Dec. 10, 2009

ROMEOVILLE, Ill. - Lewis head coach Dan Friend announced on Thursday Carter Cassell (Mount Vernon, Ohio/Mount Vernon), Eric Butch (Park Ridge, Ill./Maine South) and Corey Grove (Tinley Park, Ill./Andrew) will join the men's volleyball team in 2010-11.

"This class compliments the group we brought in the last year," Friend said. "They are all physical guys who will come in and make our team stronger right away. I'm excited to sign a couple of the top local guys from two top clubs in the area. That always helps our support from the area."

Cassell, a 6-4 setter/right side, is a two-time first team all-state, East Region Player of the Year and conference player of the year selection for his high school team. As a junior he led the squad in kills with 180. He helped the team to a school-record 21 wins, an undefeated league championship and top eight finish in the state. Academically he earned All-Ohio Academic status and was named to the honor roll. He spent four seasons as the starting setter for Matchpoint Volleyball Club.

"Carter brings us size and athleticism to the setter position," Friend said. "As a standout hitter and a setter in high school he will bring a similar dynamic that we had after we graduate two physical setters. I look for Carter to come in and push for the position right away."

Butch, a 6-3 outside hitter, was named second team all-state, first team all-area and all-conference during his junior season. The Chicago Sun Times named him a top 50 player while the Daily Herald tabbed him as a top 10 performer. He totaled 324 assists, 255 kills and 52 aces while helping his team finish second in the state. Butch has three years of experience with the Rolling Thunder Volleyball Club, placing 21st and 17th at nationals.

"Eric is a physical player with a dynamic jump and big hands," Friend said. "He is already competing at a great level so we look for Eric to do some amazing things down the road."

Grove, a 5-11 libero, was the first freshman to make varsity at Andrew High School. As a junior he was named all-conference and broke school records for career digs (395) and aces (108). He helped his team to a 25-13 record and the sectional final, the best finish in school history. Grove has seven years of experience with Ultimate Volleyball Club.

"Corey is one of the best liberos both position wise and physically in the area," Friend said. "He is a really strong kid who has a great passion to play at Lewis and will help us excel."

The Flyers, who finished last season ranked No. 12 in the nation, open the 2010 season on Jan. 15 against Milwaukee School of Engineering at 7 p.m.