Volleyball Awards

4-Dec.-2012
   On Sunday the Bergen Record announced it's All- North Jersey teams with three Lady Bucs making the First Team. They are Seniors Rebecca Kelemen , and Julia Topor. along with Junior Carly O'Sullivan. The Record also , fitting , named Bogota's Brad DiRupo as their Coach of the Year. Overall the Lady Bucs dropped  down to be the #2 ranked team in the State. Even if the one prized they could not get, a Tournament of Champions victory this is still a hard working team that is the Pride of Bogota.
    One of it's leaders Julia Topor may have been vocally  quiet on the court, but brought the team together in the pre-match huddles, which then carried over to her power, and skill on the court.  She led by example letting her kills set the tempo of many matches. And if she caught an opponent backing -up too much she had the skill set to softly drop a ball to the vacated spot.  In an early season game it was pointed out to her that she was one of the Senior's and should know what to do. With that she stood -up and show the way for her team to follow. The Record has called Ms Topor one of the most improved players in the state. She  worked well with setter Becky Kelemen, who knew where , and how to set-up the big hitters for the Lady Bucs. She could win points with her serve, and  save other with her defense.  Ms. Kelemen would stay in some matches that have have long been decided as a calming  influence  and mentor to the younger members of the team. Carly O'Sullivan after being a quiet Player of the Year last season grew more  into the role as a team leader. She found her voice with the team , to go with her skills, and power. Ms. O'Sullivan took control when it was need, by either with directions, or by her serve to put the Lady Bucs on a path to a win. And  always ready to take the hard shot to secure the point. Ms. O'Sullivan kept showing in ever match why, as a Sophomore, she was one of the best players in the State.
   Even with all their skills there needs to be someone pushing, teaching, and believing in the team. Coach DiRupo found the way to mold these players into a hard working team. In talking to Coach DiRupo if questioning a "one sided" victory he would explain about how hard the team worked. Or how they played together, for each other no matter who was on the other side of the net. He has coached them to straight State group 1 Championships, a victory in the Northern Valley Invitational at the beginning of the year. Had the first New Jersey team to win the Garden State Challenge, along with the first Group 1 school to  win the 38 year old Bergen County Tournament.
   For a small school Bogota Lady Bucs volleyball makes a big noise, for themselves and the Borough.

 2012 Coach of the Year Brad DiRupo with his team.

First Team Setter Rebecca Kelemen

First Team Outside  Hitter Julia Topor

First Team Outside Hitter Carly O'Sullivan

Three Time State Group 1 Champions