The Observer, March 31, 2006
Volume XXXVIII, Issue 22
Volleyball club is more than just a casual group of players
At family reunions, graduation parties, and on Bellflower Road, everyone thinks that they are a volleyball player. Volleyball seems like an easy sport that many people could play, but the men of the Case volleyball club are serious athletes who would embarrass any casual player on the court.
Chris Ross, the senior president of the club, has been playing volleyball for a total of 11 years, although not all the members of the team are as experienced as he is. Accepting of all skill levels, the team has open practices Monday and Thursday from 8:30-10:30 p.m. in Adelbert Gym. With an active roster of 25 men, a majority show up to practice every night and work to get better for the travel schedule.
In the spring semester, they form a traveling squad that competes with regional schools such as John Carroll University and Grove City College in the Penn-Ohio Volleyball League. This traveling roster consists of the players who are committed to practice and have natural talent – very often these are the men who have had previous experience either through high school or travel teams. This serious play is not the leisurely game played by millions, but rather a violent and explosive sport played by champion athletes.
The team has seen great competition this year, with exciting play and close matches highlighting their schedule, but all of their home games for the year are over as the season is winding down. However, in the fall, it will be easy to get involved again as the team recruits new players and gears up for another season. Ross gives great reasons for why he plays, and that logic can be applied across the board to anyone looking for something to do at Case.
"The best part about being on the team is being able to take weekly breaks from school and go play the best sport," he said. "People here seem to be too worried about classes and should take a few hours out of their day to do something that they enjoy, or want to learn more about. I love playing in front of people, and I love the highly competitive environment."
The volleyball club is coached by Nelson Wittenmyer, who performs double duty as the club coach and law school professor. Through the hard work of practices and the coach's help, a good athlete could make a contribution to the team and have a great experience while doing so. If you have previous experience, the volleyball club would be a great opportunity to brush off the rust and get back to the net. Either way, the volleyball club at Case is a great organization to check out.
