Hudson, Burkart share Trojans' MVP honors

Seniors Travis Hudson and Stuart Burkart were named co-Most Valuable Players on this year's Wauwatosa West boys volleyball team at the team banquet on Nov. 16.

Hudson, a setter and hitter, was a three-year varsity member, a two-year starter, two-time first-team all-conference selection (2010-11) and an honorable mention all-state selection this season.

"Travis does a great job orchestrating our offensive attack while distributing the ball evenly to all players," Tosa West coach Kyle Sikora said. "In addition to being a very good setter, this year challenged Travis to play a new position to benefit the team more."

Burkart, a hitter, was a three-year starter, a second team all-conference selection (2010) and a first-team all-conference performer this year.

"He was an outstanding all-around player that is very athletic with a 38-inch vertical leap," Sikora said. "He can attack from any spot on the court, front or back row. He does not only overpower opponents with his strong hits, but also places well-hit shots in open court.

"He is a critical part of our serve-receive team and is one of our best defensive players."

The Trojans other senior is a first-year varsity member, middle-hitter Phil Carlin.

"Phil was a pleasure to have on the team this year," Sikora said. "I only wish Phil would have come out his freshman and sophomore years instead of waiting until his junior year."

Hudson was also this year's winner of the "Great Wall of West" blocking award (team blocking leader-68) and Brian Carlson was named the Most Improved Player.

Other all-conference performers who were recognized were captain Matt Stolz (second-team), Andy Rowley (second-team), Carlson (honorable mention) and Oliver Niles (honorable mention).

Stolz now holds the school record for digs in a season (192) surpassing Brad Polender's previous record of 179.

The Trojans finished the Woodland Conference season with a 6-4 record and they compiled a 14-15-1 overall record.

The Trojans finished third in the conference, took first place in the Racine Invitational and placed second in the Kettle Moraine, Shorewood and Homestead Invitationals.

Burkart (278) and Hudson (237) led the team in kills, Rowley in assists (298) and serving aces (41).