Article: Racine schools face rebuilding Case, Horlick, Park must replace major players; ATHLETES TO WATCH Pat Bomhack, jr., Milwaukee Marquette: Bomhack has unlimited potential as a setter but has the power to hit away. At 6-7, he could be one of the top recruits next year. Brandon Ferguson, sr., Wauwatosa East: One of the best setters in the area, coaches say he has sharpened his mental game in the last year. Chris Goers, sr., Racine Horlick: Goers, 6-2, has been a setter for Horlick, but he will begin hitting more this season. Will Hand, sr., Milwaukee Marquette: Hampered by foot and hitting-hand injuries last season. His jumping ability has returned and the 6-5 outside hitter will be one of the toughest in the area. Mark Mathews, sr., Shorewood: A 6-4 outside hitter who has the ability to play all around. Mike Moser, jr., Milwaukee Pius: Expect the 6-4 outside hitter to be one of the top attackers in the area. Scott Landisch, jr., Wauwatosa East: A second-team Greater Metro all-conference selection last season, the 6-5 outside hitter should be even harder to stop this year. Jeff Schmitz, sr., West Allis Central: Coaches say the 6-4 outside hitter is a player with the ability to carry his entire team. A strong hitter, Schmitz was named an All-American during the USA Volleyball club nationals.

When the final four was set for the 1997 state boys volleyball tournament, chances were the title was going to Racine.

Racine Case, Horlick and Park all reached the semifinals, along with Milwaukee Pius. Case swept Horlick in three games to claim its fourth title in the 1990s.

Don't expect a Racine repeat this year.

`I don't even know who's left after the dust settles,` Horlick coach Sam Firtko said. `We graduated all of our big guns.`

Firtko will be counting on 6-foot-2 senior Chris Goers, who will make a switch from setting to hitting on the outside. Other Rebels with a cause include 6-3 seniors Ryan Clinton, a middle hitter, and Robert Waterfield.

Case coach Gary Sorensen said all ...

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