Leaders usually are described as friendly, modest, and hard-working. Not as a “kill-er” like our varsity boys volleyball captain Michael Rowen. Rowen has had more experience than most other players in the program; he is in his third year on varsity, and is considered to be the star player. He is leading in the kill-count this season.

However, “kill-er” does not mean that he has committed homicide, but instead is a reference to his position on the court as the team’s middle hitter. Rowen is leading his team as the only senior, and one of four varsity returnees. Eight other players join varsity this year including two sophomores: Charlie Long (middle hitter) and Sang Ahn (setter). Carol Herlocker, the head of the volleyball department at North, says that she does not have to worry about team chemistry, even with the variation in grade levels and varsity level experience.

The team is12 games in and has started off with a shaky  5-7 record overall. The Vikings opened their season with tournament play at Marist, facing several highly ranked teams. They have also played the former sectional championship New Trier Trevians, falling in two sets. However, the Vikings got a solid win on Thursday by defeating Evanston in two sets.

Recently in the cross-conference classic between Niles West and Niles North, North triumphed with their first win over West in three years. Captain Rowen lead the team to victory with six blocks and four kills. Varsity new comer sophomore Charlie Long delivered four kills as well along with two blocks. The Vikings cut the first match close, winning 26-24. The second match was less of a struggle once the team had a feel for things, and ended with a final score of 25-18.

Rowen has taken the reins as captain this year, and the position is well deserved as it is his third year on varsity.

“We’re a young team, but we’ve seen a lot of progress early in the season,” Rowen said. “We have played some really tough teams in tournaments and are looking forward to our upcoming conference matches.”