Huron celebrates Don Wood's 30-year coaching career

HURON -- Huron volleyball coach Don Wood stood on the court with his family as a large crowd gave him a standing ovation prior to Saturday's match. Wood was the center of attention at a celebration of his 30 years of coaching. Asked if he were up for giving a speech at the time, he said, "No, I don't think I'd get through it." Wood, who prefers to avoid the spotlight, has led Huron to five state championships (1999, 2002, 2009, 2014, 2020). His career record is 633-146. The celebration was planned by his wife, Jen, and Amy Springer, the vice president of Huron's booster club. After the Tigers swept Oregon Clay 25-21, 25-23, 25-18 to improve to 18-1, fans mingled with a more relaxed Wood in the cafeteria. A video produced by Don Hardy was shown. "It's amazing to look at the awards table and see five championship trophies and the number of conference, sectional, district and regional championships he's won," Huron athletic director Steve Camella said. Three Tigers -- Jess Holsapple, Lindsey Schade and Tess Humphrey -- presented Wood with a collage of his career highlights before the match. They thought their coach was surprised by the event, which drew plenty of former players and area media. "It's really a nice surprise," Wood told BCSN Erie. "I get to see a lot of the girls who played for me. I got to see a lot of friends from the past I haven't seen for a while. ... It's a really cool day for me." Huron's team didn't disappoint the crowd. McKenzie Heil had 11 kills and four blocks and Azure Waldock and Casey Brown each had 10 kills for the Tigers, who are ranked No. 2 this week in Division III. Holsapple added eight kills and Humphrey supplied 38 assists and three aces. Schade also had three aces while libero Kendall Camp finished with 15 digs. Huron can clinch its fifth outright SBC Bay Division championship on Tuesday when it hosts Oak Harbor.