Sand, sun, sun-burns and good times were had by all 32 participants at the first annual Warriors’ 4-ev4r Sand Volleyball Tournament was played at the Keith Clark Park Sand Courts on Saturday, July 19th, 2008. Volleyball fun for all was the highlight of the day as alumnus ranging from years 1976 to 2008 competed one more time in front of family and friends. There were seven teams participating, 6 teams consisting of Sidney alumni and 1 team made up of Sidney staff, alumni and special guest: Binghamton University Women’s’ head volleyball coach, Glenn Kiriyama.

Competition began at 12:30 and concluded around 6:00. The weather gods prevailed as we had a beautiful day filled with sunshine and a slight breeze. There were some scattered rain drops during both the Silver and Gold Bracket Finals but the sun fought through and won the battle.

The Silver Bracket Final consisted of the Mass Spikes, captained by 2008 graduate Jason McCann battling the Smokin’ Aces with co-captains Christine Lennon (’08) and Lora Kelly Valentine (’03). The Mass Spikes prevailed to capture the first Silver Bracket Championship. The Gold Bracket Final paired the Sidney coaching staff against each other: The Deadly Duo and Triple Threat. To the Deadly Duo, also known as Mark Edwards (Sidney resident since 1989) and Paul Hamilton Jr. (’77), Sidney Varsity Assistant Coach, this tournament was not only a remembrance of the 2-man tournaments they used to compete in the past but a tune-up for the Empire State Games, as both are competing for the Central Senior Men’s’ Volleyball team next week at Cortland University. The Deadly Duo defeated the Awesome Opossums in their semi-final match. Triple Threat, made up of Sidney Head Coach Christine A. Smith (faculty 1998), Josh Grosek (faculty 2007), Nate Mahlmeister (’07) and special guest/recruit Kiriyama came out of their pool 3-1 and defeated the Blue Barracudas in the semi-final match. The Deadly Duo put up an honorable fight but the team of 4 over came the 2 man crew that wrecked havoc earlier in the day easily beating up the other teams in their pool.

Teams that won their respective brackets were rewarded for the efforts with prizes donated by the following businesses: Silicon Solar (solar lights), Emerald City (gift bag filled with hair products), Mead Westvaco (messenger bags), and Bishop Farms (2 beautiful, large hanging baskets).

In addition to the great volleyball that was played, the atmosphere around the courts was made much more enjoyable with the concession stand, manned by Nancy Edwards and Kathy and Dave Heath as well as the music, provided by Mark Edwards. Special thanks to the members of the Sidney volleyball program that worked the court officiating as well as helping at the concession stand.

The tournament was successful as all had a spectacular time with participants already looking forward to next years 2nd Annual Warriors’ 4-ev4r Sand Volleyball Tournament as well as raising money to help spruce up the courts and establish a Sidney Volleyball Scholarship.