The first time I remember playing volleyball was at the YMCA Camp Crockett. The scene was something like this—an open meadow with a net strung between two pine tree poles. On each side of the net were probably 15 boys with a couple of adult counselors. The volleyball, if it ever made it from one side to another, was hit in whatever method possible. We had to step over small rocks, road apples and cow pies. It was great fun.
It seems that every camp I went to, whether it be The Y, Boy Scouts, or church, had some form of volleyball in its center. Some of the camps seemed to know more about the rules than others. I do remember playing volleyball at the Phillips University Science Camp, where volleyball became almost as serious as a geology exam. When I played volleyball in the intramural program in college, I did learn a whole lot more about the actual rules of the game and it actually made it more fun.
Fast forward to the 11 years I served as a pastor in the San Luis Valley. I had, as members of my congregation, four starters on the Alamosa High girl’s team. I was good friends with their parents too. I became a home and road fan. I hardly ever missed a game. In 1995 I was in the gym at the events center in Pueblo, to watch the Mean Moose (Alamosa High) move through the brackets and walk away with a State Championship sweep over Brighton. I got to ride home with two of the dads as we relished in a very hard won title.
I am getting ready to head to the Arvada West gym in an hour. Playing for the Freshman team will be my granddaughter Zoe. She made the team and she loves playing. I will give you the report of the game upon my return.
I am back. Arvada West Freshman 2—Boulder Fairview Freshman 0.
I am sorry if I am a doting grandpa. Zoe has been through a lot this past year with an unexpected move to Colorado. She is thriving, and being able to connect with a team really has helped. Volleyball is entirely a team sport. Yes, you can have individuals who can serve rockets, and others whose ability to spike sends chills. In the end it is “Volley” ball. It is one of the more popular Olympic sports, as it invites the audience to “lean in” to every move. Of course, Beach Volleyball is near the top of the list for TV ratings for reasons that are apparel… ooops—Iedz meant apparent.
Go Wildcats!!!
Onward and Upward,
Mark
Lyfting Me Up 