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Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend September 23, 2005 Rogue Valley Classic promises who’s-who in volleyball By KEVIN GOFF Mail Tribune The Rogue Valley Classic volleyball tournament enters its 18th year when it kicks off Saturday at both North and South Medford high schools. This year, however, the 24-team lineup looks like a who’s-who list of Oregon high school volleyball. Eight of the state’s Class 4A top 10 will be in attendance, along with two ranked Class 3A squads competing in the event. "In terms of depth and quality, this year will be far and away the toughest," said North Medford coach Ron Beick, who has run the tournament since 1994. "It’s always fun, especially playing against some of the big teams at home." All eight Southern Oregon Conference teams, as well as Class 2A Cascade Christian, are set to compete. Advertisement Ashland, the state’s No. 2 team, is the highest-ranked squad, while third-ranked and defending Classic champion West Linn will also be in attendance. Of the top 10 teams, only top-ranked Central Catholic and No. 5 Reynolds aren’t scheduled to participate. No. 2-ranked North Bend and ninth-ranked La Salle are the lone Class 3A teams. The 24 teams will be split into three eight-team pools for the 8 a.m. matches Saturday at North and South Medford high schools. The top two teams from each pool advance to the championship bracket played at South Medford, while the consolation bracket will be held at North Medford High. The championship match will be at South Medford beginning about 6 p.m. No admission will be charged for the all-day event. Beick, whose 2000 team was the last Rogue Valley school to win the Classic, picked up a sponsor — Joseph Winans Furniture — for the first time due to the tournament’s growth from 16 to 24 teams. "(Joseph Winans) is providing T-shirts and awards," Beick said, who also coached the 1998 Black Tornado to the Rogue Valley Classic title. "They’ve been great in terms of supporting volleyball." Beick said the Rogue Valley Classic is comparable to the Abby’s Holiday Classic boys basketball tournament run by South Medford coach Dennis Murphy. "We really feel like this tournament is on the same level as Dennis’ tournament," Beick said. "And in order to make this a premier tournament in the state, we felt like we needed a sponsor. It just makes more sense." The Classic also provides a way for SOC squads to view playoff-level teams that normally wouldn’t be seen until the state tournament, Beick said. "It’s the one chance locally that a lot of the teams and the public can see what great Oregon volleyball is about," said Beick. "We look at it as a way to see who we might be able to play and match up with in the playoffs. "I think this tournament makes a great Saturday for the fans and the girls." Reach reporter Kevin Goff at 776-4483 or e-mail Rogue Valley Classic promises who�s-who in volleyball ">[email protected] . Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2005 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback www.bingo.com Home Security Systems Trunks, Footlocker dvd-r Distance Education Computer Security Ztech Media Hosting Sports Equipment Online Casino Reviews Student Loans tcg student loan consolidation Online Pharmacy online casino Myspace Home Equity Loans Windermere Van Vleet Rogue Valley Travel Reservationstogo Hotel Reservations Southern Oregon Loans Online Casino News Natto Kinase Nattokinase Casino Gambling Sites Budget Website Templates Investments & Loans Advertisement s