WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Days after enduring his 20th five-set match in the last four seasons, Salem volleyball coach Barry Rymer announced the addition of the newest member of his staff.
The winningest coach in program history, Rymer announced that Chip The Cat will serve as the team’s emotional support coach. Chip, named after national restaurant Chipotle, will be able to provide support to the 22 members of the Spirits’ volleyball team. After all, the Spirits have been able to claw their way to win a program-record 24 matches, including a current 13-match winning streak, all due in large to Chip’s purr-fect advice.
Salem, which posted its 16th straight win at Varsity Gym in a clash with Southern Virginia, distanced itself in the USA South Conference standings after a grueling five-set triumph. The Spirits are accustomed to five-set matches, going 13-7 (.650 winning pct.) over the last four years under Rymer in five-set affairs. That includes a 4-1 mark this season. However, Rymer wanted to add someone who will provide both intimidating stares and teach cat-like reflexes.
As one of his adoring fans, Bella Mann explained “Chip loves to play ball and he will fetch it.” His owner Hailey King elaborated that is not the only toy that he enjoys, but that Chip also has an infatuation for springs, colorful tinsel balls and his stuffed animal shark. Along with taking three to four naps a day, because he has to maintain his party life at night, Chip enjoys a good game of laser tag.
Chip brings an intimidating presence to the Salem sidelines with his 20-inch long, 20-inch torso and will certainly not be one to be “messed with” as a member of the team. Between his elongated naps, Chip will provide intimidating stares, and a swishing tail to express his discord to the opposition that as needed as the Spirits head into the final stretch of the regular season and focus on the USA South Conference Tournament.
He has already made an impact on the Salem volleyball lineup. Leah Rymer, who has captured three USA South Rookie of the Week honors, respects his insights. “Chip gave me some great advice before the game,” said the first-year setter. “He said, ‘just like chasing a red dot, focus on your target and don’t let your eye off the ball.’ This advice from Chip really helped me make some good digs and blocks during our game. Thanks Chip!”
As any cat owner will attest to, cats don’t have owners, they have servants. Therefore, Chip will have 22 new servants (or Salem volleyball players as they are commonly known) and two coaching assistants (or in this case Salem volleyball coaches) to serve him at a moment’s notice.
However, he has been warned that he is not the only “big cat” on campus and will not be allowed to partake in any “cat fights” or “hissing battles” with Sam, aptly known as the First Cat, whose owner is Salem Academy and College President Dr. Summer McGee.
“After facing our 20th five-set match in the last four years, we just feel like adding Chip was necessary,” said Rymer. “We will stock up on cat nip to keep him happy and he will not be straining to the budget because he just needs his Purina cat chow.”
Barry Rymer went onto say “I am really hoping that his quick reflexes will be able to help the team get more blocks in the middle. He really seems to be quick on the draw with his reflexes.”
