SENIOR SEND-OFF: Endicott Men’s Volleyball Program

(The goal of our Senior Send-Off articles is to highlight teams and student-athletes who did not get to finish their season of competition and/or have their respective Senior Day games/events happen. We also hope that these stories serve as a positive light to anyone who reads them during these trying times.)

BEVERLY, Mass. – The Endicott men's volleyball team finished its 2020 season with a 13-3 overall record and 3-0 mark in league play before the NCAA's decision to cancel all remaining winter and spring championships was finalized due to COVID-19.

Beyond their overall record, the Gulls made program history twice during the season by starting the year with its highest national ranking at No. 4 overall, while also beating its highest nationally ranked opponent in No. 4 Stevens, 3-2, on February 23. More importantly, the team's success the past three-plus-years which has culminated in two conference championships was spearheaded by four seniors – Donovan Dey (Fairport, N.Y.), Tim Fieseler (Bridgewater, N.J.), Bryn Lipton (Rockford, Ill.), Chad Riorden (Fairport, N.Y.) – whose respective legacies will forever have an impact on the program athletically and academically. Here's what Endicott men's volleyball head coach George Chapell 08' had to say about the entire senior class as a group and as individuals.

2020 Senior Class

"These four seniors were all great student-athletes, but they were even better young men. On the court, this group helped raise the level of expectation for our program and grew the program to new heights. I'm grateful to each of them for the lessons that they have helped me learn throughout their time here. Four years always seem to come and go too fast, and this year it was taken away even more abruptly. What I'll miss about these guys is the time spent together and the random drop-ins to my office. Some more than others, but all have been a part of those talks. Those conversations are often the most organic and honest conversations we have as coaches. The conversation starts off one way and then can go any number of ways after that. Some of the time, it can just be to shoot the breeze and just touching base. Other times, the conversations were more serious and heartfelt. In the end, they taught me more about life and about myself than I could have imagined. I'll miss those talks."

Donovan Dey

"Donny's growth over his four years, especially during the last two seasons, was exciting to be a part of. While being one of the top players on the court, he always knew how to keep the mood light and pull the guys together. For someone who wasn't always the most vocal in-game, when he spoke, the team listened. Donny will go on to do great things in the next phase of life."

Tim Fieseler

"Tim was a valuable member of the program during his four years. His game I.Q. helped to make those around him better. He came to practice every day to compete and get better, which is all you can ask as a coach. Tim has a great business acumen away from the court that will have him set up for success as he moves on from Endicott."

Bryn Lipton

"One of the most decorated student-athletes to have ever come through our program, Bryn's first focus was always the success of the program. A natural leader, he demanded the best from himself and everyone around him each and every day. Bryn has always had a plan for what he wanted next in life, and we are excited to watch him continue to flourish."

Chad Riorden

"Chad is easily the best competitor I have ever had the pleasure of coaching. His ability to scrap and do whatever it takes to win each point, let alone each match, is what separates him from others. Chad is extremely passionate in all that he does and that will serve him well as he embarks upon life away from The Nest." 

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(Photo Credit - David Le '10)