Cliche as it may sound, 1989 is a season of rebuilding for the NIU volleyball program. But don’t expect the overused “rebuilding” phrasiology to last for many matches.

Second-year Huskie coach Pete Waite and assistant Lori Sowatsky welcome back eight letterwinners from last season’s 22-8 and North Star Conference champion squad. A quartet of recruits replace a trio of NIU volleyball record-holding graduates. Combine the veterans who just experienced a very successful season with the enthusiastic rookies, and one may very well be looking at a repeat performance of the 1988 season.

“I see us in much the same position as last year—a team which will take some time to piece together before coming-on strongly by mid-season,” Waite said. “We plan to build the team as the year goes on and look for a push by the time we open the North Star season.”

Thanks to the even talent and skill levels of the latest Huskie crew, Waite will forego the use of a specific line-up in the early matches. The ever changing rotation will probably drive opposing scouts crazy, but the plan will give players floor time against top competition right off the bat. It’s that court time which will be key in NIU’s season agenda.

“The freshman have a lot of raw talent and I think they will mix well with our returnees,” Waite said. “The chemistry on the court, squad depth and talent will definitely be in Northern Illinois’ favor.”

The coaching staff will look toward the returning eight to provide leadership and court savvy. Regular starters Anita Kesteris and Alice McAvoy, plus Laura Peterson and Jamie Steenblock comprise the senior class.

Other Huskies looking to help the cause are Julie Kreiling, Kari Niesen, Wendy Bonnette and Jennifer Yahn.

Four rookies are led by the tallest Huskie, 6-3 Kori Schauer. Schauer, Andrea Baker and Wendy Mason are all looking for front row spots. The fourth newcomer, Amber Kimmel, will be working toward the setter job.

The Huskies begin their 1989 fall season on Sept. 1 in the Coors/Coors light Classic held in Charleston, Ill on the Eastern Illinois University campus.