neon buzz

Happy 2011 Las Vegas Tourney Eve. My eyes are already bloodshot from the lights of the city that never sleeps. Tomorrow this neon-infused "supermarket of recruiting" will get underway with 600+ unsigned seniors hoping to find "full-ride" glory and many coaches frantically scrambling to finish or fill gaping holes in their incoming 2011 freshman class.

 D1/D2 coaches with a scholarship to give have one of the following situations present in their program: (1) last year's top recruit has fizzled out and is now dating a baseball player, (2) someone has transferred --this is happening at an absurd rate, or most likely, (3) looking to fill roster spots 12-15, and two student manager openings with the best remaining seniors.   Sideout note - my assistant coach with 7+ years experience at the D1 level, nods in agreement.

 If you are one of the lucky few that receive a hasty scholarship offer, and before you get all geeked-out, make sure you know exactly where you will stand as an incoming freshman -- it is also good to find out what state your potentially new school is located!  Spend a moment or two weighing your unknown D1/D2 experience vs. lets say....tearing it up as a freshman at the NAIA level - better yet, here at Bethany University.

18's need to ignore the hype and stress, and stay focused in playing solid volleyball this and every weekend, as this is what is attractive to volleyball coaches.17's you need to do this too, because you may be in this same, crazy routine next year.

BU recruits, enjoy your experience, pass nails, go easy on the neon and compete for His glory.

prayers for the whitmarsh family

Just heard some unfortunate news...The world of volleyball lost a true warrior as former AVP pro and 1996 Olympic silver-medalist, Mike Whitmarsh was found dead yesterday in Solana Beach. Mike was 46 years old and is survived by his wife and two daughters. I had the opportunity to meet Mike in 1997 when the AVP tour visited Santa Cruz, and Mike was at the peak of his professional career. He was a very humble man and great athlete. Link to full story here. Very sad, but he is now in a much better place. As my daughter would say, "he's hanging out with God." On a lighter note, the team continues to put forth great effort during our spring practices. We have several spring matches on the calendar against a local JC (one in March, one in April) and we're getting after it daily! Katelin was in Vegas this past holiday weekend and was very impressed with our BU recruits. Keep up the great work. - Gotta go get some Joe.