By; Ryan Carr and Michael Repertorio

With 2009 behind us and 2010 ahead, what better way to kick off the break than the Cheektowaga Central annual volleyball tournament? And what better event than that to symbolize the frendship and carmeraderie of the Christmas season. This year’s tournament was a bit more surprising than those of years past.

This year’s entries were a little more unorthodox than last year. The teams only had a few key varsity volleyball players on them. They included; Sean Walters, Meghan McEvoy, Ryan Carr and Hannah Fields, Eddy Kerber, Jenn Bucek and Jen Mikolajack. And even more surprising, the number one seeded ‘Beak Squad’ dropped a game to ‘Team Tuesday’ early on in the day. “Beak Squad,” led by Sean Walters, was well rounded and an early favorite.

When entering the gym early in the morning, with everyone’s jersey’ and spirits were up and excited. The uniforms for the tournament were vibrant and well done. With team names to match; such as, Beak Squad, Funny Looking Balls, That’s What She Set, and the One Hit Wonders. On the surface the day started off with confidence and drive, nobody wanted to be the first eliminated.

The first games were intense, as always, and started off without a minute to lose. The teams were quickly shown their flaws and in turn, the weaker teams were sent to the losers bracket. The latter rounds showed which teams were destined to make the final four. A few outstanding plays were seen, appreciated and jeered by the crowd on that day. Some include, overpass kills, six packs, diving digs, incredible athletic saves and impressive displays of sportsmanship. Now that’s what volleyball is all about.

The final four were Pablo Ordonez’s ‘Funny Looking Balls’, Meghan McEvoy’s ‘Team Tuesday’, Dominic Parisi’s ‘Setta Maria’ and Sean Walter’s ‘Beak Squad’. McEvoy and Parisi battled for the top seed in the semi-finals, while Ordonez faced Walters. Parisi’s surprising upset brought down McEvoy’s in a close match while Walters easily defeated Ordonez. In the finals, Parisi and the ‘Setta Marias’ pulled ahead to a 23-17 lead in the first game. If they won, it would have been over. But alas, Walters called a time out and brought his team back to focus. Walters won that game 26-24 and brought it to a second, winner take all final. Walters carried the momentum into the next game and won in an all out fight 25-14. The gym roared with joy and applause for Walter’s tough day and the hard work that all the teams put into it.

The teachers tried hard this year to bring out the ‘cream of the crop’, with a team consisting of; Mrs. Cyganovich, Mr. Garbacz, Mr. Kaplan, Mr. Hanford, Mrs. Abrams, Mr. Marcussen and Coach K. With Cyganovich, Coach K and Marcussen’s coaching experience, as well as Garbacz and said teachers playing volleyball in high school and some, in their college careers, the team was loaded.

So, the battle began. Point for point each team battled for the lead, serve and gloating rights. The teachers had a strong offense and net defense, while lacking in serve recieve and back row specialties, while Walters team also had a strong offense and hard serving, but lacked in transition and covering. The even match was brought to a halt when Walters, the star of the team, hit the ground hard after having both of his hamstrings cramp up from jumping all day. Immediately the game play stopped and Mr. Fatta was running on the court to assist. Sean called for an immediate sub and called in Ryan Carr, a fellow player and co captain on the varsity volleyball team. Carr fit well in the role of the team and the game continued without a moment to lose. At the end of the game the teachers finished to 25 first with a score of 25-23, but gameplay resumed because time was still left on the clock. Walters came back onto the court and concluded the game at 35-33, thus marking the defeat of the teachers and another year of student domination.

Attention those who played in the tournament or those who wanted to, it’s not too late to do it again before the school year is over. If you were impressed with the sport, then I encourage you to sign up for the Triples Tournament happening in February or March. Create teams of 3 and enjoy a day or two playing volleyball, hanging out with friends, recreating the tournament and getting a second chance to win it all. Prizes will be given to the winning team(s) and food will be provided. A small fee will be asked for each team and dates will be announced soon. For more information contact Mr. Marcussen, Ryan Carr or Sean Walters.