David Jackson/Park Records
The Miners boys volleyball team defeated Woods Cross on Tuesday afternoon in the first contest in program history. Park City needed to claw its way through two sets and one hole to do so, winning by decision 15-9.
The stands in the Park City High School gymnasium were nearly full to watch the record contest. Home and opponent fans and parents watched from the bleachers, while intrigued fellow athletes continued their training in the gym upstairs.
The fan support continued to put smiles on the faces of many players and head coach Kai Nielson throughout the ups and downs. Nielson has minimal volleyball experience, but he leads the program with other athletic experience as well.
Seniors Grayson Bailey, Benjamin Heskett and Ty Hastings were all members of the Miners basketball team that recently completed its season.
This lack of experience is why Park City had to rely heavily on Ben Taylor, an experienced player. The senior had numerous spike kills against the Wildcats.
“I’ve been playing since sixth grade,” Taylor said. “He has played at other high schools, but it was a dream come true for him to play at his high school.”
Taylor added that he is very excited for the remainder of the season, with 14 regular season games scheduled. Their next game is Thursday night against Skyline.
The game against the Eagles is scheduled to begin on the road at 6:30 p.m.
“I just want to help everyone get to my level,” Taylor said. “Our ability is determined by our weakest link, so we're trying to strengthen the whole team so we can win.”
Coach Nielson didn't have any clear goals for the future, other than getting his team hooked on the sport. Then all victories will take care of themselves, he said.
Neilson's passion for sports began when he began playing in high school in Hawaii. He played one year at Pepperdine and has coached at every level for about 20 years since then.
“If they love this game, they're going to work hard. That's all I'm really concerned about,” Neilson said. “Make sure they have more fun here than basketball.”
Nielson said she first petitioned to make men's volleyball a UHSAA-sanctioned sport in 1999, when she moved to the area. Seeing it happen 24 years later is really special for him and he will look to keep his team's momentum going Thursday against Taylor's former team.
“This is what I eat, sleep and breathe,” Neilson said. “It's really wonderful.”
