Positive feedback

It is always great when we receive positive feedback from coaches in regards to our officials. I would like to share an email I received in regards to two of our finest…Greg Lockley and Ryan Lynn.

Hello Greg and Ryan,

Sorry I didn’t get to talk to you last night after the match much. Senior night and wanted to get the kids moving so they could get to their banquet and get home at a decent hour.

Just wanted to say that I thought both of you did a good job last night with the match. And I am not saying that about calls or anything, although I did think you both called a fair and consistent game for both of the teams. You both handled the match and did a great job communicating with coaches, keeping a good flow and pace to the match, and handled yourselves with professionalism. A competitive match like the one last night often has emotions riding high for all parties and I thought your calm influences both the players and coaches and keeps the temperature down in the gym. That effects the players, coaches, and the spectators. It made for a great atmosphere.

I don’t know if I will see you down the road, but you are both WPIAL/PIAA Championship caliber officials and I hope that word gets spread. Not only last night, but the other matches you have officiated for Shaler Area this year.

Thanks for all your time and effort. It is greatly appreciated and good luck moving forward.

Sincerely,

Paul Stadelman
Shaler Area Boys Volleyball

Armstrong County Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2023 – Tom Phillips, Volleyball, Freeport

Tom Phillips, one of the most decorated volleyball coaches in Pennsylvania history, was a graduate of Freeport Area High School and has carved his legacy as the head coach of the Yellowjackets’ girls volleyball team. Phillips is also a graduate of Butler County Community College.
Phillips has been the head volleyball coach at Freeport since 2001. Phillips also owns and operates Big Valley Volleyball. To date, his teams have won 18 consecutive section titles, seven WPIAL Titles, four WPIAL runner-up finishes and two PIAA Championships, in 2017 and 2022.
Phillips owns an incredible career record of 405 wins against jut 38 loses. Phillips has been selected to numerous Coach of the Year honors and will also be inducted into the Alle-Kiski Hall of fame this coming May.