The last time Jeff Koch was the volleyball coach at Bethlehem Catholic the program witnessed a state championship in 2012.

Koch resigned in 2013 but is now back in the fold this season, trying to resurrect a once dominant program from the heaps of a 1-15 season a year ago.

“I resigned after the 2013 season because my schedule no longer allowed me to put 100-percent commitment into coaching,” Koch said. “My desire to coach volleyball at Becahi never left me, so as my schedule became in my favor to coach again, I was simply waiting for the opportunity to get back to Becahi.”

Now comes the hard part of turning the Hawks into a competitive outfit after having the worst record in the league a year ago.

The team returns Kevin Strucko (Sr.) middle hitter, Pat Mintzer (Sr.) middle hitter, Mike Karoly (Jr.) outside hitter and Sean Smith (Jr.) setter.

Newcomers include John Corley (Sr.) middle hitter, Ryan Turtzo (Sr.) opposite, Matt Schaffer (Sr.) libero, Eric Lasalle (Sr.) outside hitter, Nick Mino (Sr.) middle hitter and John Corley (Sr.) middle hitter.

“This team has come together and gelled very quickly on and off the court,” Koch said. “Although our experience level may not be as great as other teams around the Valley, these guys are putting forth a great effort as individuals and as a team. We just need these players to get enough correct repetitions so we can continue to improve our skills every single day.”

As far as competing in the EPC this season, the Hawks have a long road ahead of them this season, as they were swept in losses to Freedom and Liberty.

“I see this team competing with every team in the Lehigh Valley this year,” said Koch. “We have a saying on this team ‘we don’t want to put a lid on our potential or expectations’.

“We are going to compete to the best of our ability and have the mindset that we can compete with anyone on any given day.”