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).  

Business as usual?

Greetings from Sunny Elmhurst Illinois! The TRI-Man team of Sleeter, JoePitt, and Alex "I wish I was J." Lo covering a cross-conference match-up between warriors of Willowbrook and the Dukes of York. Alex got a little misty-eyed walking in through the doors of his alma mater...it was actually a little uncomfortable, Sleeter and I agreed. Especially when he started hugging random faculty. It happened! And Alex isn't here to prove otherwise!

Tonight was Senior night at York. Now, the last few Senior nights myself or Alex has attended, the festivities have seemed to get the better of the home team. Tonight, though, this was not the case. York showed why they are one of the top ranked teams in the state.

To the Warriors credit they started set number one keeping stride with the Dukes. M. Klaassen, J. Conley, and strong play from Libero S. Hernandez were the brightest spots on this young team that plays in a tough conference.

When you play a team like York it becomes a good measuring stick for you. And the Warriors have nothing to be afraid of. Set one went to York 11-25. Set two went quickly. With the set and match firmly in hand Coach Iverson of York began switching her starters out. Sophmores R. Iverson and A. Nosek making the biggest impact of the underclassmen. In the end the Dukes of York (gosh it's fun to type that) took set two 8-25.

Our Voolii Lifestyle (www.vooliiboom.com) trend setter of the match was actually very special as we had the four Seniors from York stop by our broadcast booth (FINE! It's a table...let us dream). These four ladies are captains on the team and it isn't hard to see why Leadership on the court. Skill in offense and defense. The ability to play call, make adjustments, and know when to let someone else make the play. C. Rose, M. Semmelhack, K. Gallagher, S. Schrenker led their team to victory tonight and hopefully to a deep playoff run.

I know this is my first year calling volleyball and I haven't seen all the teams in the state. But, if I could go out on a limb. I am picking York as my personal favorite to go all the way. They have the power up front, the clear leadership, and a deep bench that is balanced from top to bottom.

We are only a couple weeks away from the playoffs...Time will tell if I am right.

Till next time true believers!

Mahalo

-JoePitt