It was the final open gym for the new Bethel volleyball coach Robert Gatrell, and he was beaming.  It had nothing to do with how well everyone was playing, but more about how many people were playing.
Gatrell, who comes over to Bethel from previous stints at Wayne High School, and Wright State University, was more than happy with the turnout as they turn their attention to the start of fall sports practice at Bethel High School.
“I can’t wait to start coaching here, and getting to start a new program,” he said, while the 30-plus girls in attendance were out working.  “I want to improve this program, and this is a community that supports their sports programs well here at Bethel.”
Gatrell is already familiar with many of the players, as his wife Mindy teaches at the high school.
“She knows about the kids, and I wanted to help with the program for a couple of years now, but have been very busy.”
But now that he taken over the program, he has enjoyed what he has seen this summer so far.
“We have had a large turnout in the open gyms this year,” Gatrell said.  “Last year, there were no cuts at Bethel, but this year, 31 girls have said they are going to try out.”
Taking over a program is always a challenge for any coach, and Gatrell is no different.
“We have a great group of girls out there,” he said.  “We have five returning starters back, but graduated all of our setters.  That will obviously be a challenge for us.  We have heard from 14 girls who said they are interested in being a setter, so it is the matter of finding some.”
Gatrell is joined on his coaching staff by junior varsity coach Wayne Laughman, along with middle school coaches Beth Stump and Bethany Artz.  That group will try to prepare this group for what is hoping to be a better season when they open the year August 28 at Fairlawn.
“Some of the girls on the team will have different roles than last year,” Gatrell said.  “We have a good nucleus of kids.  I like the enthusiasm and attitude so far.”
While Gatrell is working hard to prepare the Lady Bees for a successful season, he expects the girls to represent the school in a positive way.
“Unity is important for us to be successful,” he said.  “The most important thing is respect and love the game.  I would love to have people from the other schools to see that we have a classy group of girls.”
“Wins and losses are important, but representing our district is the most important.”
*Bethel will have tryouts for the volleyball teams on August 9-11, with the junior high going from 4-6 p.m., and the high school from 6-8 p.m.