There was no euphoric hangover for the St. Xavier Bombers at the Ohio High School Athletic Association Boys Volleyball Division I State Championship.
The Bombers defeated Olentangy Liberty in four sets in the state semifinals in what could have been a dream state championship match, then dominated Cleveland St. Ignatius 25-10, 25-21, 25-22 to win their fourth volleyball title and first since 2019.
St. Xavier (27-1) dominated St. Ignatius (24-4) in the first set, limiting the Wildcats to just three kills and nine offensive errors in the opening set. The Wildcats were successful offensively, outdoing St. Xavier in the final two sets, but the state championship still seemed within reach for the Bombers, who didn't lose.
“A lot of people say losing hurts more than the joy of winning,” St. Xavier High School coach Bill Ferris said. “Winning is a relief. We have a great team and have been great all year. It's a great feeling to come out on top in our last game and know we lived up to the standard we set for ourselves and what we thought we could have been.”
Not only was it a victory, but it was also a sense of relief after losing in the regional finals the past three seasons.
“It feels good to finally get a win in the state semifinals,” Andrew Birkmeyer said. “St. Ex has been losing in regional finals up until now, so it's great just to get this far and to win a state championship is really awesome.”
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Birkmeyer's teamwork leads Bombers to title
When it comes to the Saint Xavier University lineup, they can pick any player they like, but setter Aidan Birkmeyer will likely pick for them.
The senior setter recorded 38 of the team's 42 assists, including a team-high 18 kills for his twin brother, Andrew.
“I don't know where else you have a team with that kind of depth and skill,” Aidan Birkmeyer said. “The best two middles and two outsides in the state. What more could you want?”
Andrew was followed by sophomore Joe Taggart with 10 kills and Brady Jones with 7. Andrew Birkmeyer and Joe Byrum led the way with 12 digs each, while Jones led the team with three block assists and a solo stop.
Who are the seniors on the St. Xavier High School volleyball team for the class of 2024?
The Bombers return six seniors in the 2024 class, including Aidan Birkmeyer, who was the Greater Catholic League South Player of the Year, Region 4 Player of the Year and named to the All-Ohio first team.
Twins Andrew Birkmeyer are also leaving the team, as are Brady Jones, Noah Boyett, Joe Byrum and Charlie Bender, who are all set to attend Ohio State.
“Their journey over the last four years has been amazing to watch,” Ferris said, “We knew they were talented kids. A couple of them made it to varsity before some of the others and they all came together as a senior group this year. That's something you can't fake, that's something you can't replicate.”
“They know what it felt like to lose as juniors last year and they've kept that feeling in mind and pulled all the other kids along with them the whole time. I'm so happy they ended up coming out on top.”
As the final set progressed, St. Xavier's cheering squad called on the on-court coaches to have Bender come on, and Ferris gladly obliged.
“Charlie is another senior who was named a captain earlier this year,” Ferris said, “Just because he hasn't been on the court as many times as the other players doesn't mean the team and coaching staff don't value his contributions.”
