christopher kies (1995)

Chris was a starter for both boys’ JV and Varsity volleyball team and captain his Sophomore and Senior year. He received Most Improved Player (M.I.P.) his Freshman year and a three-time team M.V.P. recipient thereafter. In addition to his Varsity campaign, he would highlight his Junior year winning the Williamsville South Tournament receiving Team M.V.P and being selected to the All-Star Team, Division III. As defending champions to Williamsville South Tournament, the team would fall short in the finals, but was still awarded All-Tournament team. Chris would help lead the team to playoffs, battling one of Chris’ favorite competitive and closest games of the season falling short against Lakeshore in the playoffs. He would end his Volleyball campaign receiving All-Western New York All Star Player award in 1994. 

After being recruited by several colleges, Chris would leave volleyball to undergo left knee surgery after high school. Chris felt at ease going into surgery knowing Dr. Santilli was one of the best Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Doctors in WNY. During his six-month recovery, he spent countless hours strengthening and conditioning himself to step on the court again with no restrictions. The hard work paid off the following year when he was able to play Division II for Long Island University – Southampton. Chris pursued Elementary Education while contributing to a powerful Senior team to a 2nd Division II Championship title falling short to Penn State in the first round of the East Coast Final Four. In his senior year he achieved a “30 kill game”. His last two years as a starter at LIU – Southampton he would receive Outstanding Defensive player and Team M.V.P. award. 

Mr. Kies reside in Dayton, Ohio with his wife, Elizabeth, and their two boys, Orrin (9), and Eli (7). He is a Field Service Technician Supervisor at Dayton Superior Corporation traveling throughout North and South America. When home, Chris loves to be with his family, watching their boys learn martial arts, piano and taking them to shows. His current hobbies include competing in small and large triathlons, running in half and full marathons, and loves to jam on the ukulele and perform on his trumpet at church and weddings for many friends and family members.