12 replies to this topic

[catsalumni]

With volleyball season practically here, isn't it odd that there is no discussion about the school volleyball teams, predictions, and so on. For what reasons (in your opinion) does volleyball as a whole not generate as much as interest as say, basketball and track?

[WONBulldog]

I dunno...a good chance that nobody really knows about it until it finally starts. I mean, you generally aren't going to have a lot of rumors about who is playing and who isn't for what team and such because quite frankly there isn't much support for it outside the friends and family of players.

Its one of my fave sports to play, and don't mind watching girls jump around in spandex either...

[Tim Dweeb]

I'm going to take a stab at this and do not mean to offend anyone. First off, most posters on here seem to be males and most males prefer discussing football, basketball, and baseball. Very few males have played much volleyball and most certainly have not competed at the high school level as only the larger schools offer boys volleyball (which is a spring sport). My experience with attending volleyball games is that unless you have a close relative playing, it's easy not to get interested in volleyball. There are many other distractions this time of year when most people tend to enjoy the outdoor activities. Rather than sitting in a warm, muggy gymnasium as they can be during the fall, most people would rather engage in a football game, play some golf, or enjoy the outdoors before the weather starts to turn later in the fall. Another factor is that there is a lot of competition from other fall sports. Other sports like golf, cross country, and soccer are competing for support and interest let alone football. As the nice days dwindle down in the fall, many can find an attractive alternative to spending their evening vs. attending an indoor volleyball game. It's either that or it could be the short shorts that they now wear (ha-ha).

And that, catsalumni, is my two cents worth to your inquiry. Volleyball is a great sport and can be very competitive and exciting but it just doesn't seem to generate much interest.

[Rooney]

I'm going to take a stab at this and do not mean to offend anyone. First off, most posters on here seem to be males and most males prefer discussing football, basketball, and baseball. Very few males have played much volleyball and most certainly have not competed at the high school level as only the larger schools offer boys volleyball (which is a spring sport). My experience with attending volleyball games is that unless you have a close relative playing, it's easy not to get interested in volleyball. There are many other distractions this time of year when most people tend to enjoy the outdoor activities. Rather than sitting in a warm, muggy gymnasium as they can be during the fall, most people would rather engage in a football game, play some golf, or enjoy the outdoors before the weather starts to turn later in the fall. Another factor is that there is a lot of competition from other fall sports. Other sports like golf, cross country, and soccer are competing for support and interest let alone football. As the nice days dwindle down in the fall, many can find an attractive alternative to spending their evening vs. attending an indoor volleyball game. It's either that or it could be the short shorts that they now wear (ha-ha).

And that, catsalumni, is my two cents worth to your inquiry. Volleyball is a great sport and can be very competitive and exciting but it just doesn't seem to generate much interest.

I think the statements made above answer the "strange" topic" as good as any. I would like to add however... when you select basketball and TRACK ??? as popular spectator sports around here-- I am far from convinced that track is huge in this area as far as spectator sports..now as far as success you have to mention Grove's "Track" record as well as maybe OG and of course Liberty Benton. As a matter of fact I think of the BVC as being as strong as any small school conference in track along with the NWC. But clearly not as a spectator sport like basketball & football are. We have the athletes in this sport but not the following...which is really too bad.... I went to the Track topic on this site and it's as slow or slower as far as postings go as is the volleyball one... where I also checked and I see one of the last postings is months ago.

[PirateBlue]

I'll add my 2 cents to the pot too . . . . SOCCER. Many schools offer soccer for the girls so they are stretched thin for athletes. Look at Fort Jennings - no volleyball this year. Many schools barely have enough for both a jv and varsity team.

I see a lot of games and the crowds are sparce. Unfortunately not many parents understand the game and the rules so it is frustrating to watch.

cats-I tried to get a thread started a little while ago and agree with your frustration.

As for predictions -- I fear my beloved Continental Pirates may be in trouble again.

[tigerball13]

I think the Versailles Tigers should have another fine year even with the loss of some pretty good seniors.

[catsalumni]

All very valid points. I just happened upon this message board in the last year or so. I enjoy reading the posts (well, most of them anyway - i.e. avoiding Girls Basketball Ottoville Lady Green Thread) lol. Maybe once the real season begins some personal highlights and worthy discussions will begin. Regardless, it's all good!

[catsalumni]

All very valid points. I just happened upon this message board in the last year or so. I enjoy reading the posts (well, most of them anyway - i.e. avoiding Girls Basketball Ottoville Lady Green Thread) lol. Maybe once the real season begins some personal highlights and worthy discussions will begin. Regardless, it's all good!

Let me clarify last message...nothing against the Lady Green Basketball! (Go O! Go Blue! ) It is just that specific thread has taken a downward spiral.

[PirateBlue]

Lots of scrimmages going on this week. I know of 4 teams at Archbold Tuesday night and 4 at Napoleon on Thursday. Should be a good preview of some NW teams.

[FrOnT RoW JOE]

sorry pirate, but what would most want to watch soccer or volleybally?? more so at Continental?? not saying right or wong, just expression what I think....

[PirateBlue]

Yea Joe - in Continental the girls soccer will trump the vball team. Last year's success really turned out the fans. Unfortunately like Fort Jennings, I think Pirate vball may not be around a whole lot longer. I LOVE the sport - played it myself at CHS. We need to get the girls interested in a younger age - like they do in soccer and basketball!

[Dogface Gremlin]

Does Ottoville have a volleyball team anymore? I heard that they have recently "misplaced" all of the volley balls!

[DC/MS]

Borrow them from the soccer team.