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73 °F Forecast | Road Cams Tuesday, August 3, 2004 Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | Health | Community | Home Delivery SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics Tempo AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map SPECIAL SECTIONS Since We Asked Outdoor Journal Prime Times Wellness Connection Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Wedding Guide Rogue Valley's Finest EXTRA Newspaper in Education Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People MARKETPLACE Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Classifieds Place an ad eSouthernOregon Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar CUSTOMER SERVICE Frequent Questions Advertising Information Home Delivery Employment Contact Us Media Kit Network Affiliate Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend July 30, 2004 Grass volleyball tourney proving to be a big hit By DON HUNT Mail Tribune In the not-so-distant future, Shannon McCoy envisions dozens of teams and hundreds of players frolicking in a four-on-four grass volleyball tournament at Hawthorne Park. With a warm sun beating down in late July, a swimming pool nearby and food booths blossoming around the fringe of the park, McCoy believes the event — dubbed the Oregon Volleyball Festival — could become something very special. Those who participated in the inaugural event last year already think it’s pretty special. The second edition will grace Hawthorne Park Saturday and Sunday, beginning at 9 a.m. each day. "It’s a unique tournament because it pulls volleyball players from the indoor courts and the ones who play on sand," says McCoy, the event’s promoter and a longtime volleyball advocate. "We’ve gotten some good feedback from both local and out-of-town players. Advertisement "In the future, I could see us drawing a lot of players between Seattle and San Francisco. I think this thing could really grow and turn into an economic boost for the community." The tournament drew 20 teams in its first year; McCoy is hoping for 30 this time around. Saturday’s action is geared for all-men and all-women’s play, broken into divisions based on ability. Saturday will also feature U-14, U-16 and U-18 categories for middle- and high school-aged girls. Sunday’s competition will be coed. Volleyball on grass allows players to move freely and jump easily while still going barefoot and being able to suck in a big breath of fresh air. In other words, it incorporates the best of indoor and sand volleyball, says the tournament’s master of ceremonies and assistant director, James Joy. "It’s a nice, intermediate game," Joy says. "Some players wear shoes and some wear kneepads, but you’ll see a lot of other people going barefoot and wearing tank tops, just as they would in sand volleyball." As for the four-on-four format, James says it allows for intricate, strategical play — like the six-on-six, indoor game — but players get far more touches. "The more advanced teams have one designated hitter and a setter who is also their blocker, but there are a lot of different ways you can play," James says. "The bottom line is, you’re getting a lot of touches." Top players include former Crater High volleyball coach Leaf Jensen and Kristina Matchett, a former standout at Southern Oregon University. Entry fees range from $50 to $120 per team, depending on age and ability levels. Players must pre-register but can still get into the tournament today by calling McCoy at 772-1445. A P.T. Cruiser car show is being held in conjunction with the tournament. Reach reporter Don Hunt at 776-4469, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2004 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback ADVERTISERS A D V E R T I S E R S RESOURCES Oregon Road Conditions & Cams SPECIAL SECTIONS Auto Finder Job Finder Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Since We Asked Food for Thought Wellness Connection Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Opportunities Prime Times