Men's volleyball at USU worth checking out

By Erin Wadsworth

December 15, 2006 | Set, men's volleyball. Serve, putting the ball into play. Spike, the club sport you're not paying attention to.

For most people who enjoy their daily dose of sports, volleyball is not the sport of choice. But the interesting thing about this particular men's volleyball team is their desire to play with no one there to watch.

Don't get them wrong; it's not that they don't want you to come watch, but they just come to play and play hard. My first impression of these guys was one of admiration, who wants to give money out of their own pockets to fund something unless they're committed to it?

Vice President Wyatt Lamborn says his time spent is not wasted because it's "just fun." The team practices twice a week, two hours every practice. This time is all taken from their busy lives, and because they don't have any one to do it for them, they must attain uniforms and plan out their own schedule.

"We're trying to find out when we can use the Spectrum," said Lamborn."We're trying to get three or four more games here."

The program has been struggling the last few years, but this year the team has pulled things together in order to bring in more support. This year is a building year, said Lamborn. A small portion of their funding comes from the university, but the rest they have to handle on their own or through a number of sponsors.

"We try to raise money as well," said Lamborn."We do some service projects, like cleaning the Spectrum."

Volleyball.com can give you hints on how to improve your serving or blocking, but focusing on individual play skills won't get you far in this sport. You certainly can't play this game alone. You'd have to serve and then run toward the net to block, set and then spike the ball, all the while hoping you don't hit the ball more than once every time it comes to your side of the net -- impossible.

These Aggies enjoy traveling together, because this is when they can spend time getting to know each other better. The team is comprised of 15 members; 12 travel and three are alternates in case of injury or sickness.

"We haven't gone on any trips yet," said Lamborn, "but that's when, last year, the team came together really well."

The players hope to continue getting the word out about their games, but the season doesn't officially start until January. Money-raising efforts are going toward their national competition. This is their ultimate goal for the season.

"That's what we're trying to raise money for this year," said Team Captain Logan Oates. "We have nationals in Louisville, Kent."

If you ever get a chance to sit down with one of these guys and talk sports, you should take full advantage of the time. They love what they do, and they want to get everyone involved. It's always fun to go watch a team full of players that actually enjoy what they are doing. I highly recommend showing up for a men's volleyball game in the near future.

To view the men's volleyball schedule visit www.mwvc.net.

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