Falcons’ Wesley Cormier nabs All-CIF boys’ volleyball honors
Wesley Cormier combed through the options with Crescenta Valley High boys’ volleyball Coach John Nelson before the season began about where he might best serve the Falcons on the floor.
There were multiple possibilities in which the senior said he could have helped Falcons contend for the Pacific League crown and make a lengthy run in the CIF Southern Section Division III playoffs. Cormier came to the court each match prepared and willing to tackle a new position, if needed.
Cormier started the season as an outside hitter. That lasted several matches before Nelson moved Cormier to middle blocker during the Redondo Tournament. Cormier flourished at his new spot and he and the Falcons soared from there. For his solid work, Cormier received an unexpected postseason award of being named to the All-CIF Southern Section Division III first team on Tuesday.
“We talked about all the different possibilities and did whatever it took to help the team be successful,” Cormier said. “I stayed focused at practice and everything paid off.
“Trying to get All-CIF was a goal, but it wasn’t a main focus. It’s a great honor and I’m happy to be alongside some great players.”
Cormier’s signature jump serve often ignited the Falcons, who went 19-10 and 8-4 in league for third place behind Burroughs and Claremont before they advanced to the quarterfinals. Cormier became the third Falcon since the program’s inception in 1990 to earn All-CIF honors, joining Doug English (1998) and Stuart Lange (2005).
Cormier led Crescenta Valley with 279 kills, 55 aces and 51 blocks and was named to the all-league first team.
“I had to go out there and keep a good attitude and don’t worry about making mistakes,” said Cormier, who helped the Falcons post playoff victories against L.A. Baptist and Cerritos.
Nelson said Cormier deserved that All-CIF recognition.
“He wasn’t expecting that, but he’s that good of a player,” Nelson said. “In terms of the history of our program, he’s right up there.
“We started the season thinking he’d be our go-to outside hitter and we looked to see if he could be stopped. We thought he’d be better in the middle and be a bigger weapon. He has that great jump serve and he’s the whole package.”
South Torrance outside hitter Andy Gage was named the division’s player of the year after guiding his team to the CIF championship.
