Gearing up!

OK, so tomorrow starts a long string of tournaments for us. We're definately ready for the months ahead. We've both been training and practicing hard, now it is time to put all that work to the test. For myself, I've been hitting the gym hard the last few weeks, lots of erxplosive and compund exercises. Single leg squats and deadlifts and things of the like. Also plyos - depth jumps, broad jumps, get ups, etc. And my new favorite, agility ladder work thanks to my friend Steph that loaned one to me. This is great for developing foot quickness, which is a big key on the court. I've been out playing 3 times a week, including one day on the weekend that Loric and I have been getting together for the last couple months or so. So, physically - ready. Mentally - I think we're feeling strong, focused and confident. We know we've put the work in, so it's time to see the results. We will be challenged for sure, especially next weekend at the qualifier and open tournaments in California, but that's what it is all about. Things seem to be falling into place and we are ready to have some great fun.

Now the big news: You may have noticed a sponsor section at the left. That's right, VolleyChick.com is our new sponsor for the Huntington AVP qualifier and we are very happy to have them on board. Check out their site, they've got a line for dudes and lots for girls, women, moms to be and volleybabies. Smith sport and Badger have also signed on as supporters.

I hope to figure out the audio blogger feature so we can post updates in real time while we are out in CA. OK, time to get some rest before tomorrow's tourney.

Going back to Cali...

OK, so I'm not referring to a terrible 80's song here. Loric and I have the opportunity to travel back to the coast at the end of May. We're excited because it looks like we'll get to play the AVP qualifier in Huntington and a CBVA event in Hermosa. We'll also have a little extra time to get on the beach during the week and hopefully fall into some good games. We're all looking forward to a mini vacation.
So, I guess I need to refocus my training. The work in the winter definately feels like it is paying off, my legs were fresh through the whole KoB on Saturday. One thing I didn't like was that I felt a bit winded during some of the longer rallies. So, I must face my nemesis and do that sprinting and cardio work I've been trying so hard to put off. If I can get good wind here at 7,500 ft, then hopefully I'll have no problems at sea level. Loric's been playing great and is in great shape, he's a runner and has been jumping super high this year. We should have better sand legs on this trip and certainly will have had tons more time playing on the court. We're stoked to get up against some of the best competition.

May 20th Sneakerz #1 Tournament

Sneakerz is preparing for their first team doubles event of the season. This should be a very good event, given the turnout to the KoB event last weekend. I'm not sure of the format, but in the past the event has been abbreviated pool play followed by a double elimination in the upper bracket and a single or double elimination event for the lower. Everybody gets lots of playing and the level of competition can get pretty good when teams from out of state drop in and challenge the local guys. I'll post more info about the tourney as it becomes available here. In the meantime, let me and/ or Tavake know if you're interested in playing, and we'll add your team to the list. If you've looking for a partner, join the yahoo group: http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/volleyball-sw
Check in time is 8:30AM with Play starting at 9:00.
and post out an email . Here is the list of registered teams so far:
1) Loric Box/ Adam Rubel
2) Rob Pierce/ Matt Valencia
3) Chris Hammock/ Brian Post
4) Jeff Poole/ Tavake Misailegalu
5) Thierry Thelliez/ Colin Vito
6) Desi Vigil/ Larry Cromwell
7) Andy Rice/ Gray Davis
8) Paul Sanchez/ Bret
9) Derrick Ray/Robert Oselio
10) John Malcom/ Partner
11) Kameron/ ?
12) Ricardo Sanchez/ Lopaka
13) Tom Parks/ ?

4/29 Sneakerz KoB results

Well, it was a fine tournament with a good turnout, good weather and good times. Folks got lots of games in and a chance to play with many different people. Thanks to Tavake and Sneakerz for putting another great event together. Looks like volleyball in the desert here is off to a strong start. Should be a good season of events. Here are the tournament results:
Upper:1) Loric Box - $110 2) Adam Rubel - $60 3) Chris Hammock - $30 4) Jeff Poole - T-shirt 5) Matt Valencia 6) Rob Pierce 7) Ricardo Sanchez 8) Desi Vigil Lower: 9) Jeff Bryce - $30 10) Larry Cromwell - T-shirt 11) Tavake 12) Rich Parry 13) Derrick 14) Paul Sanchez 15) Kameron 16) Tony Schimkus 17) Robert Oselio

Thanks to Paul for some great pics of the event!

4/29 Sneakerz Entries

Well, I got the list of entries from Tavake for this Saturday's tournament at Sneakerz in Albuquerque. It's a King of the Beach format. If you're interested in playing, give him a call: 505-720-4209. Anyhow, here's the current list, I'll update as I get more info:
1) Kameron 2)Pat White 3) Tavake 4) Jeff Poole 5)Adam Rubel 6) Steve 7) Desi Vigil 8) Larry Cromwell 9)Tony Schimkus 10)Paul Sanchez 11) Rob Pierce 12) Loric Box 13) Matt Valencia 14) Robert 15) Derek 16) Mike Noonan 17) Ricardo Sanchez 18) Chris Hammock
See you all out at Sneakerz this Saturday at 9:00 AM!

2006 Outdoor Schedule

Thanks to Desi Vigil, here is a thoroughly compiled schedule of 2006 outdoor volleyball tournaments in four states: New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado and Utah.
That's Desi on the left. Also, thanks to Paul Sanchez who is responsible for many of the great pics you see. Most of thse are from Sneakerz tournaments in NM.

2006 NEW MEXICO OUTDOOR VOLLEYBALL SCHEDULE

APRIL
Apr. 22: Sneakerz Sand Tournament, 4 on 4 Coed - Sneakerz, Alb., NM - $10/person, Intermediate & Recreational Contact: Tavake Misailegalu 505-720-4209
Apr. 29: Sneakerz King of the Beach - Sneakerz, Albuquerque, NM - $15/person, Open Sand, Competitive Doubles Contact: Tavake Misailegalu 505-720-4209
MAY
May 13/14: Send Them to Nationals Fund Raiser Grass Tournament - Bataan Memorial Park, Alb., NM - $10/person pre., $15/person day of, 13th - M/W Doubles, Trips; 14th - Coed Rev. Doubles, Coed Rev. 4's, Juniors age groups 14, 16 & 18's Contact: Fred Ader 505-480-4196, fmader@sandia.gov
May 20: Sneakerz Summer Series #1 - Sneakerz, Alb. NM - $30/team, Men Open Sand, Competitive Doubles Contact: Tavake Misailegalu 505-720-4209
May 21: ABQ VolleyFest (Grass) - Bataan Memorial Park, Alb., NM - $10/person pre., $15/person day of - Trips, Coed 4's, Doubles (TBD) Contact: Fred Ader 505-480-4196, fmader@sandia.gov
May 27: Sneakerz Sand Tournament, 5 on 4 Coed - Sneakerz, Alb. NM - $10/person, Intermediate & Recreational Contact: Tavake Misailegalu 505-720-4209
JUNE
Jun 3: Sneakerz Summer Series #2 - Sneakerz, Alb. NM - $30/team, Men Open Sand, Competitive Doubles Contact: Tavake Misailegalu 505-720-4209
Jun 10: ABQ VolleyFest (Grass) - Bataan Memorial Park, Alb., NM - $10/person pre., $15/person day of - (TBD)Contact: Fred Ader 505-480-4196, fmader@sandia.gov
Jun 17: MUDD4KIDS Volleyball Tournament
June 24: Sneakerz Summer Series #3 - Sneakerz, Alb. NM - $30/team, Men Open Sand, Competitive Doubles Contact: Tavake Misailegalu 505-720-4209
Jun 25: ABQ VolleyFest (Grass) - Bataan Memorial Park, Alb., NM - $10/person pre., $15/person day of - (TBD) Contact: Fred Ader 505-480-4196, fmader@sandia.gov
JULY
Jul 8: ABQ VolleyFest (Grass) - Location TBD, Alb., NM - $10/person pre., $15/person day of - (TBD)Contact: Fred Ader 505-480-4196, fmader@sandia.gov
Jul 15: Sneakerz Summer Series #4 - Sneakerz, Alb. NM - $30/team, Men Open Sand, Competitive Doubles Contact: Tavake Misailegalu 505-720-4209
July 22: Sneakerz Sand Tournament, 4 on 4 Blind Draw - Sneakerz, Alb., NM - $10/person - Intermediate & Recreational Contact: Tavake Misailegalu 505-720-4209
July 29: ABQ VolleyFest (Grass) - Location TBD, Alb., NM - $10/person pre., $15/person day of - (TBD) Contact: Fred Ader 505-480-4196, fmader@sandia.gov
AUGUST
Aug 6: Sneakerz Summer Series #5 - Sneakerz, Alb. NM - $30/team, Men Open Sand, Competitive Doubles Contact: Tavake Misailegalu 505-720-4209
Aug 12: ABQ VolleyFest (Grass) - Location TBD, Alb., NM - $10/person pre., $15/person day of - (TBD) Contact: Fred Ader 505-480-4196, fmader@sandia.gov
Aug 19/20: ABQ VolleyFest (Grass) - Tune-up for Aspen - Location TBD, Alb., NM $10/person pre., $15/person day of - (TBD) Contact: Fred Ader 505-480-4196
Aug 26: Sneakerz Summer Series #6 - Championship - Sneakerz, Alb. NM - $30/team, Men Open Sand, Competitive Doubles Contact: Tavake Misailegalu 505-720-4209
SEPTEMBER
Sept 16/17: Bad Ass Grass Tournament - Location TBD, Alb. NM - Sept 16 - Open Grass M / W, Competitive Grass M /W Sept 17 - Open Grass Coed, Competitive Grass Coed, Contact: Fred Weller @ www.abqvolleyball.com
Note: This is not a complete list of tournaments in New Mexico.

2006 COLORADO OUTDOOR VOLLEYBALL SCHEDULE

MAY
May 29: Memorial Day Co-ed Doubles - Youth Memorial Complex, Arvada, CO - $50/team - Co-ed A, BB, B Contact: Kay Palmer - 303-403-2521, kayp@northjeffco.org www.northjeffco.org
JUNE
June 3: CPVA #1 - Arapahoe County Community Park; Englewood, CO - $50/team (late fee: $15) - M / W Open (sand); must be AVPNext member
June 3: Volleyball Colorado Classic - Arapahoe Community Park; Englewood, CO - $50/adult teams - Men's A, BB, B, Women's A, BB, Co-ed A, BB
June 10: Volleymania - Cornerstone Park; Littleton, CO - $50/adult teams - Men's Open, A, BB, B, Women's Open, A, BB, Co-ed A, BB
June 16-18: 34th annual Vail 'King of the Mountain Open' - Vail Athletic Field; Vail, CO $45/team (late entry: $60/team) Mens' Masters (35-over), Mens' Seniors (45-over); M / W Open (sand); Men's A, BB, B; Women's A, BB; Co-ed A, BB; Juniors (Boys and Girls) 18's, 16's, 14's (grass) Father/Son 18s, 16s, 14s,12s; Father/Daughter 18s, 16s, 14s (grass)
June 24: CPVA #2 - Lakewood Park; Lakewood, CO - $50/team (late fee: $15)Men's/Women's Open (sand); must be AVPNext member
June 24: City of Lakewood Doubles - Lakewood Park; Lakewood, CO - $50 adult teams - Men's A, BB, B, Women's A, BB, Co-ed A, BB
JULY
July 15: CPVA #3 - Arapahoe County Community Park; Englewood, CO - $50/team (late fee: $15) - M / W Open (sand); must be AVPNext member
July 15: Volleypalooza - Arapahoe Community Park; Arapahoe County - $50/adult teams - Men's A, BB, B, Women's A, BB, Co-ed A, BB
July 22: Spike-It-Rich - Aurora Sports Park; Aurora - $50/adult teams - Men's Open, A, BB, B, Women's Open, A, BB, Co-ed A, BB
July 29: Colorado Volleyball Championships - Arapahoe Community Park; Arapahoe County - $50/team - M / W A, BB, B, Co-ed A, BB
July 29: CPVA #4 - Arapahoe County Community Park; Englewood, CO - $50/team(late fee:$15) - M / W Open (sand); must be AVPNext member
AUGUST
Aug. 5: Rocky Mountain State Games - Volleyball (Grass) - Colorado College, Colorado Springs, CO - $75/team (Adult) - Men's/Women's 4s A, B Contact: 719-634-7333 x. 1003, mailto:lynn@SportsOasis.com www.TheSports.org/rmsg
Aug. 5: Longmont Grass Doubles Volleyball Tournament - Roosevelt Park; Longmont,CO - $45/adult teams M / W A, BB, B, Co-ed A, BB, B Contact: 303-774-4562; brian.felse@ci.longmont.co.us www.ci.longmont.co.us
Aug. 5/6: DIG OR DIE Tournament - Fort Collins Health Club; Fort Collins, Co - $35/team - Men's A Sand, Men's A, BB, Women's A, BB, Co-ed A, BB Contact: Fort Collins Club @ 970-224-2582, fcc@ftcclub.net
Aug. 6: Rocky Mountain State Games - Volleyball (Sand) - The Sand Pits, Colorado Springs, CO - $40/team (Adult) - Men's/Women's A, B, Contact: 719-634-7333 x. 1003, mailto:lynn@SportsOasis.com www.TheSports.org/rmsg
Aug. 20: Late Bloomers Co-ed Doubles - Youth Memorial Complex, Arvada, CO - $50/team - Co-ed A, BB, B, Contact: Kay Palmer - 303-403-2521, kayp@northjeffco.org www.northjeffco.org
Sun., Aug. 25 - 27: AVP Cuervo Gold Crown Boulder Open - Boulder Reservoir,Boulder - General admission seating starts at $15
SEPTEMBER
Aug. 31-Sept. 4: 34th annual MotherLode Volleyball Classic - Various parks; Aspen, CO $60/team (late entry: $80/team) - Mens' Seniors (45-over/50-over); Mens' Masters (37-over); Men's Open (sand); Men's AA, A, BB, B (grass) Womens' Masters (35-over); Women's Open (sand); Women's A, BB, B (grass) Co-ed Open, A, BB, B (grass)
Sept. 9: Sunset Blast Co-ed Doubles - Harold Lutz Sports Complex, Arvada, CO - $50/team - Co-ed A, BB, B, Contact: Kay Palmer - 303-403-2521, kayp@northjeffco.org www.northjeffco.org
Sept. 10: Sunset Blast Men's/Women's Doubles - Harold Lutz Sports Complex, Arvada, CO - $50/team - Men's/Women's A, BB, B,
For additional tournament information, visit www.coloradovolleyball.com

Note: This is not a complete list of tournaments in Colorado.

2006 ARIZONA OUTDOOR TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

APRIL
Apr 1: VAO Volleyball Madness II (Sand) - men/women - A/B, coed open
Apr 15: VAO Tax Relief (Sand) - men/women open, men/women/coed - A/B
Apr 22/23: ASU Grass Event (Grass) - men/women/coed
Apr 29: AO/Victory Lane Beach Bash 4's (Sand) - coed open, A/B 4's
MAY
May 4: Todd Rogers Adult Skills Clinic (Sand) - all levels
May 13: SWPVA/VAO Yuma Open (Sand) - men/women open
May 20: Dig It! COED 4s (Indoor) - coed 4's indoor open, A/B
JUNE
Jun 17: Dusk Till Dawn I Event (Sand) - men/women open, men/women/coed - A/B
JULY
July 1: Shark Prescott Open (Sand) - men/women open, men/women - A/B
AUGUST
Aug 5: Dusk Till Dawn II Event (Sand) - men/women open, men/women/coed - A/B
SEPTEMBER
Sept 2/3: VAO Calcutta (Sand) - men/women open, men/women - A/B
OCTOBER
Oct 21/22: $5,000 Tempe ProAM (Sand) - men/women
Oct 28: Halloween COED 4s (Sand) - coed 4's open, A/B
VolleyballArizona OrganizationHotline: (602) 532-7931, Email: info@volleyballarizona.org
Website: www.volleyballarizona.org
Note: This is not a complete list of tournaments in Arizona.

2006 UTAH UOVA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

APRIL
Apr 8: St. George Spring Fling Opener M/W/Doubles Worthen Park, 400 E 285 S, St George Bob Peckham 4356345860 bob.peckham@sgcity.org
Apr 15: UOVA Members Only M/W Dbles/Jrs/Mastrs Cottonwood Complex, 4400 S. 1300 E., SLC Annette Cottle 8016298259 annettecottle@ci.ogden.ut.us
Apr 22: Spring Opener M/W/Doubles UVSC Soccer Field, Orem Dave Richards 8012261269 richarlo@aol.com
Apr 29: Spring Mix Up Reverse Coed/Dbles Northwest MPC, 1300 W. 300 N.,SLC Nancy Smith 8015960072 nsmith@slco.org
MAY
May 6: Six Pack Saturday Coed/Doubles County Ice Center Field, 5201 S. Murray Park Lane Nancy Taylor 8012707260 nataylor@slco.org
May 13: Bring on the Heat M/W/Doubles Cottonwood Complex, 4400 S 1300 E, SLC Shawn Ashby 8019746923 sashby@slco.org
May 20: UOVA Members Only Reverse Coed/Dbles Cottonwood Complex, 4400 S 1300 E, SLC Nancy Taylor 8012707260 nataylor@slco.org
May 27: Mixed Mayhem Coed/Doubles Wheeler Farm, 6351 S 900 E, Murray Jill Johnson 8015382062 jsjohnson@slco.org
May 30: Memorial Day Madness M/W/Jrs/ Doubles UVSC Soccer Field, Orem Dave Richards 8012261269 plyrsvbc@aol.com
JUNE
Jun 3: Spike the Heights M/W/Doubles Cottonwood Heights Rec. Ctr., 7500 S 2700 E, SLC Kari White 8014240621 kpringle@slco.org
Jun 10: Setting With The Sun M/W/Doubles Steed Park, 300 N 1000 W, Clearfield Curtis Dickson 8015252795 recdesk@clearfieldcity.org
Jun 17: Salt Lake City Classic M/W/Jrs/Doubles Liberty Park, 600 E 1000 S,SLC Tyler Curtis 8015356118 tyler.curtis@slcgov.com
Jun 24: Utah Summer Games M/W/Jrs/Dbles/Mstrs/coed 4s Cottonwood Complex,4400 S 1300 E, SLC Annette Cottle 8019400391 cottlevb@msn.com
JULY
Jul 1: Freedom Festival M/W/Jrs/Doubles UVSC Soccer Field, Orem Dave Richards 8012261269 plyrsvbc@aol.com
Jul 4: 24th Annual 4th of July M/W/Jrs/Doubles City Park/Treasure Mt. Middle School, Park City Jessica Moran 4356155414 jmoran@parkcity.org
Jul 8: Ogden City Summer Fest M/W/Jrs/Dbles/Mstrs/Coed 4s 4th Street Complex,502 Wall Ave, Ogden Annette Cottle 8016298259 annettecottle@ci.ogden.ut.us
Jul 15: Pioneer Days Doubles M/W/Doubles Sugarhouse Park, 1350 E 2100 S, SLC Jill Johnson 8015382062 jsjohnson@slco.org
Jul 22: July 24th Coed Classic Coed/Doubles Cottonwood Complex, 4400 S 1300 E, SLC Wendy Stratton 8014951480 wstratton@slco.org
Jul 24: Bruin Bash M/W/Doubles/Mstrs SLCC, 4600 So. Redwood Road, SLC Shay Clemensen 8019574764 shay.clemensen@slcc.edu
Jul 29: Best in the West M/W/Dbles/Coed 4's Gene Fullmer Rec. Ctr., 8015 S 2200 W, West Jordan Shawn Lavender 8015638440 slavender@slco.org
AUGUST
Aug 5: Park City Arts Festival M/W/Jrs/Doubles City Park, Park Ave, Park City Jessica Moran 4356155414 jmoran@parkcity.org
Aug 11: Dusk till Dawn Coed Doubles/Mstrs Alta Canyon Sports Ctr, 9565 S Highland Dr, Sandy Kim McKellar 8015684602 kmckella@sandy.utah.gov
Aug 12: Sunset Showdown M/W/Coed/Doubles Sunset City Softball Complex, 1800 N 85 W, Sunset Cory Haddock 8016149105 recreation@sunsetut.com
Aug 19: Ogden City Slam & Scram M/W/Jrs/Dbles/Mstrs/coed 4s 4th Street Complex, 502 Wall Ave, Ogden Annette Cottle 8016298259 annettecottle@ci.ogden.ut.us
Aug 26: Bam Bam Tournament M/W/Doubles Cottonwood Complex, 4400 S 1300 E, SLC Cristina Barber 8012534404 cbarber@slco.org

SEPTEMBER
Sept 2: Labor Day Coed Coed Doubles Cottonwood Complex, 4400 S 1300 E, SLC Shawn Ashby 8019746923 sashby@slco.org
Sept 4: Tooele Swim & Slam M/W/Doubles Deseret Peak Complex, 2930 W Highway 112, Tooele Lindsay Sundloff 4358434035 lsundoff@co.tooele.ut.us
Sept 9: September Slam Coed/Doubles Copperview Com. Center, 8446 S Harrison,Midvale TaufikHermansyah 8015610075 thermansyah@co.slc.ut.us
Sept 16: Buffalo Spikers (Grass Tourney) M/W/Doubles Constitution Circle, 465 N Wasatch Drive, Layton Natalie Flint 8013363900 nflint@laytoncity.org
Sept: 23: The Great Acorn Coed/Doubles County Ice Center Field, 5201 S Murray Park Lane Nancy Taylor 8012707260 nataylor@slco.org
Sept 30: Oktoberfest Coed/Doubles Harmony Park, 3700 S Main, SLC Jill Johnson 8015382062 jsjohnson@slco.org
OCTOBER
Oct 7: Replacing Violence with Sports Coed 4's Cottonwood Complex, 4400 S 1300 E, SLC Kimi Barnett 8015378609 kbarnett@ywca.com
Oct 14: Fall Finale M/W/Doubles Worthern Park, 285 S 400 E, St. George Bob Peckham 4356345860 bob.peckham@sgcity.org
For additional tournament information, visit the UOVA website at www.uova.org
Note: This is not a complete list of tournaments in Utah.

Sneakerz Beach Volleyball King of the Beach Tourney: 4/29

Summer time is here! NM's first tourney of the year:

Sneakerz will be running its first sand doubles tournament of the year in Albuquerque. It will be a King of the Beach Tournament. Skill level varies, and typically breaks into an upper and lower bracket following pool play. We had some good strong tourneys last year and everybody had a good time.

Details: AVP/FIVB Rules - rally scoring, Wilson ball, short court and antennas.Cost - $15.00 per person - PLEASE BRING CASH ONLY (NO CHECKS WILL BE ACCEPTED SINCE SNEAKERZ HAS TO PAY THE MONEY BACK OUT) Sneakerz will provide water. Please do not bring any food or drinks into Sneakerz after 11am. The only exception Tavake has made is fruit. Everyone under 21 must be under adult supervision while at Sneakerz and will not be allowed in the bar except to use the restrooms. Sneakerz has a full service bar and food menu which will be available after 11am. To register, call Tavake at: 505-720-4209.