answer. I guess lots of times it’s real hard to get fired up. Lots of times we’re just not fired up and we lose to teams we should beat.”

A lot of Donlon’s success has to do with mental toughness. A strong physique and great ability to pound the ball aren’t his only attributes.

“His mind is very tough,” Rosales said. “It has to be. Chuck is definitely not a quitter and he’s extremely competitive. He is a very strong individual. I haven’t seen many young players as mentally tough as he is.”

Perhaps if he continues combining his mental and physical strengths, Donlon can help lead the Lions to more than just two conference victories in the future.

“I’d like to get to regionals,” Donlon said. “I don’t think that’s too far out of reach. With the players that are coming back next year I really think we have a lot of potential to do well. A lot of people are looking forward to next year.”

But if the Lions don’t succeed, well, no one expected them to anyway.

“I know we’re always expected to lose,” Donlon said. “I guess that’s why there’s really no pressure.”