Last modified on 11-04-2007.
Adults: 2007 USAV Nationals -- From Our Teams' Perspective
The following articles were submitted by various GEVA teams that participated at the 2007 Open National Volleyball Championships in Austin, TX.Results for the Championships are available at http://usavolleyball.org/Adults/07openResults.asp.
[2007 Junior Olympics Perspectives]
The big transitional year for our club. Our men's team has been in Geva since 1993. 14 years of ups and downs, but all wonderful memories and great camaraderie. As a club, depending on how many active members we may have, we register 1 or 2 teams in the USAV. This last year was a tough one. Our starting setter Aleksander Ondelj was picked up by a Pro-team in Wiensbaden Germany, our Starting Opposite, Maurizzio Giancali was picked up by ROMA italy to play in the 'A series' tour and our Starting Outside Claudio Mattialdi moved to California to tryout and hopefully play for the upcoming pro-men's' league that is starting up in California.
These were all great losses, and we are happy to know that some great talent comes from our program, and/or come to and leave for better places in the volleyball world. Our future is looking great, some of the members of the LIVBC Junior Olympic program out of Long Island NY, where I coached, are now graduating and or have graduated from their colleges and University, and are joining our men's program as the future stars of METROPOLIS. As they are Kevin Cook, Paul Martorano, Mike Lorraco, Mark Nagee, Jason Karpf, Jay Sheridan, all stars of Suffolk county's best programs.
This last year we had the privilege of participating in the 2007 USOPEN, in Austin Texas. Where we made the Silver Bracket. Austin was a great town, for both volleyball playing , and viewing & entertainment. The fans and supporters of our team who came along with us, all had a great time and can not wait for next year to go to Atlanta GA where we will be competing in the 2008 USOPEN. 'GO METRO'
Another season of GEVA finished and Nationals are here and gone. This year our team started with too many players and then we struggled to get seven to Nationals. Due to everyone's busy schedules our team to Austin consisted of Leslie Chang, Michelle Clifford, Kerry "K-Jen" Harrison, Michele Heck, Jessie Ip, Nora Ragazzini and Marialis Rodriguez.
Our first day of pool play started out with a win against DZDNCNFZD. We won in 2. Our next assignment was to work the following match. Somehow we were not ready to work when the time came and was penalized 10 points for our next match. Bummer. The officials are serious when it comes to work assignments. That afternoon we faced SWRILL and started the first game down 0-10. We ended up losing that first game 23-25, what a long game and big comeback. We took the next game 27-25. Then ran out of gas and lost the 3rd game. Big loss. That night we had a another tough loss in the third game against Salt and Pepper. We were all so tired and went out for a big pasta dinner at the Spaghetti Factory.
Sunday we had 2 matches and lost again. The first one was against Kirby Develp. The second was a close one. We lost the third game 14-16 against Not So Much. That night we ended up going for a taste of Cuba. There was so much food.
Our last match in pool play was on Monday against Get it Up. We lost the first game 15-25. Must have been the Cuban food from the night before. The second game we won 25-18 and the third game we won 15-11. Yeah! Our overall record was now 2-4 in matches and 7-9 in sets. That put us in 5th out of 7 in the pool, which is not where we wanted to be in.
On to the Challenge round. We lost to NT-Woo Hoo 26-24 and 25-17. We are now in the Copper Bracket. We played against Shinkara-Red. Won the first game 25-21, lost the second 21-25 and lost the third 11-15. We are now out of the tournament. Not what we intended on doing at the Nationals. Everyone had an overall great time in Austin and we'll try again next year in Atlanta. Thank you to all the teams and friends who came to cheer us on and also thanks to the players who were not able to come but helped us in the many tournaments that we play in this year.
Let me start out by saying that Austin, Texas was a great choice for nationals to be held at this year. This was the best site I had ever played at, and I have been to many nationals before. The city of Austin itself was beautiful. Everything was very convenient. Our team stayed at the Hilton Hotel, which was across the street from the convention center and only a short walk from 6th street. This street was absolutely amazing, a party persons dream come true. There are bars and clubs one after another after another, all with no cover and extremely cheap drinks. Ooh! and the food isn't to bad either.
However, nationals didn't start out all fun and games. Five days before nationals two of our middles got hurt and one of our outside hitters backed out(talk about stress). That only left us with six players and one of them being a libero. Thank god for the Turners club who sponsored one of their players, Will, to fly out and play with us. Just when I thought everything was going to now work out, we had yet another surprise. One of our main outside hitters missed his flight and the first day and a half of play. Needless to say we went a big 0-5 in pool play making us one of the lowest seeds in MBB. Our team was at an all time low (thank god for 6th street to keep us going).
The third day when playoffs started it turned out to be a very different story for us. We finally started winning (ooh, what a feeling). We actually didn't lose another game. After everything that happened to us we won the gold medal in the bronze division.
Nationals is wonderful, competitive, and a lot of fun. Myself and my team look forward to playing in many many more. See you all next year in Atlanta.
At this year’s Nationals, Northshore Gold was truly challenged from the opening day. After losing our big middle in the first game of the first match to an ankle injury, our spirits were a bit dampened. But we challenged ourselves to pick up the slack and managed to fight our way into the gold challenge round. After losing that match in the third game to the eventual finalist, we rallied to win three tremendous marathon matches en route to the Silver Division championship and 9th place overall. Every team member, including our middle, who came back strong on the final day, made huge contributions. We truly played as a team and had a great time on and off the court.
We were all happy to be a part of this year’s event and we all look forward to Atlanta in 2008.
After losing a marathon opening match (18-16 in the third game), Northshore Black lost our captain and starting middle to a serious calf injury. After moving our libero to outside and our opposite to middle hitter, all of the guys fought hard to be competitive in every match. Sometimes, unforeseen circumstances can bring teams together, and there were some games when that was the case. Unfortunately, we were often overmatched without our normal starting line-up which reflected on our win-loss record. All the guys made the best of it and many players stayed the week to root on our “AA” men’s and women’s teams.
We are looking forward to Atlanta in 2008.
Preparing for Nationals involves a lot of hard work and planning. First, you have to get a core of players from your team to commit, then you have to book rooms and flights, get your paperwork in, and see if you can line up some sponsors (thanks Penny, you did a great job again!). Unfortunately, our trip involved the saying “the best laid plans”.
Basing our push for player commitment on last years fatigue factor, we decided that eight would definitely be better than last years seven. But as Yogi Berra once said “déjà vu all over again”, we had one player unable to go with just two short weeks to departure, leaving us with seven again. Now our utility reliever was now our own version of the little middle.
Our other issue turned out to be travel to and from Austin. With play to begin at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, we thought Friday travel would be tough on the holiday weekend, but we never dreamed it would be like it was. We had five players arrive early on Friday and the last two were to arrive Friday evening, maybe. Bad weather in Dallas meant no afternoon or evening connectors to Austin, leaving our last two players with an arrival of 1:00 p.m. Saturday. Easy math leaves our team with five players in Austin, and a forfeited day. Thanks to some panicked cell phone calls and a great ticket agent, the last two were on their way, to Houston. Next issue, how to get from Houston, to Austin, with no flights. In steps our rescuer, D.T., a former teammate that had recently relocated to Austin. Driving six hours round trip (we owe her BIG), she got the last two in at 1:30a.m.
The return trip was no better, again due to weather problems in Dallas. The lines at the Austin Airport had to be about 400 people strong and it snaked out onto the sidewalk outside of the terminal. Thanks to Betty Narath we were saved, getting our team and her husband’s team onto another airline some five hours after our original departure time. A positive for our team in all of this travel mess was that our luggage made it safely both ways, considering that a former teammate wore the same clothes for over two days until her luggage arrived.
Although we did have our issues, our play was not one of them. With pre-nationals help from Jimmy and Michael keeping us focused during matches, we played hard as a team, improving on our record and standing over last year. We enjoyed Austin and all that it had to offer. It was so enjoyable in fact that one of our teammates, Tullia, relocate there two short months after Nationals. We were left with one huge question yet to be answered: “Janet where were the bats?”
We finally put a team together after not playing since 2004 in Atlanta although some of us played with other teams in the interim. Weather was very mild considering we were expecting Dallas like conditions of 100 degrees and high humidity. The convention center was centrally located with plenty of excellent restaurants including national chains and local eateries.
With the competition getting started on Saturday we had mixed results running a 6 – 2 on the first day. We headed out to the bars early in the afternoon as an 8AM start comes quick. The second day proved to be a turnaround as we went 5 – 3 games and 2 – 1 in matches and included a first round playoff win. The format however was not to our liking as in past years where after 2 full days of play you rested & started the playoffs on the 3rd day. This year the playoffs started on the 2nd day so with early morning matches & early evening & again early morning so we had little time to wind down. We faced a familiar GEVA foe in our first match on the 3rd day & lost a hard fought 3 game match to fall into the copper bracket. We had to wait until 7PM to play again & came out flat against a strong team to finish the tournament. The 7 players who made the trip were Matt, Anthony, Sean, Bob, Eric, Scott & Pete.
I view Nationals as a chance to play against some excellent competition, relax and enjoy life with friends & relive experiences with other players in past tournaments. Mission Accomplished.
All in all it was a great experience to visit Austin, experience the nightlife of 6th Street and wait in vain for the bats to come out!! Austin as a venue for the Nationals tournament had everything in close proximity and I would recommend it as a choice for future events hosted by USA Volleyball.
A 2007 USA Open Volleyball Championships Perspective,Austin, TX
By: Kelley Curran
That about sums it up! Once it was out in the open, we really started playing like a cohesive team…and winning!! Although we would have liked to have taken home a medal and missed playing in a Finals medal match by one loss, we really pulled it together and finished off on a high note. We came out ahead of all of the other Women’s B GEVA teams in the final ranking…something to be proud of.
Austin, TX was a terrific host city and those of us that had a chance to see some of the sights were very impressed. A short drive to San Antonio to see the Alamo and enjoy the River Walk was well worth it. A tour of the state capital building and a visit to the Texas State History Museum was great. Observing the University of Texas by way of Austin’s Armadillo public transportation system was a highlight. Of course the restaurants and bars provided some terrific Tex-Mex food and nightlife. Unfortunately, the night I ventured to see the famous bats at the bridge, they decided not to show up! We waited and waited but only saw a handful. No new tattoos to report although there was plenty opportunity.
One of the best things was the location of our hotel….the Hilton Austin. A beautiful hotel with lovely amenities and the best, best, part…..we walked out the side door, crossed the street and we were in the Convention Center. We couldn’t ask for anything more! (OK, perhaps I am a little lazy.)
Wow, what can be said for a bunch of volleyball fanatics who congregate every year to spend the first long weekend of the summer season playing in a huge volleyball ‘warehouse’? Welcome to Nationals! Competition, anticipation, fun, friends, food, healthy beverages and let’s not forget the beer on tap -- What’s not to like?
The concept of rotating the location of the competition each year is a big draw as it gives players the opportunity to visit new places, make new friends, and enjoy the diverse heritage, culture, and cuisine our country has to offer. While playing can be a bit stressful at times, off the court is a different story when there are so many ways to relax, regroup, and get ready for the next round!Sitting in the bleachers and observing from afar, the vast volleyball complex takes on the appearance of some sort of gigantic video game. The passing of balls that pop up in a gentle rhythm above the nets as the players warm up creates a tranquil, calming feeling. Then suddenly, by stark contrast, the action starts on a court nearby and the true power of the game is expressed, especially in the Open division. The player-spectators are awed and inspired at once!
And, let’s not forget the uniforms, they can be very entertaining too as demonstrated by the Men’s Open team in their tiny, retro track shorts/knee socks outfits and, of course, the ever-present Team Jackass – very nice boys!
Perhaps the best aspect of this sport and this unique annual excursion though, is the knowledge that competition can start in one’s teenage years and continue well into the Golden Years. It is truly a sport in which everyone can participate at their own level and we hope to keep going like so many of the ‘experienced’ players we have had a chance to watch and cheer on.
Missed flights, lost luggage, early mornings/late nights, playing through pain/fatigue, disappointing losses -- They are, unfortunately, also part of the entire experience, but somehow are long forgotten by the time the site of the next year’s tournament is announced and we are energized for our next quest for the elusive Gold medal!
So, who’s in for 2008??? We’ll see you there!!!
So once again it is that time of year again and we are off to nationals, which brings me to thinking why do we keep going. I think what it boils down to is that it really is a lot of things. Most of the time it is held in a different location likely at someplace you have never been before. In that way you can look at it as a vacation, where you know you will be joined by thousands of strangers that share at least one common interest as you. Austin was a pretty nice town, a very good music and bar scene on 6th street. A number of good Tex Mex places as well as an awesome Hawaiian fusion place called Roy’s all within walking distance of the convention center.
But at its heart National’s is really about volleyball, and the people that play it. You get to play against teams from all across the country, and the intensity level is turned up to the equivalent of GEVA playoffs all the time. What I have come to appreciate after going to a few is that you do get to see some of the same people as from years back and see how they have changed or stayed the same. It is also a great chance to touch base with friends you used to play with but who have moved away.
In the end what Nationals is really about is playing hard, and having a good time.
Hi. Congratulations on doing well in the 65s tournament. Looks like only Molten and Outback Steakhouse were stronger. Great performance, especially given that you had only seven players and six of you were there all six days.
Sorry that we didn't do as well in the 60s tournament. I had a good experience, even though our team didn't improve as much as we had hoped that we would.
Thanks for organizing.
Bruce
Just wanted to let you know that I made it back to Ohio fine on one foot. My Doctor x-rayed the ankle but it appears to be just a bad sprain. Sorry that I didn’t realize the ball was beneath me and that I could not play in the remaining two matches.Thanks a lot George for letting me play with you and the others. I really enjoyed that and I had a great time. It is unfortunate that we could not have been a little more competitive.
Please keep me in mind for the 2008 games. If you are going to Louisville or St. George, I’ll see you in one or both of those tournaments. Congratulations to your 65’s team for a pretty good performance.
See ya soon.
Rick
George,
As you requested here is a short article on my experience at Austin . I got some disappointing news from my Dr. late Friday. He said the x-rays that they took of my ankle appeared to indicate a fracture and possible ligament damage. He referred me to an orthopedic Dr. who I am now very anxiously waiting to see. I am hoping beyond hope that the damage is not significant and that I will be able to play in some manner in Louisville in July.Keep your fingers crossed for me!!!!!!!
If you have trouble opening the attachment please let me know.
Thanks!!! Rick
George,
I enjoyed the volleyball experience.
Judy and I enjoyed the city during our spare time: the capital, the downtown "bat " bridge, Lady Birde Wildflower Center & eating out.
Afterward we went to San Antonio to see the mission tour (including the Alamo), downtown River Walk, Riverboat Ride and Market Center. The city is all out for the Spurs.
We bought a number of things for our house in Austin, San Antonio and Mexico. We are redoing our house in the Mexican/Southwest style.
Ivan
George
Just returned from Austin and The USAV Nationals. It was another successful tournament and a good time was had by all. Got to see some old friends that made a trip one afternoon from San Antonio to see us play and enjoy lunch together. Meeting new friends on the court and the evening "Bull" sessions are as much of a high light as the actual playing time. Many thanks to George for taking the time to put together two teams and allowing me to be a part of this experience. Our only glitch was Alan having a little heart rhythm problem. The five of us that visited him during his 12 hour stay livened up Breckinridge. The nurses hadn't had that much activity in a long time. That's probably why he got released so quickly. He's fine now and volleyball is back to normal. My hat goes off to anyone responsible for the tournament and I'll be looking forward to next year
Tom
Thanks for the info on the photos, Bruce.
However, it would have been better if Alan and Ihor hadn't been such camera hogs! Every other pic was either Alan setting (and we've all seen enough of that), or Ihor man-handling the ball in some weird position. And, then, as I am making one of my patented-picture-perfect passes, Bruce has to get in on the action and block the view at the most critical moment. Of course, there was a pic of me watching him sprawl out on the floor without even a ball in site. What we really needed, was a shot of Tom showing how a pro does it and George to analyze it for everybody!
I'll forward this on to Jack, too; but he's probably drilling out some poor guy's root canal so he can overcharge him enough to make the trip again next year.
Good luck, guys. I had a great time.
Downey