The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMIANS Anthony Misiewicz and Rajahl Moxey are a part of history for the University of Charleston Golden Eagles men’s volleyball team.

The duo, playing in their freshman season for the Golden Eagles after they starred for the St Andrew’s Hurricanes, are a part of the first volleyball team ever fielded by the University of Charleston.

As the new kids on the block, the Golden Eagles are going through their growing pains, having lost their first three games to King University, Belmount Abbey (both on the road) and New Jersey of Technology (in their home opener).

They are scheduled to play again on Thursday when they host Bluefield College.

Moxey, a talented member of the men’s senior and junior national team, was not available for comments. However Misiewicz, who played on the junior national team, said it has been an easy adjustment to college, but it was a learning experience for him.

“The transition to college wasn’t as difficult as I initially expected it to be. After completing the IB Diploma programme at St Andrew’s, I was more than prepared to handle the upcoming workload,” he said.

“However, what I wasn’t accustomed to was the immense responsibility that came with living without my parents. I constantly set reminders for myself to complete tasks that, ordinarily, my mother or father would ensure that I got done.”

And if that isn’t enough to deal with, Misiewicz noted that because the University of Charleston is located in a relatively quiet town, they don’t have the usual weekend escapades as they were used to at home.

“This change in environment has led me to occupy my time with more constructive activities once Friday rolls around,” he said. “Thus far I have enjoyed most of the classes I have been in and I am content with my schedule. The presence of other Bahamians on campus also makes me feel less homesick.”

As for the Golden Eagles team, Misiewicz said they are performing well, although they have a lot of room for improvement.

“Our season has just begun, so each game we play is accompanied by a new learning experience,” he said. “I would not say I am satisfied with my contribution, because I am competing for my position and self-satisfaction only leads to complacency.

“Nevertheless, I can see that to date, my coach is pleased with my performance, however I still have room to grow as an athlete.”

If there’s anything that Misiewicz takes delight in is the fact that Moxey, his long-time close friend, is on the team with him.

“Having another Bahamian play on the team with me is exciting,” he said. “It also makes me less nervous on the court during games. Rajahl is a teammate and a friend, on and off the court.”

And even though it’s not the start that they anticipated, Misiewicz said they are confident that they can turn things around before the regular season ends on April 4.

“As a first year volleyball team we will stumble and make mistakes,” he said. “However it is expected of us that as the programme progresses we gradually improve and enhance our game.”

All it takes is to get the monkey off their back and get into the win column.