April 6, 2020 – By NJP
Washington Township’s boys volleyball program has had strong recent success and this years squad should be no different. After posting a 24-4 record last year, NJP has the Minutemen at #18 in their preseason rankings. Legendary Coach Barb McBrearty will surely have the squad ready to go once we are cleared to resume playing volleyball.
Senior Ryan Cleary is the teams returning outside hitter and will be one of the leaders on this years squad. He racked up 152 kills and 17 blocks as a junior. He will surely be the go-to player on the Minutemen attack. Coupled with returning standout setter Tyler Jones and returning outside Anthony Trivers, WT will have an ample base on offense to build around. Jones posted 677 assists last season (5th in the state) and Trivers had 51 kills, both as sophomores. Justin Bautista 20′ will anchor the defense after putting up 266 digs in 2019. More on the WT preseason report here… https://njpowerranking.com/washington-township-2020-psr/
Ryan has a clear plan for his future. He will be attending Rowan University this fall. But a big goal is to have an impact senior season playing volleyball for Washington Township. He is confident that the team can finish at the top of the Olympic if we can get this season underway. We are all looking forward to that.
Here is our interview with Ryan…
Tell us a bit about yourself? (What school do you attend, what town do you live? What year are you graduating?, family?, etc…)
I attend Washington Township High School and live in Turnersville, New Jersey. I am a senior graduating in the class of 2020 and I live with my brother, sister and two parents.
How long have you played volleyball and what inspired you to take up volleyball initially?
I have only played volleyball for 4 years and my friend Justin Bautista made me try out my freshman year and I have loved it ever since.
What are your metrics/details? Height, vertical, position, club team, etc… What’s your favorite position to play?
I am 6’1 and have a vertical of 35 inches. My favorite position to play is outside.
How are you dealing with current world situation with COVID-19?
I have been relaxing in my home and playing lots of video games. Still getting together and talking to my friends over voice chat is keeping me entertained. I have also been trying to keep myself healthy by eating right and exercising daily.
Do you support potentially moving the spring season to summertime when the world will be safe again?
I do support this because I think the Senior season for many people is the most memorable and I think that our team is very strong this year. I think that missing out on this year would mean missing out on a potential championship team for our school.
How will your high school team do in the upcoming season? Do you have a lot of returning players? What will be the key to success?
I think we will do very good in this upcoming season. I think that our setter Tyler Jones is a very key player and essential in our success. I also think that myself and Anthony Trivers are going to be very strong on the outside. Our middles, who block very well, will help us greatly defensively. Our passing could use some improvement, but our liberos are very good and can help us win.
Who is your support group? (Mom and Dad? (“They love shout outs so don’t hesitate if appropriate”), brothers, sisters, friends?)
My parents are definitely my biggest fans and them showing up to my games means a lot and them doing it consistently every year means a lot to me. I also want to shout out my friend Colton Murray. He is always our biggest fan for soccer and always believes and supports me. He’s a lifelong friend and a really down to earth guy.
Who is your favorite teammate and why?
Justin Bautista is my favorite teammate because he has been a friend of mine for a long time. I also can always trust him when the ball is around him and we is a nice person to talk to and lift you up no matter how you are feeling.
