Rusk concludes volleyball season
BY LELAND ACKER

After putting together three district wins in her first season at Rusk High School, an 0-8 district record was probably not what Lady Eagle Head Volleyball Coach Tiffany Cooksey had in mind for this season. None the less, Coach Cooksey said she is proud of the way her team played this season.

"I was glad that the girls did not give up this season," she said. "I have been glad to see many of the girls improve on their skills, such as passing, hitting and serving. Unfortunately, we can't say we've had a winning season."

Coach Cooksey said she told the team that success is not always measured by wins and losses, but how much is learned through trials and experiences.

"The talent is here, they really have to believe in themselves, though," she said. "It is tough trying to build up a team that has been used to losing in (volleyball) and I think that has been the challenge to me as a coach."

The Lady Eagles lose five seniors to graduation: Jerri Hill, Kristen Joyner, Meagan Richey, Rachel Mahaffey and Sierra Smith.

"I will greatly miss them," Coach Cooksey said, "But I am anxious to see how some of the ladies returning will work hard to fill these spots."

Rusk lost the season finale on Oct. 19 against Carthage, 13-25, 11-25 and 9-25.