The playoffs are getting closer and closer, for us, being within such few points of so many teams, we've had to kick practice up a notch, getting in the mind set of playoff volleyball. Even though, we were able to steal last match from up north in Lapland, we have another huge task ahead this Saturday, against Muurle.
Like last year, I look forward to the great atmosphere, which the playoffs brings to Finnish volleyball and Kerttula a like. Hopefully, we can get that feeling going early with 4 home matches left, fill Kerttula up and start bringing in that playoff atmosphere that is right around the corner. Our first chance is this Saturday at 17:00 against a very strong Muurle team, who is looking for a little pay back. I know we have been working harder then ever and we are waiting and ready to play again for our home fans and we can't wait to see more and more fans enjoying the hard fought matches to come in the next following weeks at Kerttula. See you Saturday!
Also, little sneak peak into our special morning sessions. No one has been working harder in the training sessions latley then Tuomasy, even if he doesn't agree so much with the workouts... Hope you enjoy and hope to see more of the best fans in Finland Saturday, enjoying the hard fought battle every point of the way.
Until next time,
Dustin (Jenkki #1)
torstai 23. helmikuuta 2012
keskiviikko 15. helmikuuta 2012
Loimu Warrior
It's been an interesting year so far to say the least. With no snow until the middle of December and the amount of games increased, its been different and a struggle at times for us, trying to find consistency within such a great year, full of strong teams. One thing hasn't changed though, our ability to come to the training with high spirits and ready to out work the rest of the league. Which can be and has been personified by one person, that guy being #5, Mr. Rumpunen.
Since, I set foot in Kerttula last year, till now, Ossi has personified in what our team is trying to do this year and that is to outwork the competition. Coming in the gym every day, no matter how his day was outside Kerttula, finding and giving all the energy he has for the training period. Even though frustration and pessimism has leaked its way into our locker room, time after time, he has lead with his actions, in the training hall, up lifting the spirit of the team and leading with his efforts, fueling our training environment and in my mind one of the huge reasons, that we have been so successful in 5 game matches this year. We still have a lot of work to go, to get where we want to be but I am sure of it, we are all capable of the work and are ready for the challenge, especially #5.
Being apart of Loimu, one of things I have found I've enjoyed the much, is the passion that everyone who puts on a orange and black jersey comes to play with, especially Ossi. Below, you can see how important he is to the success of our team, not only with his play but with his on court attitude. But to any Loimu fan, its just the standard they have become accustomed to, having the pleasure to have Ossi on their side, personifying the pride in wearing the black and orange
Since, I set foot in Kerttula last year, till now, Ossi has personified in what our team is trying to do this year and that is to outwork the competition. Coming in the gym every day, no matter how his day was outside Kerttula, finding and giving all the energy he has for the training period. Even though frustration and pessimism has leaked its way into our locker room, time after time, he has lead with his actions, in the training hall, up lifting the spirit of the team and leading with his efforts, fueling our training environment and in my mind one of the huge reasons, that we have been so successful in 5 game matches this year. We still have a lot of work to go, to get where we want to be but I am sure of it, we are all capable of the work and are ready for the challenge, especially #5.
Being apart of Loimu, one of things I have found I've enjoyed the much, is the passion that everyone who puts on a orange and black jersey comes to play with, especially Ossi. Below, you can see how important he is to the success of our team, not only with his play but with his on court attitude. But to any Loimu fan, its just the standard they have become accustomed to, having the pleasure to have Ossi on their side, personifying the pride in wearing the black and orange
Until next time,
Dustin (Jenkki #1)
perjantai 3. helmikuuta 2012
Tuomas' big night, The Return of Jimmy.
It was a sore for the eye, for the fans at Kertulla for the first two sets against Muurle, Wednesday night. They were firing on all gears, going into the break, up 2-0 and looking to steal 3 points, sealing up a quick 3 game win. With some motivating words by our captain, during the break, we were quickly refocused and took the court back by storm, with Ossi opposite of the setter and an unfamiliar leader to the casual Loimu fan, Tuomas Koppanen.
The youngest player on the roster, Koppanen has really come into his own this year, playing not only with us but with Division 1 Parma. It's been tough road, switching between games and practices with both teams and once with us, being the youngest of the bunch, taking his share of the jokes from the older guys on the team. But none of the less, the respect is there and he has earned it, it was easy to see at Kertulla on Wednesday, passing with confidence, able to consistently swing high and hard for kills and coming up with big plays at the net when we needed him most.
But the win, was a great team win, besides Tuomas coming into his own, Ossi was able to set the tone quickly, able to contort the ball to his will, hard, soft, over the block, he looked like he had never left the position from October 2010, when he was selected the best player of the Month. Playing without error, lead to others handling the ball much better, Garret, having one of his most dominant matches so far, with Jani Sippola, controlling not only the flow of the game, but the right side block, shutting down their left side attack throughout the 4th set. This lead to a very competitive 5th game, where are closers in the middle, Sami and Henri. Who were able to come up with some huge plays to shift the momentum, most notably, Henri's huge block on the right side moving the game to 14-11 and out of reach for the visitors. And cannot forget the image of Olli, making his mark in Loimu black and orange with his big solo block.
With a great win, comes even a greater challenge tomorrow night, when our neighbors Hurrikaani visits, with a former face in Jimmy Hernandez. Hurrikaani has had a fantastic start to their season, rising to the top of the league, with a much different look to their team, most notably the addition of Jimmy. Fortunate enough, to spend my first year abroad with Jimmy as a teammate, I was able to take a lot from him and the professionalism he comes to work with day after day, making him one of the most dominate players in the Finnish SM. His ability, to have the upmost focus, whether its a playoff match, practice or morning practice, where half the players are below the age of 18, he was always getting better, which of course was contagious, leading without words, other teammates to the same intensity and focus.
It was easy to also marvel at his attacks and game changing defensive plays but one of his best assets as a teammate was to take on his individual accomplishments and use them for the better of the team's momentum. Consistently showing his passion and celebrating other's success on the court and be able to show no need for concern and confidence when things were going poorly.
Jimmy, no doubt had a lot to do with our team's success, being not only a great teammate but a great friend, with that said, I can't wait for tomorrow's match as it will be one of the most electric games to be played this year at Kertulla and I know we can't wait for the challenge to knock off the #1 team in Finland at the moment. Can't wait, hope to see you all there.
Until next year,
Dustin (Jenkki #1)
The youngest player on the roster, Koppanen has really come into his own this year, playing not only with us but with Division 1 Parma. It's been tough road, switching between games and practices with both teams and once with us, being the youngest of the bunch, taking his share of the jokes from the older guys on the team. But none of the less, the respect is there and he has earned it, it was easy to see at Kertulla on Wednesday, passing with confidence, able to consistently swing high and hard for kills and coming up with big plays at the net when we needed him most.
 |
| Hard work, paying off for Koppanen |
But the win, was a great team win, besides Tuomas coming into his own, Ossi was able to set the tone quickly, able to contort the ball to his will, hard, soft, over the block, he looked like he had never left the position from October 2010, when he was selected the best player of the Month. Playing without error, lead to others handling the ball much better, Garret, having one of his most dominant matches so far, with Jani Sippola, controlling not only the flow of the game, but the right side block, shutting down their left side attack throughout the 4th set. This lead to a very competitive 5th game, where are closers in the middle, Sami and Henri. Who were able to come up with some huge plays to shift the momentum, most notably, Henri's huge block on the right side moving the game to 14-11 and out of reach for the visitors. And cannot forget the image of Olli, making his mark in Loimu black and orange with his big solo block.
 |
| The first sight of Olli in Black and Orange |
With a great win, comes even a greater challenge tomorrow night, when our neighbors Hurrikaani visits, with a former face in Jimmy Hernandez. Hurrikaani has had a fantastic start to their season, rising to the top of the league, with a much different look to their team, most notably the addition of Jimmy. Fortunate enough, to spend my first year abroad with Jimmy as a teammate, I was able to take a lot from him and the professionalism he comes to work with day after day, making him one of the most dominate players in the Finnish SM. His ability, to have the upmost focus, whether its a playoff match, practice or morning practice, where half the players are below the age of 18, he was always getting better, which of course was contagious, leading without words, other teammates to the same intensity and focus.
 |
| Never one to back down, one of the most passionate and exciting players in the league. |
It was easy to also marvel at his attacks and game changing defensive plays but one of his best assets as a teammate was to take on his individual accomplishments and use them for the better of the team's momentum. Consistently showing his passion and celebrating other's success on the court and be able to show no need for concern and confidence when things were going poorly.
 |
| Always focused, no doubt a big reason at Hurrikaani's success this year |
Jimmy, no doubt had a lot to do with our team's success, being not only a great teammate but a great friend, with that said, I can't wait for tomorrow's match as it will be one of the most electric games to be played this year at Kertulla and I know we can't wait for the challenge to knock off the #1 team in Finland at the moment. Can't wait, hope to see you all there.
Until next year,
Dustin (Jenkki #1)
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