Butler’s Welter opts for St. John Fisher
BUTLER TWP — Like sister, like brother.
Butler senior Coleton Welter recently signed a letter of intent to continue his academic and volleyball career at St. John Fisher University in Rochester, N.Y.
Also a member of the Golden Tornado basketball team, Coleton will be a third-year starter for Butler boys volleyball this spring. He plays outside hitter and has more than 500 kills over the past two seasons. He led Butler with 302 kills last year.
“He’s on the court all the time for us, one of the leaders of the team,” Butler coach Lew Liparulo said.
Welter has been playing volleyball since seventh grade. His older sister, Taylor, is an All-PSAC East player at Millersville University.
“I’ve been into the game for seven or eight years now, just from following Taylor,” Coleton said. “She got me involved in the sport when I was younger. My sister’s had a big influence on me that way.”
Coleton also considered Juniata and Roberts Wesleyan before choosing St. John Fisher. He plans to major in business and finance.
“The academic side fits me there and the volleyball program is outstanding,” he said. “It didn’t take me long to decide to go there.”
The Cardinals are off to a 14-1 start this year and are ranked No. 7 in NCAA Division III. Matt Cohen is in his first full season as head coach and compiled 286 total wins at two previous collegiate coaching stops.
St. John Fisher hasn’t had a losing season since 2018. The team was 24-8 last season and has a 70-22 record combined over the last four seasons.
“There’s a good chance I can get on the court as a freshman and that’s my goal,” Coleton said. “I’m looking forward to seeing how my game will improve concentrating on one sport.”
Liparulo is looking forward to that as well.
“As good as he’s been, I think Coleton will blossom as a player even more once volleyball becomes his only sport,” the coach said. “He’s got the work ethic and I know he’s going to pour everything he’s got into it.
“Once he’s able to commit totally to volleyball, his game is going to take off.”
Coleton also plays club volleyball with the Steel City Volleyball Club at Seneca Valley.
“I’m happy Coleton has the opportunity to continue playing in college,” Liparulo said. “There aren’t a lot of collegiate opportunities in volleyball at the bigger schools. There are only 24 Division I programs.
“There are more chances to play at smaller schools. We’ve sent five or six players on to college volleyball in the past five years or so.”
Coleton recalls playing volleyball with his sister in the yard growing up.
“She (Taylor) was my mentor,” he said. “I’ve learned how to be a good leader on the court, to take care of the little things that help the team win. It’s a team game. You have to work together.
“This coming high school season, I want to help us make a big playoff push. It’s my senior year and I want it to be the best.”
