1996 AWA / Unique Formulation
Wallyball National Championships
Michigan and Minnesota dominate "The American Wallyball Association" Nationals
in Roseville, Michigan, April 19-21, 1996
The Deciechi brothers, Rocky and Paul from Roseville, Michigan, once again defended their National Men's Doubles open title. Their young challenger, Brian Rentz and Mike Timpa, from Warren, Michigan, came on strong, but the experience and court smarts of the Deciechi prevailed.
Another set of brothers took the Men's Doubles Advanced title, Jason and Darlin Sandberg,
from Coon Rapids, Minnesota. With Darlin executing perfect sets, slamming that ball to the floor was second nature to Jason. Gene Boyce and Jerry Noel from Garden City Michigan, claimed the runner-up award for the Doubles Advanced title.
For the Men's Double Intermediate titles, Kevin Titus, from sterling Heights, Michigan and Rick Dorland, from Troy New York took first place and Dennis Deciechi , from Chesterfield, Michigan, and pat scopas , from Warren, Michigan, took second.
In the Women's competition , Gloria Charow and Sue Deciechi, from Roseville, Michigan, had to give it their all to beat Annette Boggess, from Columbus, Ohio, and Coleen Gregory, from Waterford, Michigan, for the Lady's open title. In the coed Doubles Intermediate Division, husband and wife team, Lance and Shannon Olson, from Maple Grove, Minnesota took an easy first place. Julie White and Scott Parker, from Waterford, Michigan, took the second place spot.
Saturday's Pro competition brought out the best players in the nation. Cathy Undley, Shelli Sesock and Bonnie Hedeen, all three from Waterford, Michigan, were able to hold onto their Women's Open title again for another year. Lori Chardderdon, Mary Kockenderfer and Val Peterson from Minneapolis, Minnesota, fought hard for the second place title.
In the Women's Triples Advanced Division, Peggy Brletic , Sherlley McCoy, and Julia Wallace, from Loraince , Ohio, claimed top prize and Buffy Kotowski, Kristen Farling and Nina Zink, from Sheffield, Ohio took second place.
Minnesota prevailed again in the Women's Triples Intermediate Division, Tina Schwantes, Shannon Olsen and Deb. McDonald from Lakeville Illinois took the first place trophies home. Jody LaCross, Jennifer Schaub and Beth Ball played skillfully to earn the second place award. For the Men's Divisions, the Deciechi brothers, Rocky and Paul teamed up with big Mike Martin to hold onto their open title for a second straight year. Eddie Trent, Pat Westphal and Scott Bewick, from Canton, Michigan, took the second place. In the Men's Triples Advanced category, another Minnesota team prevailed: Mark Fuhrman, Lance Olsen and Scott Glen from Maple Grove walked away with the first place prize. Scott Parker, Mike DeRycher and Steve Tschiart, from Waterford, Michigan, took the second place. Newcomers to the tournament scene, Jeremy Glass, Adam Zachman, Jake Lourias and Mitch Heator, from Elk River, Minnesota, played very hard to earn their first place in the Men's Triples Intermediate Division , while , Dave Blasco, Kris Kovacic, Dave Hofer, from Sterling Heights, Michigan and Shawn Tucker, from Little Rock, Arkansas landed in second Place spot..
June 7, 2002 West Hawaii Today
Wallyball's inventor has big plans for its future
By RON ELAND/ West Hawaii Today
Some have called him the Abner Doubleday of wallyball. No, not volleyball - wallyball.
More than 20 years ago, California racquetball pro Joe Garcia invented the sport almost on a whim and today, millions of people play it worldwide.
In his book "The Official Book of Wallyball" he explained the origins of the sport which originally had names like ricochet ball, zoom ball and bullet ball.
"Interest in racquetball was ebbing in 1979, and courts were empty around the country," he wrote. "So, on a hot summer afternoon, while the racquetball court was under construction, with beers in hand, the workman and I were sitting around figuring out new games that could be played on a racquetball court.
"The games we invented that afternoon included the wonder of wiffle - ball - wall, the futuristic four - wall basketball, the sometimes risque roller hockey ball and wall - wall tennis, which needs no explanation. But at home that night, another came to mind: volleyball played on a racquetball court. Off - the - wall volleyball."
Like so many sports, it took a while for wallyball to get off the ground but it wasn't for a lack of trying. Garcia and his friends traveled more than 24,000 miles across the country promoting the sport. Their efforts paid off as the word and popularity spread. By 1984, an estimated half - million people were playing it nationwide.
In the mid 1980s, however, Garcia made some bad business decisions and eventually walked away from the sport. But now, nearly 12 years later, he's back with a list of goals for ways to improve the sport he created.
"I was away from the sport and it kept growing but it wasn't organized," Garcia said this week from his Reno, Nev. home "There was no governing body. So, a year and a half ago I got back into it and we started the Association of United Wallyball Players.
"When I invented the sport I never envisioned it would become this big. All of a sudden it evolved into this big thing. Things slowed down a little but now that we have a governing body, I envision a resurgence of the sport."
Garcia said he's hoping part of that resurgence will come on a global scale in the next few years.
"Right now our goal is to eventually get it into the Olympics," he said. "We've talked with many individuals and we think we may be able to get it in as a demonstration sport in 2008. Another goal of ours is to get everyone playing by the same rules and to promote tournaments and leagues across the country."
Garcia went on to say they plan on starting a grassroots effort in high school and colleges with the hope that those individuals will continue playing as adults.
"You don't have to be a super athlete to play," he explained. "Within 10 minutes, you get the hang of it and enjoy it. Plus, it's a good workout and a great way for husbands and wives and boyfriends and girlfriends to compete in a team sport together."
Those closest to the sport estimate that anywhere from two to three million people play the sport worldwide including Latin America and Europe where the sport has really taken off.
"One of the things I'm most proud of is that the word 'wallyball' can be found in four different dictionaries," he said laughing. "And, I'm one of the few inventors of a sport who's still alive."
He said he rarely brings the fact he invented the sport up in conversation but added that he's very proud that he created something enjoyed by millions people - two of whom are President Bush and his father who play it at Camp David.
"I never made much money from this but that's not why I did it," he said. "I enjoy seeing people playing wallyball and the fact I did invent it makes me feel like a proud parent sometimes."
Big Blue Balls + Las Vegas = A Whole Lot of Fun!!
By Joe Garcia
I haven't seriously played in a wallyball tournament since I can't remember when. In fact, I've played very little wallyball in the last ten years. However, when I was presented the opportunity to play in the Big Blue Balls doubles tournament in Las Vegas, I jumped at the chance. As the inventor of wallyball, I like to think I still have a few good serves left. Besides if it didn't go my way, I'd change the rules!
For those of you that didn't attend, you missed a great tournament and a really good time. Our tournament hosts Roxanne Stragier and Margo Darris of Big Blue Balls were professional and courteous in assembling and managing a first class event. The Las Vegas Sporting House was a great facility with 10 regular courts and one tournament court that had glass side and back walls. Glad I didn't have to play on that court to display my talents for all to see. Great prizes, good food and neat little Big Blue Balls tattoos, that were used to identify the tournament players from the club members. Probably the only down side was the 110 degree Las Vegas heat that sometimes felt as though it was inside the courts.
Despite my tournament inactivity, the staff of mrwallyball.com made a great showing (there's only three of us). I was originally scheduled to play with "The Coach" Rob Drake, but a nasty flu bug kept him and his bride Mollie at home in San Diego. They were truly missed by all. I played with Donna Nichols from Colorado in the coed intermediate division and we took second place. Not bad for an old timer who hasn't played in a while. We lost to the impromptu team of Rhodelyn Galera, the mrwallyball.com Webmaster and Scott Weishaar of Oregon. Scott is without a doubt the most energetic player I have ever played against. The man never quit. Rhodelyn and Jill Cummings from Reno, NV took first place in the women's intermediate division. It was their first wallyball tournament and first time they played on a women's net. I taught them all they know about wallyball. Not really, but we play together in Reno and we helped one another prepare for the tournament.
It was good to see some old friends, Wally Choo of Canada, The Fuhrman crew from Minnesota and Stephanie Freitag of San Diego. Along with Margo and Rox, I had an opportunity to discuss with them the future of wallyball. Also met a whole lot of new players and in general just had a nice time. I didn't get a chance to party with the group because my 14 year-old daughter Felice was with me, but I saw some red eyes and heard some good stories on Saturday morning. Good to see the tournament party tradition is alive and well.
Wallyball, the sport that gives.
By Steve Fuhrman
AUWP Rules Director
E-mail Wallyball00@aol.com
Way back in 1997, two wallyball players, Mark Fuhrman & Scott Stevens from Minnesota, got together to hold the first ever wallyball charity event that we called the “ Seina Pallo “. Seina Pallo is Finnish for “Wall Ball“ and being Mark was ½ Finn….well….you can figure out the rest. The local papers came out to interview the players of this crazy sport. A local TV news station featured wallyball during their sports cast.
Here is some of the information from the first official invite.
Skill Levels:
1) What's Wallyball ?? - Never heard of the terms "carry", "throw", or "net".
2) Novice - Play only for fun and I know most of the rules
3)Intermediate - Play in leagues and maybe some tournaments
4) Advanced - I have played in several tournaments and man, am I good!
5) Open - Smell, eat, sleep, and live for wallyball......
Waiver:
Hosts not responsible or liable for any injuries or accidents including broken/sprained ankles, swollen elbows, bruised knees, sprained fingers, broken necks, dislocated shoulders, facelifts from a speeding spike or wall plants, etc.
Since then, the Seina Pallo tournament has donated to several charities. Steve Fuhrman & Lori Ellsworth started a second charity event this past year. It’s held just before Thanksgiving and is called the Triples Turkey Tournament. So far these events have raised the following:
Tournament Charity Total Donations: (through 2002)
American Cancer Society - over $1700 (in memory of Cheryl Fuhrman)
Anoka County Workforce Center - 15 suits and 18 dresses
Goodwill - $4500 donated in clothes and toys
CEAP - over 875 pounds of food
This past year the proceeds from Seina Pallo went to Sheri Belanger. Sheri is a fellow sand volleyball player from Mama G's who is in the process of beating breast cancer. Unfortunately, the battle has been very tough and "normal" treatments were not working for her...so she resorted to experimental treatments...something that insurance will not cover. Every little bit helps, so this tournament was held for her. We raised close to $400 through wallyball and 100’s of people came to play in the charity volleyball tournament that was held in her honor.
Sheri was too weak to attend the events. She passed away a few weeks later.
By holding these charity events, we can help people in times of need and have fun doing so.
See you at the next charity event.
Hey Wallyballers,
Joe Garcia
Executive Director AUWP
3/19/02
It's been nearly two years since Rob Drake and myself sat down and decided that we needed to do something to see wallyball grow. The AUWP and this web site are the results of that meeting.
A lot of really neat things are already happening. We have three AUWP sanctioned tournaments scheduled in the next few months. There are positive discussions ongoing with potential sponsors and we have several hundred players registered. Not bad for a modest and humble group of veteran wallyball players.
If you love wallyball, if you enjoy playing in leagues and tournaments, if you love the social aspects of wallyball and like meeting and competing with players from all over the world, if you would like to see wallyball as an Olympic sport, then you’ve come to wallyball paradise. This is your organization and your home. Support it, question it, and always remember, in the AUWP, the players can and will make a difference.
Enjoy the game and watch out for that deep spin serve off the side wall!
On April 6th, 2002, the board members of the AUWP met officially in San Diego to discuss a variety of topics including the upcoming Players Classic tournament in Reno, Nevada, rule changes and potential relationships. For the first time in 2002 the AUWP Board of Directors met to discuss issues and projects that were developed at the first board meeting in November 2001.
Rob Drake President of the AUWP stated, “We are quite pleased with the progress the board has made in past months. There is still a great deal ahead of us but we feel confident that we are establishing the foundation needed for a successful players association.”
Among the topics discussed were the logistics and marketing for the tournament in Reno, the basis for rule interpretations and guidelines and our ongoing discussions with equipment manufactures and sponsors.
The AUWP was formed as a non profit corporation for the sole purpose of growing the sport of wallyball worldwide and allowing the players to have a say in that growth process. Joe Garcia and Rob Drake initially recruited this Board of Directors. As per the constitution and by laws of the AUWP, the entire board of directors will be up for re-election and voted on by the players and members of the association in two years.
We strongly encourage the input and participation of wallyball players worldwide in the grass root stages and development of the association.
During the month of October,2003, the AUWP and MW ( Minnesota Wallyball ) are doing something SPECIAL for everyone who is curious about the sport of wallyball.
Wallyball classes are being held at Central Courts in Columbia Heights, MN.
Each member of the class will get 0ne-on-One instructions from a 22 years veteran of the sport of wallyball. THE FIRST NIGHT IS FREE. The remaining nights for the class are at a reduced price!!
The class instructor is Steve Fuhrman. In order to reserve a spot, please rsvp @ 612-581-7718.
At the first class we had 8 new players. They enjoyed wallyball so much that they will be back next week, each bringing more players!!
Also on Oct 20th, from 6:30 - 9:30, there will be a wallyball party at Central Courts.
Steve Fuhrman ( the AUWP Rules Director ) will explain the AUWP and their future goals for the sport of wallyball. Lori Ellsworth ( AUWP Secretary ) will setup teams for on-the-court wallyball FUN!
Cost $6 if you play wallyball and eat food.
If you want to come and just see what wallyball is all about, the meal is FREE!
Just ask for Steve Fuhrman or Lori Ellsworth at the front desk.
The Wallyball Party was a HUGE success!
55 players came to play and food was served to over 60 people who were interested in wallyball. All survived the cooking of Steve Fuhrman, who whipped up plenty of home-made chili, chicken noodle soup, and BBQ’s.
Thank you to everyone for coming!
Thanks also to Lori Ellsworth who helped make the night a success.
21 people attended the Wallyball classes during the month of October.
The first night free program will continue until 1/1/2003.
30 players signed up for the advanced league at Central Courts.
During the month of Oct, about 150 people joined the AUWP as members.
March 14-16, 2003
New York City will host the 2003 Wallyball International, Inc. (WII) and American Wallyball Association (AWA) National Wallyball Championships on the three-day weekend of March 14 - 16, 2003. Hundreds of men and women from around the world will compete in three divisions - Open, Advanced, and Intermediate. Doubles competition begins on Friday, March 14th, with Triples matches on Saturday, March 15th, and Mixed Triples games on Sunday, March 16th.
This year's national championship is very special due to the combined forces of WII and the AWA to bring the largest and most competitive Wallyball event in the history of the sport.
The AWA will be sending invitations to teams from many countries, including: Canada, Mexico, Bolivia, England, Ecuador, Chile, Panama, Venezuela, Japan, Singapore, Guam, Belgium, Netherlands, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Peru, and Portugal.
The official Voit Wallyball, used throughout the year by both WII and AWA, supplied by BSN of Dallas, will be used at this National Championship event.
The venue for the Open competitions will be held at the Eastern Athletic Club in Brooklyn Heights;
the Intermediate/Advanced Division will compete at the Eastern Athletic Clubs in Dix Hills and Huntington, Long Island.
The Eastern Athletic Club in Brooklyn Heights was the birthplace for the sport of Wallyball on the East Coast. Its athletes, known as the "Beasts of the East," have dominated all but one of the five previous National Championships held in Chicago, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, and New York.
The one upset was pulled off by a group of strong San Diego teams that continue to clash with the New York contingent. The San Diego teams once again plan to come to the "City That Never Sleeps" to challenge the Eastern Athletic Club teams.
NOTE from Webmaster Why don't they ever talk about Minnesota teams? You, know, the ones who beat the San Diego Teams.....
The 2003 Tournament Director, George L. Cassius, WII Executive Director and founder of the Wallyball program at Eastern Athletic Club, stated, "We have also extended invitations to some of our best known Wallyballers to play in a special televised Celebrity Exhibition. These include current President George W. Bush and his father, George Bush, the former president, who both still play extremely well at Camp David, when time permits; Los Angeles Lakers television commentator and Olympic Volleyball Gold Medalist Paul Sunderland; John Stossel, a nationally renowned television news commentator;
and singer Dean Torrance of Jan and Dean fame." Both Sunderland and Torrance have played in many previous Wallyball National Championships.
WII President/Hall of Fame/Olympian Michael O'Hara commented:
"After New York's powerful presentation made in Salt Lake City, winning the right to represent America as the bid city for the 2012 Olympics, we are definitely extending an invitation to former Mayor Rudolph Giuliani and current Mayor Michael Bloomberg to join us at this national sports championship."
WII / AWA 2003 National Championships
NEW YORK WII CHAMPIONSHIP WALLYBALL TOURNAMENTS ARE A SMASH HIT!
The action packed boutique sport of Wallyball showcased its best players in Brooklyn over a weekend that Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz proclaimed "National Wallyball Championships Weekend in Brooklyn" on March 14-16, '03.
For the first time, both Wallyball International Inc. and the American Wallyball Association joined together for the Wallyball Nationals, held at one of the seven EAC locations, in Brooklyn Heights. The tournament, which was promoted on Nickelodeon's nationally televised "Games and Sports" program throughout the preceding week, drew 64 teams from all corners of the United States, as well as Spain. "Beyond a doubt, this was among the largest, and the most competitive competitions we've ever had in our 18 years of staging National Championships" stated WII President/'64 Volleyball Olympian Michael O'Hara.
This off-the-wall sport called Wallyball boasts more than 800,000 players nationwide, including beach volleyball Olympic Gold medalist Kent Steffes, President George W. Bush and his father, the former President, and beach music maker Dean Torrance of Jan and Dean fame. The game is played by basic volleyball rules, except the ball can be served, set and spiked off the side walls, hence the name Wallyball. Teams of two, three, or four players face off on either side of a net strung across a racquetball court.
The Nationals tournament began on Friday night at 6 p.m. with doubles play, and EAC continued its long reign as one of the nation's top Wallyball programs. Former Women's Open Doubles National Champions from the EAC, Pam Choi and Kamila Pavlaskova, did it again, topping their EAC teammates Rewa Chan and Masha Mosenzhnik, 15-12, 15-10. EAC also took the Coed Doubles Open national title with a team of Jose Infante and Darlene Hrycyk beating the San Diego team of Gregory Melvin and Loudres Szumlas, 15-11, 15-10. In Men's Advanced Doubles, current EAC trainer Richard Wray teamed with Joe Lin to win over former EAC trainer John Saunders and Mike Peterson, 15-9, 15-12.
Finally, at 3:45 a.m. Saturday morning, the featured match of the night was staged, between the second most dominant team in America, representing San Diego, and the "Beasts from the East" from EAC. The EAC team of Luis Fong and Yan Lager took second place, losing a hard-fought finals to Greg Melvin and Colie Potter, 15-13, 15-12, in the Men's Open Doubles.
After a short night's sleep, the EAC teams once again dominated the Triples events, taking two firsts in the Open Division and one in the Advanced Division. "We mostly practice Triples, which we consider our main event," says George Cassius, WII Executive Director and EAC Coach. " We proved once again that a double block at the net is best in the Men's competition." Cassius is credited with bringing dozens of world-class players to play Wallyball at the EAC. The EAC Men's Open Triples team of Ron Gaskin, Jr., Infante, Amaury Velasco, and Eugene Zabolotsky won a National Title over a fellow EAC team that consisted of Dave Betantes Jr., Tony Bonilla, Fung, Ron Gilot, and Elvis Rodriguez, 15-11, 16-14. "We proved once again that a double block at the net is best in Men's competition," says Cassius.
The EAC also sent two teams to the Women's Triples Open finals, with Choi, Halina Pavels, Pavlaskova, and Claire Smith winning over Chan, Amy Cohen, Hrycyk, and Mosenzhnik, 15-10, 15-9.
In the Advanced Division, two EAC Men's teams also played in the finals, with Kevin Edwards, Dominic Griffin, Justin Kazmarek, and Mathew Sharock taking the National Championship over Bill De Gennaro, Lin, Stanislav Shargorodsky, and Wray, 16-14, 15-9.
On Sunday, the California duo of Melvin and Potter, who had won the Men's Open Doubles, needed a woman player to compete in the Coed Open Triples, so EAC loaned them Amy Cohen. This combination San Diego/Brooklyn team upset an EAC team of Choi, Pavlaskova, Eric Archer, Betantes, and Bonilla in the finals, 15-10, 16-14.
Several EAC stalwarts played all three days, including all of the women and Eli Klompus. To care for the many aches and pains, the Brooklyn Heights Chiropractic and Rehabilitation Center staff gave massages every day, and New York orthopedic surgeon Laith Jazrawi, MD, and Seattle sports medicine doctor David Cassius, MD, taped up and iced many injuries. The Brooklyn Heights chiropractors and Dr. Jazrawi have agreed to support future WII national tournaments.
WII collegiate Director Tony Bonilla is producing the first-ever Men’s Collegiate Wallyball event at New Paultz College in October, and a Women’s Collegiate event there in the Spring of 2004. Six Universities have already made commitments to attend.
2003 National Wallyball Tournament :
By Steve Fuhrman
Tournament registration was about 100 players from several different states. Most players played in multiple events.
Location of players who placed in the tournament
1) California - 20 Champions & 9 runner-ups *** Includes Subs
2)Minnesota - 17 Champions & 14 runner-ups
3) Boston - 3 Champions & 13 runner-ups *** Includes Subs
4) Canada - 3 Champions & 4 runner-ups *** Includes Subs
5) Iowa - 5 Champions & 1 runner-up
6) Michigan - 1 Champion & 1 runner-up
7) Arizona - 2 runner-ups
8) Nevada - 1 runner-up
9) Wisconcin - 1 runner-up
Euroball Improves The Game
By The AWA
The Euroball, the state-of-the-art ball for wallyball, is now available to players after two years of testing.
The new Euroball is specially designed to play with a soft touch, to reduce sting and to hold its color without
fading.
A joint project of Cross Mark Inc. and the American Wallyball Association (AWA), the Euroball was tested
for two years in several countries. Collectors will note that it is the first signature ball in the history of wallyball.
The Euroball is signed by the world’s greatest player, Rudy Morel, who has won the USA Open
Division National Wallyball Championship 14 times and the International Wallyball Championship 4 times.
Morel, who is also president and founder of the AWA, said that development of the Euroball has been a
priority and that the ball has arrived ahead of schedule. “It was supposed to come out in 2004, but people
wanted it,” he said. “The AWA continues its tradition of giving the wallyball community a choice.
We continue to try to improve the balls as the new technology comes.”
The exterior of the Euroball is 100% rubber. Impressed by the rubber produced in the Dominican Republic,
the AWA chose that country to supply the rubber for its new ball. Characteristics of Caribbean rubber
include an unusual softness, smoothness and ability to hold color. Because of the Euroball’s soft feel,
players notice at once how well it plays. “It’s so soft, so smooth,” Morel said.
The new Euroball will also improve the comfort level of players. In addition to having a soft rubber exterior,
the ball features a special softening fabric that covers the bladder. Because of these two improvements,
the Euroball reduces sting.
The Euroball was tested at universities and clubs specially chosen because of their organization and their
commitment to the game. As feedback came in, the Euroball was modified until all the testing players gave
their hearty approval. Cross Mark Inc. and the AWA then went to work on production.
The Euroball becomes the sixth ball offered by the AWA, which continues to upgrade equipment because of
its three main goals. (1) The AWA strives to increase the number of people enjoying wallyball. (2)
The AWA strives to improve the game. (3) The AWA strives to serve its members
First-ever intercollegiate Wallyball Tournament
By The AWA and WII
NEW PALTZ, NY--The first-ever intercollegiate Wallyball Tournament was held this
Saturday, October 4, 2003, during Alumni Weekend at the State University of New York-
New Paltz. The First Annual Intercollegiate Men's Wallyball Tournament, co-hosted by
Ian Walker, Head Men's Volleyball Coach at New Paltz and Tony Bonilla, former Men's
Volleyball Coach at the school, is the first official Wallyball tournament at the collegiate
level. Some 37 players from the New York/Tri-state area competed in this event, which
was sponsored by the Eastern Athletic Club (EAC), Wallyball International, Inc.(WII) and The American Wallyball Association®
(AWA). Rudy Morel, President CEO of the American Wallyball Association (AWA) donated
equipment for the event. Media coverage for the event was provided by the Nickelodeon
Cable Network, showcasing the collegiate athletes in action.
Wallyball is a fast-paced, off-the-wall sport that is basically volleyball played in a
racquetball court. The round-robin tournament provided open level play for the collegiate
players on three courts at the upstate New York University, which was celebrating its
175th Anniversary. Each participating school was allowed to field two or three teams of up
to five players.
The National Championship Wallyball teams from the Eastern Athletic Club jump-
started the day by playing an exhibition match. The Eastern Athletic Champions, Tony Bonilla,
Rafael DelValle, Jose Infante, and Elvis Rodriguez played Luis Fung, Ron Gaskins,
Ron Gilot and Ely Klompus, in an exhibition match immediately following a rules review meeting.
The National Team players then went into different brackets and played along with and coached
the younger collegiate players throughout the round-robin matches.
“The idea behind the tournament was to introduce a new way for volleyball players
to train and to add another sport for college students to participate in at a recreational level,
” says Bonilla, who is currently Academic Advisor for the Educational Opportunity Program at New Paltz.
“If Wallyball becomes more popular, then we may develop club or intercollegiate level teams.
” Some colleges already provide physical education credits for Wallyball, notes Bonilla, who has played
on National Championship Wallyball teams at the Eastern Athletic Club in Brooklyn for 10 years and also is
a member of the New Paltz Hall of Fame for his distinguished Volleyball prowess in 1983 1985 for
the New Paltz University Volleyball team. Bonilla brought Wallyball to New Paltz as a volleyball training aid in the early 1990s.
Both the Men’s and Women’s Varsity volleyball teams at New Paltz play Wallyball during the off-season.
“Wallyball requires all of the same skills as volleyball, but is a quicker game. It helps players sharpen their skills,
particularly defense and blocking,” says Coach Walker. “It adds another opportunity for players of all skill levels to improve.
If we bring more people in to see it, just watch the sport’s popularity grow.”
George L. Cassius, Wallyball International Executive Director and team coach for the EAC
acknowledged this was the first time in the history of the sport that WII and AWA had sanctioned a collegiate event.
“What a thrill it was for all of us to be invited to this fine institution. We had nine excellent teams who were
all quite enthusiastic and competitive,” Cassius says.
Michael O’Hara, Volleyball Hall of Famer and President of WII, had announced the tournament at the
USA Volleyball Nationals earlier this year. O’Harra also noted that the USA Volleyball Board of Directors will
continue to acknowledge WII as an Affiliated Sports Member Organization.
New Paltz is also the planned site for the first Women’s Intercollegiate Wallyball Tournament next spring.
The school will also host a Wallyball tournament in November for local club teams. Mr. Marc Sferrazza, owner of the EAC clubs,
further invited the collegiate players to come to the site where the National Wallyball players train, which is located
at 43 Clark Street in Brooklyn Heights, NY.
After the round-robin play, the excitement mounted during the finals between New Haven University’s Steve Gratowski,
Neil Mayo and Jan Stevens against New Paltz's Kevin Buggs, Liam Doyle, and Carlos Tollinche which went to a full three games
of 15 13, 13 15 and a final win by New Haven of 15 6. “You could see as the day went on that the level of play of the collegiate
players increased a notch,” claims Ely Klompus, National player for EAC. “They were playing and adjusting to the walls very well.”
“These were the best collegiate games ever and having the National players donating their time at New Paltz brought our total game up a notch.
It was a great learning experience that we will never forget,” says 6 '6" Chris Granje, who played superbly in the semifinals for the SUNY New Paltz University team.
Coach Cassius’ son Andrew, now 14 and daughter Hannah 12, commented:
"We can't wait to get into college and get credit for Wallyball, and look forward to playing the sport at a Collegiate level.”
New York City sports medicine doctor Laith Jazrawi, MD, who provided his expertise and staff at the Wallyball Nationals
earlier this year, traveled, at his own expense, to New Paltz to be present at the tournament in case of injury.
Doctor Jazrawi has pledged his support, staff and resources for upcoming tournaments in which EAC teams will participate. .
IT LOOKS like volleyball, with players on either side of a high net passing, setting and spiking a ball. Yet it's played on a racquetball court, where bouncing the ball off the wall or ceiling is just part of the game. It's called wallyball, and it adds up to a good workout and a great time.
© 2004 The Washington Post Company
"It's fun," says Robert Turek of McLean. "It's just plain fun." He's part of a core group that plays wallyball at Audrey Moore RECenter in Annandale on Mondays, when drop-ins are always welcome. "Some people know what they're doing; others don't -- it doesn't matter. We discourage hard hits, but otherwise, we're loose on the rules."
Although some people play wallyball competitively (the National Wallyball Championships are slated for April 23-25 in Michigan), 98 percent of the world's 2 million players enjoy wallyball recreationally, according to Rudy Morel, president of the American Wallyball Association (www.wallyball.com). "It's a fun way to burn calories," he says from his office in Manteca, Calif. "The only downside to the sport is that you have to have access to a racquetball court." His organization sells wallyball products, such as hardware that enables racquetball courts to be turned into wallyball courts and back again. He says that about 40 percent of college campuses have wallyball facilities and that nearly a third of private clubs offer wallyball.
The game started in Illinois on a small scale in 1971, and on a larger scale in California in 1979. Locally, the sport seems centered in Fairfax County. Most county-run recreation centers are set up for the game.
The conversion from racquetball court to wallyball court takes less than five minutes. At 7 p.m. every Monday (and many Thursdays) at Audrey Moore RECenter, a couple of people wearing shorts and T-shirts use a rolling ladder to quickly string a volleyball net across the racquetball court about eight feet from the floor. When a few more people arrive, they split up into teams.
"We play four-on-four, five-on-five or even six-on-six," but that's a bit much, says Bill DiSilvio of Fairfax. "Sometimes we play two-on-two for a really fast game." The players, whose ages span several decades, come from such countries as Germany, Switzerland, Fiji, New Zealand, Korea and Cambodia. The gender mix leans slightly male.
DiSilvio had seen wallyball and got some friends from work to play. "Softball, paintball, wallyball -- we do this kind of stuff," he says, adding later, "It's good for building team spirit and camaraderie." Mary Vosarogo, a squash player at the rec center, watched the group play a couple of times, and they encouraged her to join them on the court. She did, and brought several of her squash-playing friends with her. After nearly six years, DiSilvio and Vosarogo remain part of an informal league hitting a ball off the walls every week at the recreation center. More than a dozen people show up regularly, with many more dropping by on occasion. The group also meets socially every now and then and gathers for an annual holiday party. They encourage others to try the game, regardless of skill level. "It's drop-in," says Vosarogo, who lives in Fairfax. "Everybody starts by smashing around."
Anyone familiar with volleyball can quickly pick up on the basic rules of the game. The serving team has to get the ball over the net to put it in play; it can hit a wall (but not the net) en route. Once the ball is in play, each team has three shots to get it back over the net without the ball hitting the floor. Touches against the walls or ceiling can help move the ball along or keep it in play and do not count as part of the three shots. The same player can't hit the ball twice in a row, but it is legal to hit the ball with any body part. As in volleyball, most shots are made with fingertips, fists and wrists, with teammates bumping and setting the ball to allow everyone a chance to play. When the ball fails to go over the net in three shots or hits the opposing team's back wall, the serving team either gets a point and serves again or forfeits the ball (with no point scored for the defensive team). The first team with 15 points wins.
From the minute the ball goes into play, all eyes head skyward and determined looks cross faces. There's a bit of hustling to reach the ball, the squeaking of rubber soles on a slick wooden floor, an occasional leap into the air and plenty of thumping as the ball hits a wall. Laughter or cheers seem to accompany every point, whether it's a missed shot, the perfect angle or bungled communication among teammates.
"The people are great," says James Madison of Falls Church, who notes that teams swap players after every couple of games. "You win, you lose, you play -- it's a good workout. . . . Some games are less competitive, others are more competitive, but we always have an enjoyable bunch of games."
MARYLAND
FAIRLAND SPORTS AND AQUATICS COMPLEX -- 13820 Old Gunpowder Rd., Laurel. 301-953-0030. www.pgparks.com/places/parks/fairland.html. One court is available for wallyball, with reservations taken a week in advance. The cost is $9 to $14 per hour, depending on time of day and city of residence.
VIRGINIA
CHINN AQUATICS AND FITNESS CENTER -- 13025 Chinn Park Dr., Prince William. 703-730-1051. www.pwcparks.org/chinn. One wallyball court can be reserved a week in advance. Entrance fee is $6 per person, plus a $5-per-hour court rental fee.
CHINQUAPIN PARK RECREATION CENTER -- 3210 King St., Alexandria. 703-519-2160. Wallyball can be played on three courts for $8 to $13.50 per court per hour, and reservations can be made a week in advance.
FAIRFAX COUNTY -- Six county-run recreation centers have courts for wallyball: Audrey Moore, Lee District, Oak Marr, Providence, South Run and Spring Hill RECenters. 703-324-8700. www.fairfaxcounty.gov/living/parks. They are used for league play or can be reserved by the hour. The daily entrance fee to all rec center facilities, which includes access to a swimming pool, weight room and more, is $6.20 for county residents and $8.25 for nonresidents. Monthly passes are $61.30 for residents and $87.55 for nonresidents.
FREEDOM AQUATIC AND FITNESS CENTER -- George Mason University campus, 10900 University Blvd., Manassas. 703-993-8444. www.freedom-center.com. Wallyball can be played on three courts with reservations taken a week in advance. Cost is $5.50 to $7.50 admission plus $10 per court for the first hour and $2 to $4 per court for each additional hour.
IDA LEE RECREATION CENTER -- 60 Ida Lee Dr. NW, Leesburg. 703-777-1368. Two courts are available for wallyball; admission is $5 to $7 plus $3 per person per hour for the court.
OTHER LOCATIONS
About 15 Sport & Health Club (www.sportandhealth.com) locations throughout the metropolitan area have racquetball courts, and many can convert them into wallyball courts. Some locations, including clubs in Bethesda and Gaithersburg, have plans to start summer wallyball leagues that would not require club membership to play. Other locations, including those in Herndon and Tysons Corner, offer wallyball to members who reserve court time.
A NEW CHAPTER UNFOLDS IN THE EVOLUTION OF THE SPORT WALLYBALL
For nearly three years the Association of United Wallyball Players (AUWP) has been the only nonprofit association in the 25-year history of the sport that has dedicated itself to standardizing the rules and creating grass roots programs to grow wallyball nationwide. On March 30, 2004 the AUWP will become part of the newly formed United States Wallyball Association (USWA) and the World Wallyball Association (WWA). The AUWP and the WWA will be independently managed 501(C)(3) associations under the parent company of the USWA. In addition a new Board of Directors and an Elite Advisory Staff have been appointed (Board of Directors and Elite Advisory Staff at www.auwp.org).
During the past 12 months I have been done a great deal of research and spoke with many individuals in a variety of industries. My purpose was to assemble of group of professionals that cared about the sport of wallyball, can contribute in their respected field of expertise and shared the vision for the growth of wallyball. The newly appointed Board of Directors and Elite Advisory Staff have been instrumental in developing a strategy for the association and the sport of wallyball.
Part of the strategy was the creation of the USWA as the parent association of the AUWP and creating a separate association, the WWA to form grass roots programs on an International level. As the parent association, the primary function of the USWA is management, administration, marketing, grass roots program development, sponsorship acquisition and most importantly, generating resources to fund all three associations. The focus of growing the sport thru grass roots programs evolved into several target markets; Existing wallyball players and facilities, high school and collegiate intramural programs, shopping malls and the 1.1 billion volleyball players worldwide.
The AUWP will function as an independent association but under the umbrella of the USWA and will be responsible for the implementation and administration of sanctioned leagues, tournaments, grass roots programs, rules, officials and regional commissioners. The President of the AUWP and the Operations Manager will be the initial volunteer management team of the AUWP. These positions will eventually become paid staff and the USWA is currently accepting applications for these positions. The appointed AUWP President will also be a full voting board member of the USWA.
The function of the World Wallyball Association (WWA) is to create grass roots programs on an International level. Luke St Onge Secretary General of the International Racquetball Federation and a member of USWA Elite Advisory Staff will assist the association in growing the sport throughout the world. The goal of the IRF is grow racquetball internationally. Creating multiple usage for existing courts will assist racquetball in building more courts and in return, increase racquetball and wallyball participation and popularity. The WWA projects developing grass roots wallyball programs in 92 IRF countries in the very near future. Like the AUWP the President of the WWA and the Operations Manager will be the initial volunteer management team. These positions will eventually become paid staff and the USWA is currently accepting applications for these positions. The appointed WWA President will also be a full voting board member of the USWA.
As you may imagine developing these associations and implementing these programs will require financial resources and most important of all passionate individuals who share the vision of the sports growth and future. If you share the love of wallyball, can envision our plan and want to be part of a truly evolutionary time in the growth of the sport, we would love to speak with you. There are many ways in which you can share your time, talents and resources. Please contact us and lets see if we can create a position for you.
Thank you for your past and future support and if you have any questions or comments please don’t hesitate to call or mail me.
Joe Garcia
Executive Director USWA
executive@uswa.org
(775) 849-9488
AUWP announces new Board of Directors
The backbone and success of any company or organization is its vision, leadership and management. When the AUWP was formed nearly three years ago, the original board of directors did a remarkable job of forming an organization from square one with no resources and nonprofit association experience.
The association has grown and expanded its vision to where financial resources, strategic business relationships and internal management personnel have become the focus for the association to grow and prosper for years to come.
This carefully chosen board has a vast array of business experience, financial acumen and a shared vision of the association’s strategy and how to assemble a winning team.
Joe Garcia – Chairman and Executive Director
Joe created the sport of wallyball and its rules in 1979 and spent the next 10 years promoting the sport throughout the United States. During that time, “Mr. Wallyball” (as he was affectionately nicknamed) contracted AMF Voit to manufacture the first wallyball, created the first net and hardware system for racquetball courts (which is still the standard for thousands of facilities worldwide) and in 1982 staged a year long, 36 city promotional tour in a motor-home which launched the sports popularity.
Joe also developed and constructed the first portable racquetball court to showcase wallyball in shopping malls, trade shows and outdoor events.
Along with Rob Drake, Joe formed the Association of United Wallyball Players (AUWP) and is now Chairman of Board and Executive Director of the USWA.
Jerry Jones – Board Member & Chief Financial Officer
Jerry has been a Licensed CPA in California and Nevada since 1975. He holds a BS in Accounting from California State University and is a member of the State societies of CPA’s and the AICPA.
His current private practice consist mainly of corporations, high-income individuals, partnerships, S corps LLC’s, trusts and 501(c)3 entities. He also specializes in preparing PPO’s, business plans, business valuations and acting as GM/CFO/Controller new ventures and start-up companies.
Jerry has consulted the AUWP for the past two years and is an extremely welcomed member of the USWA Board of directors.
Bonnie Rubin – Board Member
Bonnie has been an integral and successful part of her community for many years. Bonnie is a San Diego native and is a mother of two children, Jessica, 27, and Griffin, 17.
As a banker for over 15 years, Bonnie has held such roles as Branch Manager, Vice President of Item Processing and Vice President of General Account Reconciliation for a nationally recognized financial institution.
In 1991, Bonnie left banking to start Natural Pet Systems Incorporated with her husband, John Rubin, where she has experienced continued success. In addition to running Natural Pet Systems, she is a Business Consultant for other small businesses in her community.
In her free time, Bonnie continues to play and love the sport of Wallyball as she has for over 15 years.
Pete Parker – Board Member
Born and raised in North Hollywood, California, Pete has been playing wallyball since 1984. He continued playing the sport in intramural leagues at the University of Arizona, where he studied Race Track Management (horse racing).
Today, Pete lives in Reno, Nevada where he owns Parker Development Services, which specializes in event management and charitable fundraising services. One of his major projects is the production of the Volleyball Festival, the world's largest annual sporting event, which takes place this summer.
He and his wife of nine years, Darcy, and their two children are members of Double Diamond Athletic Club, where he plays wallyball on a regular basis.
Harold Martin – Board Member
Harold Martin is a trailblazer is today’s automotive industry. A former General Motors design engineer Martin is President/CEO of Martin Technologies, Martin Motorsports and owner/driver of Harold Martin Racing.
His contributions to the automotive industry have resulted in 10 world patents that have yielded products that are sold worldwide. In addition to his many roles with his companies, Martin has formed the Harold Martin Scholarship fund which awards scholarships to students to continue their education and enter the automotive industry.
Harold has been playing wallyball for nearly 10 years and shares the vision of the sports growth and the role the USWA will play in that evolution.
THE USWA ELITE ADVISORY STAFF
Throughout the 25-year history of wallyball the sport has never had a non-profit association dedicate that dedicated themselves to plan and steer the future for the sport.
Three years ago the AUWP was formed for that purpose. Developing a strategy, acquiring resources and implementing a plan to govern a sport on a world wide basis is no easy task thus the formation of the USWA Elite Advisory Staff.
These individuals were carefully chosen because they possessed the qualities, talents and experience in their specific vocations that have made each one them the most respected in their field.
We are extremely proud and grateful that they have chosen to share their knowledge, passion and drive in assisting the USWA to develop and grow the sport of wallyball.
Coach Al Scates, UCLA Men’s Volleyball Coach
Coach Scates brings an illustrious career and credentials to the AUWP. His coaching record of 1,059 -188 (.849) is one of the best in any collegiate sport. During his 41 year career, he has won 18 NCAA titles, is the first coach to be inducted into the volleyball hall of fame, is a five time National Coach of the year, and has coached 49 different first-team NCAA and 26 USVBA All-Americans, 37 National Team members, 21 Olympians and seven different Players of the Year.
Coach Scates was also instrumental in developing the first set of wallyball rules nearly 25 years ago and will be assisting the development of the USWA National High School Wallyball program.
Karch Kiraly
Unquestionably, the greatest player in the history of the sport of indoor and outdoor volleyball, Karch Kiraly brings an illustrious career and credentials to the USWA.
He graduated from UCLA as a four time All-American and led the Bruins to three NCAA Championships with an incredible won-loss record of 124-5. He is the first player in Olympic history to win three gold medals in volleyball and was named one of America’s 100 Greatest Living Olympians in 1996.
Following his Chicago Open title in 1999, Karch became the winningest beach volleyball player of all time with his 140th career title in 280 career starts. In addition to his court accomplishments Karch has published several books, is a television commentator, sits on the steering committee of the USOC Summer Sports Summit and oversees the Karch Kiraly Scholarship Fund, awarding scholarships annually to graduating high school volleyball players.
Karch will assist in developing the USWA National High School Wallyball Program and consult in the future development of professional wallyball.
Josh Gold
Joshua Gold is a senior account executive with the sports marketing and management team at Hill and Knowlton’s Irvine, California headquarters.
Prior to joining Hill and Knowlton Josh worked on the day-to-day media relations and marketing campaigns for sports and entertainment clients such as Easton Sports, Prince Tennis, ESPN’s “Beg, Borrow & Deal”, The John R. Wooden Award, Sonartec Golf and media writer for the San Diego Chargers official web site.
An avid wallyball player in college, Josh will advise the USWA in media relations and marketing
Luke St. Onge
Since 1978, Luke St. Onge has been the Executive Director of the three governing bodies of racquetball, The American Amateur Racquetball Association, (AARA) The International Racquetball Association (IRA) and The United States Racquetball Association (USRA).
Luke has gained worldwide recognition for the sport through his involvement with the International Racquetball Federation (IRF), which now boasts over 92 member countries. Luke recently stepped aside from the day-to-day activities at the USRA to concentrate on the International Development of the sport while still maintaining the responsibilities of the USOC for the USRA.
Luke’s vast International experience will assist the World Wallyball Association achieve International status.
Coach Mary Wise
An innovator in pursuing rules changes and youth opportunities to improve the game, Coach Mary Wise brings and illustrious career and experience to the development of the USWA grass roots wallyball programs.
Coach Wise is the only female coach in NCAA history to appear in the national championship and since 1991 has coached the Gators to 13-consecutive regular-season SEC Championships and 11 undefeated conference seasons on her way to collecting 10 30-win seasons.
Coach Wise passion and drive is marked in her record of developing exceptional athletes and an exceptional volleyball program will be an assist for the USWA National High School Wallyball Program.
Rob Drake
Rob has been actively involved in wallyball since 1980 and regularly plays 3 nights a week. As the founder of CourtMasters Wallyball, Rob built a hugely successful wallyball program in La Mesa, a suburb of San Diego, California.
Along with Joe Garcia, Rob was a founding Director of the Association of United Wallyball Players and he continues to work with the association to grow the sport of wallyball. His vast wallyball experience, passion and love for the sport recently earned him the position of USWA Rules Director.
Rob will work directly with the AUWP and the WWA in establishing and maintaining a standardized set of playing rules for league and tournament play worldwide. Rob works for San Diego State University where he teaches computer software classes to faculty, staff and students.
Downriver, Michigan:
Emerging Hotbed of Wallyball!
Press Release: February 23, 2004
Downriver, Michigan: Emerging Hotbed of Wallyball!
The Downriver area will be the focus of national and local attention for men and women who love the game of Wallyball as two major Tournaments are scheduled to be held here in March and April. The Tournaments are not only expected to attract the best players from around our area and across the country but are a regional match up of two associations, both claiming to be “the official governing body of wallyball”!
The Tachikara green, white, and black ball tournament:
First, the Association of United Wallyball Players (AUWP) will conduct the 2004 U.S. Open Triples & Fours Wallyball Championships, March 11 through 14 at the Coliseum Racquet Club on Telegraph Road in Taylor. AUWP contact: Joe Garcia, (775) 849-9488 executive@auwp.org. Coliseum contact: David Jones (313) 292-3940.
The Voit blue ball tournament:
Then, the Wallyball International Inc. (WII) and the American Wallyball Association (AWA) will conduct the 2004 National Wallyball Championships at the Zodiac Racquet Club on Dix-Toledo in Southgate April 23 through 25. AWA contact: George Cassius, (718) 338-8548 george@earthgear.org. Zodiac contact: Larry Foggia, (734) 285-7960.
Tournament registration information can be found at the respective websites www.auwp.org and at www.wallyball.com.
Wallyball, the game we love:
Wallyball is played by hundreds of men and women of all ages in the greater Detroit area. League play can be found for the serious at the Coliseum on Tuesday nights, the Zodiac on Thursday nights, and pickup games for fun at private, municipal, i.e., the Taylor Recreation Center, and educational facilities here and throughout the country.
The game was conceived and created by Joe Garcia in 1979 in Calabasas, California. Played very much like its mother game, volleyball, wallyball has its own unique characteristics, e.g., a livelier ball, playing the ball off the walls, and the resulting playing strategies.
All it takes is a racquetball court with a net and enough players for two, three, or four per team. It’s a great workout and plenty of fun for men and women at all levels of abilities and walks of life. The Tournaments will offer an opportunity for everyone to participate and watch different levels of play, intermediate, novice, open, and pro.
Tournament registration information can be found at the respective websites www.auwp.org and at www.wallyball.com.
The Wallyball Pride tournament:
The AUWP, AWA, and WII are headed up by persons who once worked together closely, Joe Garcia, Executive Director of the AUWP; Rudy Morel, renowned player who is president of the AWA; and Mike O”Hara, Executive Director of the WII. Each organization has product sponsors, wallyballs and other equipment, that are used at their tournaments. The rules are different too, not to a great degree, but a player would need to know them in order to adjust his game.
The AWA and the WII have sustained the sport by sponsoring tournaments over the past twenty years and have recently been collaborating. The AUWP burst onto the scene two years ago with the reemergence of Joe Garcia, who among other activities, supports the development of high school and college intramural wallyball and has recruited Karch Kiraly, the International Volleyball Federation’s Player of the 20th Century, the legendary UCLA volleyball Coach AL Scates, and Mary Wise, one of the country’s most successful women’s volleyball coach at the University of Florida Gators for this cause.
For more on the history of the trio of wallyball see Rob Drake’s article http://hometown.aol.com/courtmstrs/history.htm.
Contacts:
George L. Cassius. WII Executive Director george@earthgear.org.
Rob Drake rdrake@cox.net
Joe Garcia, AUWP Executive Director executive@auwp.org
Rudy Morel, AWA President rudy@wallyball.com
Mike O’Hara, WII Executive Director oharaent@aol.com
Ronald M. Krzesniak
Independent Contributor
(734) 740-1861
Karch Kiraly Joins AUWP Wallyball Advisory Staff
Published by the American Volleyball Coaches Association 2004
When you think of the greatest living sports legends, some names that quickly come to mind are Michael Jordan, Muhammad Ali, Barry Bonds, Wayne Gretzky and Dan Marino. Karch Kiraly is to the sport of volleyball what these modern-day icons represent in their respective sports.
“Having Karch Kiraly join the advisory staff of the Association of United Wallyball Players (AUWP), the official governing body of the sport of wallyball, is one of the crowning moments in the history of the sport,” states Joe Garcia, inventor of wallyball and executive eirector of the AUWP. “One of our primary goals is to develop a grass roots program to grow the sport. Karch also understands that the similarities the two sports enjoy - such as basic volleyball rules, ball handling techniques and the availability of wallyball/racquetball courts - can help both sports work together more effectively to attract new players and help them improve their skills.”
Wallyball is a version of volleyball played on a racquetball court with two, three or four players per team. Play and scoring are similar to volleyball; however, the side walls become part of the playing area and contacting two or more walls constitutes a fault or side-out. There are several million players worldwide who play wallyball in health clubs, YMCAs, and college intramural programs.
Karch Kiraly brings an illustrious career and credentials to the AUWP. He graduated from UCLA as a four-time All-American and led the Bruins to three NCAA championships with an incredible won-loss record of 124-5. He is the first player in Olympic history to win three gold medals in volleyball and was named one of America’s 100 Greatest Living Olympians in 1996. Following his Chicago Open title in 1999, Kiraly became the winningest beach volleyball player of all time with his 140th career title in 280 career starts. In December 2000, Kiraly was named Men’s Player of the 20th Century by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB). Kiraly continues to break his own records on the beach, has published several books, is a television commentator, sits on the steering committee of the USOC Summer Sports Summit and oversees the Karch Kiraly Scholarship Fund, awarding scholarships annually to graduating high school volleyball players.
“Wallyball and volleyball skills complement one another in many ways. I enjoy the pace the close proximity of the court lends to the game and the quick reactions needed to play shots off the walls,” Kiraly says. “I’m also impressed with the high school and collegiate intramural wallyball programs the AUWP is developing. The number of high school volleyball programs has dwindled in recent years and the AUWP intramurals will allow boys and girls the opportunity to participate and to improve their skills.”
The AUWP, the official governing body of wallyball, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit association responsible for developing the sport’s first standardized set of playing rules and sanctioning criteria for official amateur league, tournament and recreational play. To learn more about the sport of wallyball and the AUWP visit www.auwp.org .
The United States Wallyball Association (USWA) is formed.
The USWA was originally formed in April 2002 as the Association of United Wallyball Players. The AUWP, a Nevada nonprofit corporation, was formed by a group of dedicated players who felt the sport of wallyball needed leadership, focus, a national organization and a standardized set of playing rules. In the first two years of existence, the AUWP established a course for the sport, staged two national events, signed an agreement with Tachikara as the official equipment manufacturer and published the first official rule book written by the players and the association. In March 2004 the association received its 501(C) (3) tax exempt status and changed its name to the United States Wallyball Association. The new name was initiated to reflect the broader focus and mission adopted by the association.
Today the USWA possesses a highly experienced board of directors and an Elite Advisory staff comprised of the most respected industry professionals, coaches and players ever assembled. This talented group of individuals has developed an extraordinary marketing plan of grass roots programs comprised of high school and collegiate intramurals, girls and boys club wallyball teams, military leagues and tournaments throughout the world and the introduction of wallyball to the 24 million volleyball players in the United States .
In a short period of time, the USWA has accomplished a great deal in both creating the association and establishing itself as the national governing body of the sport. We are proud of our progress but clearly understand that there is much to be done to grow and organize the sport nationwide. The USWA is proud to represent the sport, the players and to play an integral part in the exciting growth and future of wallyball.
Joe Garcia, Executive Director of the USWA, will be a featured speaker at the Regional Presidents of USA Volleyball on March 25, 2005 in Denver, Colorado, at the annual USA Volleyball meetings. This milestone presentation, “Everybody Plays! After School Wallyball Program,” is a program jointly sponsored by the USWA and USA Volleyball; it will be launched in the fall of 2005. The high school program targets sedentary high school students who are not involved in any school-sponsored athletic programs. The program also targets boy and girl volleyball players who are not involved in varsity or club volleyball.
USA Volleyball and the U.S. Wallyball Association Partner to Develop the “Have Fun, Get Fit, Feel Good High School Wallyball Program”
The United States Wallyball Association and USA Volleyball have formed a strategic partnership to develop a pilot high school wallyball program.
The U.S. Wallyball Association (USWA) is a member organization of USA Volleyball (USAV), which recognizes wallyball as a discipline of volleyball.
The “Have Fun, Get Fit, Feel Good High School Wallyball Program” targets three demographic groups in the high school, including obese and sedentary students who do not participate in any organized physical activity in school.
“There are many benefits wallyball and the enclosed court provides to this demographic group, which appeal to players of all genders, skill levels, physical abilities, parents and school administrators,” explained Joe Garcia, Executive Director of the USWA. “First, the game is fun; it’s new, easy to play and requires no special equipment. The rules are basically the same as volleyball; you just don’t have to chase balls that go out of bounds. The walls provide longer rallies and insure that all of the players are involved in each point, while the pace of the game promotes interaction and team play.
“Lastly, the enclosed court eliminates outside distractions, keeps players focused and ultimately the kids are having fun, getting fit and feeling good without even realizing they’re doing it,” he added. The program will also be designed for varsity and club girls’ and boys’ teams and for creating competitive boy’s high school programs.
The USWA advisory staff endorsing the high school program includes: Al Scates, Karch Kiraly, Sinjin Smith, Mary Wise, Linda Hanley, John Kessel, Bill Neville and Mike Hulett.
Facilities with racquetball courts in the community will be recruited to offer these programs during after school hours, on weekends and during the summer. The idea of the program is to get kids playing and to generate interest in volleyball-related programs and the National Olympic teams.
The Wallyball Information Network (WIN!) is formed in 2005.
The Wallyball Information Network is a non-profit organization formed to promote wallyball throughout Minnesota and the surrounding states. The Wallyball Information Network is a true organization for the players. We have no contract obligations with product manufactures.
The Wallyball Information Network assists facilities in promoting and marketing the sport in their community. We have contacted many colleges throughout the USA and will furnish materials and personal time to help promote the sport of wallyball. Staff members have traveled to several states and given wallyball clinics.
And yes....this was done with out selling you anything. We actually gave away free equipment and will continue to do so. The Wallyball Information Network is supported by donations from individuals like you. All donations go directly to promotion of the sport. WIN! officers and board members donote their time and ideas to the organization.
These individuals have organized leagues and tournaments for almost 24 years. They have taught wallyball to players in colleges as well as to 5th graders. These players have proved that they will do what it takes to grow the sport of wallyball.
The Wallyball Information Network provides free information and free services to everyone!.
