Men’s Volleyball Team Is Set to Move Up

When we last left Ray Ratelle, his friends were rallying around him--and hiding sharp objects.

Ratelle, Long Beach State men’s volleyball coach and all-around good guy, was really down after Cal State Northridge upset his team in the first round of the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation playoffs in April. It was the lowest point in a career otherwise filled with peaks, not only because of the loss but because of what it ended.

Last season’s squad was among the most talented and enjoyable groups that Ratelle had worked with in his 15 years as 49er coach. At the time, Ratelle felt as if the proverbial walls were collapsing around him.

“Yeah, that was really hard,” he said. “I wasn’t sure how we were going to bounce back from that, especially because we lost so much.

“But I’ve been kind of surprised so far. Now I’m thinking that it’s going to be a real interesting year.”

From hopelessness to hope in eight months. The reason? Talent.

Ratelle’s squad has more potential than he realized. Preseason practice has opened his eyes, and improved his disposition.

“We’ve played amazingly well,” Ratelle said. “The guys have really impressed me with what they’ve been doing and how they’re picking up things. To be honest about it, we’re a lot better than I thought. A lot better.”

The rays of light are everywhere, Ratelle said. This season’s freshman class is already making an impact, and the 49ers don’t begin their season until Jan. 9.

Setter Chris Seifert has moved to the front of the group. Seifert, a former Capistrano Valley High standout, is making big plays every practice, and he also stood out in the 49ers’ exhibition matches, Ratelle said.

“He’s good right now and he’s going to be a very good player,” Ratelle said. “He’s real athletic. He jumps well and he gets to a lot of balls.”

Hitter Ed Ratledge (Fountain Valley High) is another impressive newcomer, Ratelle said. At 6 feet 9, Ratledge is an imposing figure at the net.

“He’s left-handed and he’s got a lot of ability,” Ratelle said.

The 49ers also received a talent infusion from a transfer. Senior hitter Nick Pabarcus, formerly of San Diego State, has shown Ratelle a lot so far and will compete for significant court time.

The cupboard wasn’t exactly bare to begin with. Standout Gaby Amarr, a junior middle blocker, is back better and wiser.

“We’re going to be pretty solid in the middle with Gaby,” Ratelle said. “He sure did a good job for us last year.”

Senior hitter Geoffrey Cryst is another key player. Cryst was selected honorable mention all-federation last season. His season ended March 15 after he broke the fibula in his left leg during a match against Northridge.

“He’s easily the best outside hitter in the [federation],” Ratelle said. “Not having him really killed us in the second half last season.”

So with all this talent, what gives? How could Ratelle have been so concerned about the future?

Part of the reason is that Ratelle and his players had such lofty goals last season. Anything short of a national championship just wouldn’t cut it, so Ratelle couldn’t get too excited about a 21-6 record or that the 49ers were ranked as high as second.

Now, Ratelle realizes he has lots to feel good about.

“I just thought it would take us some time and that we would take some lumps,” Ratelle said. “They still have to get some experience because they’re just a bunch of young guys--but they’re real good young guys.”

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On the way up: That’s the way Ratelle feels about his program.

This season’s recruiting class might be the best in Ratelle’s tenure. He said he has received commitments from four players who should keep the 49ers rolling for years.

“The outlook for us really looks great,” Ratelle said. “We’ve got good kids and good players.”

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Here comes Ike: Barring the unforeseen, senior center Ike Nwankwo will make his debut for the men’s basketball team Dec. 21 at Montana.

“I’ve been ready,” Nwankwo said. “This is what I’ve been waiting for.”

Nwankwo, who transferred from UCLA, becomes eligible once the fall semester ends Dec. 20. Nwankwo (6-11, 250 pounds) should eventually give the 49ers a big boost in two areas: rebounding and post defense.

Nwankwo hasn’t played much in the last five years. He transferred from UCLA after appearing in only 60 games from 1992 to 1996.

Although the Big West’s overall talent level doesn’t approach the Pacific 10’s, it will still probably take Nwankwo time to adjust to his new surroundings. For the 49ers’ sake, though, Nwankwo better be a quick study.

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Coming Attractions

Here’s a look at key games this week for Long Beach State:

* Women’s basketball, 2 p.m. Sunday vs. Loyola Marymount at the Pyramid.