Reynolds honored following 61st straight league win

Ann Reynolds never touts her win total, not that she could. If you ask the coach how many league titles in a row her Sutter High volleyball team has won — be prepared to wait a awhile. She has to look around and tally the banners in the Huskies' gym.

"One, two, three, four ... 13," she said.

Including this season, it's 14 Butte View League titles. And after Tuesday's 25-8, 25-16, 25-20 victory over Wheatland, the Huskies have now won 61 consecutive BVL matches.

It's a streak dating back to the 2004 season, and surpassing 60 gave the Sutter community another reason to celebrate. A night that started with honoring the seniors culminated with a surprise ceremony for Reynolds, who has been the coach throughout the run.

"Her girls are champions on the court, in the classroom and in the community," Sutter superintendent Ryan Robison said to the crowd, "and that couldn't be achieved without a role model."

Reynolds never made a big deal of the mark. Heck, like the BVL titles, she didn't keep track of how many her team had won straight. But Sutter's support staff — like JV coach Amy Runyan — kept count for her. It was so important to them that they orchestrated the ceremony, which turned a boilerplate Sutter sweep into an affair complete with Reynolds' out-of-town family making the trip.

"I've just been so blessed with some wonderful students that do what I ask them to," Reynolds said as emotion crept into her response. "I love coming to practice everyday ... I'm trying not to cry."

Though this night's theme became centered on an impromptu ceremony for Reynolds, the team's goals extend far beyond giving their coach a cake and framed picture for regular season prowess.

Running roughshod through the BVL is nothing but preparation for the playoffs, where the Huskies were swept in the Northern Section Division IV finals by West Valley last season. It cost the Huskies a five-peat.

So after Thursday's final BVL match, the Huskies will travel to play Enterprise to stay fresh and ready, because unlike league banners or regular season win streaks, the Huskies keep very good track of section championships.

"I'm ready for playoffs," said Huskies outside hitter Brenna McDonald.