Tough schedule prepares Crusaders for tournament
Heath Kufahl knows what his girls are capable of when challenged. He's seen how heated board game night can get.
"We do a fun night every year where we get together and play games," said Kufahl, the head coach of Christian Heritage Academy volleyball. "When Scattergories gets going, you see how competitive they can get."
Kufahl likes to see that competitive fire, especially in the early part of the volleyball season. Grueling early season schedules have become a staple at CHA. It's Kufahl's belief that to get better, the Class 4A Crusaders need to take on the best in the state, no matter what class. This season that early schedule included 5A foes such as Bishop McGuinness and 6A schools like Shawnee, Southmoore and the defending 6A champion Edmond Santa Fe Wolves.
"I think our preparation and mindset is that we are always building toward the state tournament,' Kufahl said. "Playing these teams early will help us play those last three games that decide it all."
The results can't really be challenged. CHA has won four straight championships including this past year when they went 35-4 before taking down Tulsa's Regent Prep in the championship match 3-0.
Olivia Curtis, who is The Oklahoman's returning All-City Player of the Year, said she believes facing off with higher class competition gives her team a mental edge down the road.
"We don't want to shy away from good teams," Curtis said. "It’s fun to see how we stack up and it’s a way for us to grow."
Especially when things don't go Christian Heritage's way. That aforementioned matchup with Edmond Santa Fe turned into a 3-0 loss for Christian Heritage.
Curtis said the third set loss might have been the worst they've played in a long time.
"We got absolutely destroyed," Curtis said. "But that's how we learn and get better. It shows us what we need to work on and it shows how we respond to adversity."
As CHA prepares to go for its fifth straight state title, Kufahl knows his team has a ton of work to do. But he already loves that his team is willing to take on all challengers.
"They really feed off it," he said. "That's a great sign."