Game TONIGHT

Tonight is the night. the 3rd  annual Illinois High School Girls Volleyball ALL STAR GAME.

It's wild to think its been three years since the idea for a gloified "scrimmage" came to fruition in the first years game.  It was thrown together in less than a month and frankly I was glad it happened and that it ACTUALLY happened.  I found a few local sponsors, had my colleague make a logo for the event, convinced my "higher ups" at the station/school to back up the idea (and forever grateful they did), ask around to locate the top players in the state, find a location and POOF it happened. Less than a month mind you!

Last year was an all hands on deck event for the event with things moving along nicely, more notoriety, mentions from many major media sources and volleyball experts. More knowledge from myself and the sport as a whole, with more attention and detail put into each and every selection. Great jersey donations and great people.

This year will be the best as it should be (if it wasn't there'd be a problem).  The recommendations came from more coaches / press / scouts / families than ever. More press has already written about the game and more press will be in attendance than before. The jerseys are cooler than ever (thanks MIZUNO & Great Lake Center).  The players are bigger stronger faster than ever and the AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY is going to recieve some funds to help battle breast cancer.

Two headlines that press has posted so far that I truly appreciate are:

"SportsTownChicago.com vs Cancer" - Volleywood.net
"Breast Cancer awareness isn't just for October" - Volleyballmag.com

I think there is a theme here.  The games are being played not only to have fun, impress scouts, have coaches and family watch and listen live, give Illinois Center for Broadcasting students hands on training but the participation is for a greater cause...a greater good.  Its not just in October, nor has the fight been won.

I want to thank all involved for what is about to occur this evening, all the parents for allowing their children to participate. Thanks to the girls for choosing to play. The staff for helping put this together. The sponsors for making this game happen. Thank the Illinois Center for Broadcasting for their training and student participation and equipment.

SO Tonight is the night. lets have some fun! Lets break some floorboards, see some dumps, roofs, and tools (have to love Volleyball terms).