After five years, it seemed as if Brian Fairall and Bill Morris would never again be coaching together despite a strong working relationship. Morris and Fairall built a solid rapport running the WJ basketball program together, Morris as varsity coach and Fairall as JV coach, until Morris stopped coaching last year. Morris was still involved in WJ athletics, though, as the coed and girls varsity volleyball coach.
When, earlier this year, the Boys Volleyball coaching spot became vacant, Morris and Fairall saw it as an opportunity to reunite.
“We worked pretty well together in basketball and we have a pretty good relationship, so he just kind of drew me in [to volleyball],” said Fairall.
Shortly after, Fairall officially accepted the job with minimal experience. Having played recreationally but not in a serious setting, Fairall was not completely familiar with the sport but he has put in extra effort to get where he needs to be.
“I’m kind of learning the games as I coach it and I’ve done some training as well,” said Fairall.
According to Fairall, his approach won’t change much from when he coaches basketball. He intends to maintain his emphasis on drills that translate into game situation skills. His strength as a coach is noticing changes needed in players’ techniques.
“I like to focus on the details of the skills,” said Fairall. “It might just be something with the feet or the arms or the body alignment.”
On the court, Fairall prefers giving close critique rather than shouting.
“I’m probably more on the laid back end,” said Fairall. “I’m more of a teacher.”
This season Fairall will lead a team full of inexperienced but athletic players. Particularly, sophomore Matt Konapelsky and senior Daniel Fanaroff have impressed early despite playing the sport for the first time. Fairall sees potential in the team and believes the season could really finish good or bad.
“[My goal is] hopefully to see improvement,” said Fairall. “I’m not sure how many wins we’ll get because I’m not sure how good the other teams will be yet.”
