All about attitude for Safford

By Brian Wright
Sports Editor
Published on Sunday, October 25, 2009 9:44 AM MST

Sometimes a change in attitude can be more significant than a change in technique or strategy.

Safford volleyball coach Janene Ward decided to take a brand-new approach when her Bulldogs played at a tournament in Goodyear on Oct. 17.

That approach helped the Bulldogs finish second behind 5A Division I power Chandler Basha at the tourney.

The new look was on full display at Safford High School on Tuesday against Pima.

Normally a very reserved bench, Safford’s players were jumping up and down and cheering for every winning point — and that’s not all.

Ward, known as a stoic and serious coach, was running up and down the sideline and high-fiving her players.

A veteran coach of 16 years, Ward appeared to enjoy the new approach as much as her players.

After beating Pima 3-0, Ward joked that the only downside of the newfound enthusiasm was that it was tiring. She had broken into a sweat during the match.

Safford (13-3) beat Globe 3-0 on Thursday and moved to No. 2 in the state power rankings behind No. 1 Fountain Hills (15-2).

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3 comment(s)

Volleyball what wrote on Oct 30, 2009 9:42 PM:

" No Monument Valley is rnked number one and they won state last year. Safford will beat Fountain Hills but will not beat Monument valley. I garantee Thatcher would loose to Monument valley if they played them too. They are very stacked and have a player more talented than the Orr girl. Good luck to Thatcher and Safford. Thatcher only have themselves to beat in 2A. Safford looks like runner up again this year. "

Volleyball wrote on Oct 26, 2009 8:51 PM:

" Fountain Hills #1? Wow Bulldogs, if you match up to them in the state tournament you better come out on top. Thatcher beat that team without the help of their all-star Rachel Orr. Good luck Dogs! "

Thatcher Fan wrote on Oct 26, 2009 8:49 PM:

" Yikes. Safford sounds like they're pumped after playing in this tournament. The new attitude from Coach Ward and the bench players is going to make a world of difference. Our girls are crazy on the bench and love to cheer. That is a HUGE factor to how well the team plays. I hope Safford brings their best game on Wednesday. Thatcher will be ready! Good luck to both teams! "

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