Section B·Page 8
The University Daily Kansan
Friday, April 23, 1999
Sport of the Week
Volleyball club plays nation's best
By Melinda Weaver sports@kansan.com
Kansas sportwriter
Though money prevents it from competing as often as it would like, the Kansas men's volleyball club has found the opportunity to contend with some of the nation's top intercollegiate teams.
Phil Oberzan, Lawrence junior, left, attempts to spike the ball on defenders Nic Skleton, Derby junior, and Nick Renk, Lenexa senior. Despite a limited budget, the volleyball club played in the highest division of intercollegiate play and contended with some of the nation's top teams. Photo by Matt J. Daugherty/KANSAN
The season lasts from October to March and consists of several tournaments in Kansas City, a few games at Allen Fieldhouse and a few travelling tournaments.
The team has traveled as far as Michigan State, the Air Force Academy and Kentucky to compete against other Division I and II club teams.
"When we go on trips, we have a lot of fun," said Dennis Heier, Blue Springs, Mo., senior and club president. "We want it to be competitive, but we are in college, and we want to have fun, too."
The bulk of the team's play is in the Heart of America region where it competes against teams not necessarily consisting of college students.
There are three levels of competition: A, BB and B. The Jayhawks play at the A level, made up of teams that have played together for awhile and show strong talent. B is for players who are older people or young kids who play for fun. BB is the level between A and B.
The team averages three tournaments each semester, but Heier said the members would like to compete more often. Lack of funding prevents them from being able to travel to more tournaments.
Student Senate designates a set amount of money for recreation services, which is distributed among the club sports. Any additional money comes from player dues and fund-raisers.
An additional limitation that the team faced this year was small membership.
Heier said he hoped to see 30 people on the team next season, more than twice this season's membership.
"That would make more competition among club members and make us more competitive," he said.
The highlight of Kansas' season was a tournament victory in Kansas City. In another tournament, the team finished second.
Nic Slayton, Derby junior, said the travel tournaments were much more competitive.
"We play against teams that give guys scholarships to play," Slayton said. "It's tough competition."
Club members at some universities have developed a ranking system similar to the one for Division I varsity sports. Because Kansas does not compete in enough tournaments it is not eligible for a ranking, but the team has played some of the top-ranked teams, including No. 5 Graceland.
The team is mostly made up of men who played volleyball in high school for various leagues and enjoyed the competition.
"I loved the game when I was in high school," Heier said. "It's one of the funnest sports out there, and it helps keep me in shape."
The team practices on Mondays and Wednesdays for two to three hours, but coach Greg Nielson said it was not a rigid schedule.
"I try to be lenient because I know the players have homework and busy schedules," Nielson said. "I have to be calm about practice because it isn't a varsity sport, and they aren't getting scholarships or anything."
Nielson said the structure of the team also was different from varsity sports.
"My main responsibility is delegating playing time," Nielson said. "The students have to pay to play, so it's important that everyone gets playing time. They need experience, so they have the confidence when they need to play."
Because the students have to pay to play tryouts are open, and everyone who tries out makes the team. Based on their skill level, they will get assigned to the first or second team.
"It's no different from the Spanish club, but we sweat when we get together," Nielson said. "It's just a chance for people to get together with others who have the same interest and probably wouldn't meet otherwise."
Heier said that the biggest advantages of joining a sport club were the friends and competitiveness.
"The best part is the friends I have made and the competitiveness of playing," Heier said. "I love the competition you have to go through to win and even to earn your spot on the team."
— Edited by Keith Burner
Nic Slayton, Derby junior, spikes the ball over the net during a volleyball club meeting yesterday. The club, which has about 15 members, competes against other club teams across the nation.
Photo by Matt L. Daworthy/KANSAN
Photo by Matt J, Daugherty/KANSAN
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