Andrew Lutz a ‘quiet leader’ for Ohio State men’s volleyball

Zoe Chrysochoos
Thu, 30 Jan 2014 05:29:40 +0000
Sports, Volleyball, Buckeyes, ohio state

Redshirt-junior opposite Andrew Lutz (11) serves the ball during a match against Lees-McRae Jan. 17 at St. John Arena. OSU won, 3-0.
Credit: Shelby Lum / Photo editor

Andrew Lutz, redshirt-junior opposite for the Ohio State men’s volleyball team, picked up his second consecutive Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association Offensive Player of the Week honor Jan. 28.

Lutz said earning individual honors aren’t something he worries about, and just wants to help the team get better.

“I don’t think much about it, I have teammates out there on the court doing just as much as me who aren’t getting recognized,” Lutz said.

Despite Lutz’s modesty when discussing the honor, he is definitely an asset to the team as a whole, his teammates and coach agree.

Junior outside hitter Michael Henchy said Lutz’s ability on the court is truly a sight to behold.

“If you’ve never seen him hit, you’re missing out because he makes everyone else look like they have cement in their shoes,” Henchy said.

Coach Pete Hanson explained the amount of responsibility that falls on the player in the opposite position. This particular player stands opposite of the setter, and is the front and back row attack option.

Hanson said Lutz has impressed with how he has performed at the position

“Andy has accepted that challenge, and has really done a nice job with it,” Hanson said.

Overall, Lutz leads the MIVA with a 3.77 kills per set average and is third in the league with a 4.39 points average. Lutz has put together four-straight matches in double-digit kills, including a season-high 17 against MIVA rival Lindenwood this past weekend.

Lutz’s teammates and coach describe him as a “pretty quiet guy” before matches.

“He normally only says a couple of words to me and the other players,” Henchy said.

Hanson referred to Lutz as a “quiet leader.”

“He (Lutz) is not someone who talks a lot on or off the court, however, does try to lead by example and by his actions,” Hanson said.

Peter Heinen, redshirt-junior setter, said Lutz is always listening to music up until game time, and has an interesting taste.

“He could be listening to country one song and then switch it to European dance music next,” Heinen said.

Next up for the Buckeyes, Lutz will be looking to continue his run of good form when they travel to Chicago to take on Loyola Saturday at 5 p.m.