http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/06/images/20070618-2_d-0215-7-515h.html
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Eaters Posing With The Pres
The White House website has a great picture of the guys with President Bush holding a stuffed anteater & a gold Eater jersey.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/06/images/20070618-2_d-0215-7-515h.html
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/06/images/20070618-2_d-0215-7-515h.html
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
President Bush Admires Anteaters (Daily Pilot)
Published Tuesday, June 19, 2007 12:31 AM PDT
Sports
President Bush admires Anteaters
VOLLEYBALL: While addressing national champs Monday, Commander in Chief says, 'Go Anteaters!'
http://www.dailypilot.com/articles/2007/06/19/sports/dpt-ucivb19.txt
WASHINGTON — UC Irvine men's volleyball coach John Speraw called it a pinch-yourself-moment. He was talking about meeting President George W. Bush and visiting the White House on Monday, along with 18 other teams that won national championships this year.
As an added treat for the UCI men's volleyball team, President Bush singled out the Anteaters while addressing the teams on the South Lawn. As he told the crowd about the different mascots which were represented by teams, he ended with, "and we even have Anteaters. Go Anteaters!"
"It was unbelievable," UCI senior Jayson Jablonsky said, by telephone, of meeting the President and visiting the White House. "Being able to meet the man that runs the country. It was pretty amazing."
UCI (29-5) won its first national championship in volleyball on May 5, when it defeated Indiana-Purdue Fort Wayne in four games at Ohio State.
The Anteaters began Monday at the University of California Washington Center (UCDC) receiving a letter and plaque from Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's office. Then it was off to the White House, where team captains Brian Thornton and Jablonsky presented the President with a team jersey and a stuffed Anteater.
The team also took a photo with President Bush. The UCI squad was accompanied by Chancellor Michael Drake.
"I had this thought in my mind that what we've done is pretty special," Speraw said of his thoughts at the White House. "You're out on the volleyball court and the next thing you know, [the President is] there talking about the Anteaters. The whole thing is a pinch-yourself moment for me. Five years ago, there were some tough times, but that seems so far away. It's been incredible."
Speraw, the fifth-year coach, became the third person in NCAA men's volleyball history to win a national championship as a coach and a player. He played for UCLA, which won the NCAA title in 1993 and 1995. He also was an assistant coach for the Bruins when they won NCAA crowns in 1996, 1998 and 2000.
— From staff reports
Sports
President Bush admires Anteaters
VOLLEYBALL: While addressing national champs Monday, Commander in Chief says, 'Go Anteaters!'
http://www.dailypilot.com/articles/2007/06/19/sports/dpt-ucivb19.txt
WASHINGTON — UC Irvine men's volleyball coach John Speraw called it a pinch-yourself-moment. He was talking about meeting President George W. Bush and visiting the White House on Monday, along with 18 other teams that won national championships this year.
As an added treat for the UCI men's volleyball team, President Bush singled out the Anteaters while addressing the teams on the South Lawn. As he told the crowd about the different mascots which were represented by teams, he ended with, "and we even have Anteaters. Go Anteaters!"
"It was unbelievable," UCI senior Jayson Jablonsky said, by telephone, of meeting the President and visiting the White House. "Being able to meet the man that runs the country. It was pretty amazing."
UCI (29-5) won its first national championship in volleyball on May 5, when it defeated Indiana-Purdue Fort Wayne in four games at Ohio State.
The Anteaters began Monday at the University of California Washington Center (UCDC) receiving a letter and plaque from Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's office. Then it was off to the White House, where team captains Brian Thornton and Jablonsky presented the President with a team jersey and a stuffed Anteater.
The team also took a photo with President Bush. The UCI squad was accompanied by Chancellor Michael Drake.
"I had this thought in my mind that what we've done is pretty special," Speraw said of his thoughts at the White House. "You're out on the volleyball court and the next thing you know, [the President is] there talking about the Anteaters. The whole thing is a pinch-yourself moment for me. Five years ago, there were some tough times, but that seems so far away. It's been incredible."
Speraw, the fifth-year coach, became the third person in NCAA men's volleyball history to win a national championship as a coach and a player. He played for UCLA, which won the NCAA title in 1993 and 1995. He also was an assistant coach for the Bruins when they won NCAA crowns in 1996, 1998 and 2000.
— From staff reports
President Bush Meets with NCAA Championship Teams
President Bush Meets with NCAA Championship Teams
South Lawn
original link at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/06/20070618-2.html#
**There is video up for the speech at the site
4:44 P.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you, all. Please be seated. Welcome to the South Lawn. This is an historic day -- after all, this is the largest gathering that we've had for Champions' Day, and we're glad to welcome the champs here to the South Lawn. I appreciate being with good athletes, good students and good leaders -- and that's what it takes to become a champion.
I appreciate the fact that you've endured tough practices, that you've set big goals, and you worked hard to achieve them. And so we congratulate your coaches, we congratulate your families -- but, most importantly, we congratulate you. We honor America's champs. (Applause.)
The Secretary of the Treasury is with us, Secretary Paulson; thank you for coming, sir. I appreciate the members of the United States Congress that have joined us, and the United States Senate. You don't need to do the gator thing. (Laughter.)
The teams here today span 21 different campuses, in 14 different states -- from California all the way over to Florida. You represent eight different athletic conferences: the Big Ten to the Pac-10 to the West Coast Conference and to the Ivy League. There's Tigers and Badgers, Huskers and Anteaters. (Laughter.) Go Anteaters. (Laughter.) Fight Anteaters.
You've distinguished yourselves on fields and fairways, tracks and tennis courts, rivers and rinks, pommel horses and pools, bowling alleys, mountains and basketball arenas. You have one thing in common: You have achieved the great title, "champion," and nobody can take that away from you.
We have a number of first-time champs here today. The Auburn Women's Outdoor Track and Field Team is here. (Applause.) I think that would go "War Eagle."
AUDIENCE: War Eagle!
THE PRESIDENT: There you go. Don't get carried away here, it's a little -- (laughter) -- it's a little hot. (Laughter.)
Speaking about the Anteaters, UC Irvine Men's Volleyball Team is with us. Congratulations. (Applause.) The Gauchos, UC Santa Barbara Men's Soccer Team. Georgia Tech Women's Tennis Team, the first-time champ. Pepperdine Men's Tennis Team is with us. Vanderbilt Women's Bowling Team is with us today. (Applause.) There you go. Wisconsin Men's Indoor Track and Field. (Applause.)
Some of the teams here have been waiting a long time to reclaim a championship. Dartmouth Men's and Women's Skiing Team -- they won their first title 30 years ago, and now they're here at the White House. Congratulations. (Applause.)
Michigan State Men's Ice Hockey Team -- they won their first hockey crown more than 20 years ago, and they're back. Congratulations to you. (Applause.)
We've got some repeat champs here. It's hard enough to win; it's really hard to repeat. Auburn Women's Swimming Team, back-to-back -- (applause.) Ready? War Eagle --
AUDIENCE: War Eagle!
THE PRESIDENT: Cal Women's Crew. (Applause.)
A feat that's really hard to do is win back-to-back NCAA Basketball titles, and we're proud to welcome the Florida Men's Basketball Team. (Applause.)
Not to provoke a rivalry, however, but the Florida State Men's Outdoor Track and Field Team is with us. (Applause.) Maryland Women's Field Hockey Team, repeat champs. (Applause.) Wisconsin Women's Ice Hockey Team, repeat champs. (Applause.)
We've got teams here that have won three championships in a row. (Applause.) That would be called a three-peat. Georgia Women's Gymnastics -- (applause) -- Northwestern Women's Lacrosse -- (applause). I might as well go on the record, all right -- I was disappointed in the footwear. (Laughter.) It's just too conventional, especially on a hot day.
And the Stanford Women's Tennis Team. (Applause.) A three-peat champion, UCLA Women's Water Polo. (Applause.) And by the way, their title was UCLA's 100th overall national championship. Congratulations to UCLA. (Applause.) Five-peat, Auburn Men's Swimming Team. (Applause.)
Some of the teams are adding new chapters to their schools' record books. Cal Men's Water Polo, they won their 12th water polo championship, which is an NCAA record. (Applause.) The Colorado Men's Cross Country Team, the Buffalos won their second title in three years -- and congratulations, welcome back. (Applause.) The North Carolina Women's Soccer Team. (Applause.) Eighteenth championship in the 25 year history of the tournament. Georgia Men's Tennis -- (applause) -- they went undefeated. They claimed their fifth NCAA tennis title. Nebraska Women's Volleyball. The Huskers were ranked number one the entire season, and won their third NCAA championship.
Penn State Men's and Women's Fencing. (Applause.) They won their tenth national championship, more than any other fencing team in the nation. Penn State Men's Gymnastics won their 12th national championship. (Applause.) Stanford Men's Golf. (Applause.) Wire-to-wire victory to earn their eighth NCAA golf title.
So I'm sitting back there with the captains, I said, do you want the one-hour speech, or the five-minute speech? They said, you been outside lately? I said, yes, barely. I said, how about the two-minute speech? (Laughter.) So I want to conclude this ceremony by thanking all the people that are here. I appreciate the fact that you're champions on the field and champions off the field.
You know, I asked some of the seniors what they're going to do, and I remember one girl told me she's going to be Teach for America. That means being a champ off the field. (Applause.) It means giving back something to society. I appreciate the fact that the Pepperdine Men's Tennis Team held a free clinic for children in Washington, D.C. just yesterday.
In other words, you can win on the athletic field, and you can win in the classroom, but you can also contribute to our country by helping somebody in need, by using your championship status to help heal a broken heart or to help somebody live a better life. And so to the champs, I'm glad you're here. For those of you who follow presidential politics, you know I'll be around one more year. I'm looking forward to having you come back. In the meantime, I ask for God's blessings on you, your family and our country. Thanks for coming. (Applause.)
END 4:52 P.M. EDT
South Lawn
original link at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/06/20070618-2.html#
**There is video up for the speech at the site
4:44 P.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you, all. Please be seated. Welcome to the South Lawn. This is an historic day -- after all, this is the largest gathering that we've had for Champions' Day, and we're glad to welcome the champs here to the South Lawn. I appreciate being with good athletes, good students and good leaders -- and that's what it takes to become a champion.
I appreciate the fact that you've endured tough practices, that you've set big goals, and you worked hard to achieve them. And so we congratulate your coaches, we congratulate your families -- but, most importantly, we congratulate you. We honor America's champs. (Applause.)
The Secretary of the Treasury is with us, Secretary Paulson; thank you for coming, sir. I appreciate the members of the United States Congress that have joined us, and the United States Senate. You don't need to do the gator thing. (Laughter.)
The teams here today span 21 different campuses, in 14 different states -- from California all the way over to Florida. You represent eight different athletic conferences: the Big Ten to the Pac-10 to the West Coast Conference and to the Ivy League. There's Tigers and Badgers, Huskers and Anteaters. (Laughter.) Go Anteaters. (Laughter.) Fight Anteaters.
You've distinguished yourselves on fields and fairways, tracks and tennis courts, rivers and rinks, pommel horses and pools, bowling alleys, mountains and basketball arenas. You have one thing in common: You have achieved the great title, "champion," and nobody can take that away from you.
We have a number of first-time champs here today. The Auburn Women's Outdoor Track and Field Team is here. (Applause.) I think that would go "War Eagle."
AUDIENCE: War Eagle!
THE PRESIDENT: There you go. Don't get carried away here, it's a little -- (laughter) -- it's a little hot. (Laughter.)
Speaking about the Anteaters, UC Irvine Men's Volleyball Team is with us. Congratulations. (Applause.) The Gauchos, UC Santa Barbara Men's Soccer Team. Georgia Tech Women's Tennis Team, the first-time champ. Pepperdine Men's Tennis Team is with us. Vanderbilt Women's Bowling Team is with us today. (Applause.) There you go. Wisconsin Men's Indoor Track and Field. (Applause.)
Some of the teams here have been waiting a long time to reclaim a championship. Dartmouth Men's and Women's Skiing Team -- they won their first title 30 years ago, and now they're here at the White House. Congratulations. (Applause.)
Michigan State Men's Ice Hockey Team -- they won their first hockey crown more than 20 years ago, and they're back. Congratulations to you. (Applause.)
We've got some repeat champs here. It's hard enough to win; it's really hard to repeat. Auburn Women's Swimming Team, back-to-back -- (applause.) Ready? War Eagle --
AUDIENCE: War Eagle!
THE PRESIDENT: Cal Women's Crew. (Applause.)
A feat that's really hard to do is win back-to-back NCAA Basketball titles, and we're proud to welcome the Florida Men's Basketball Team. (Applause.)
Not to provoke a rivalry, however, but the Florida State Men's Outdoor Track and Field Team is with us. (Applause.) Maryland Women's Field Hockey Team, repeat champs. (Applause.) Wisconsin Women's Ice Hockey Team, repeat champs. (Applause.)
We've got teams here that have won three championships in a row. (Applause.) That would be called a three-peat. Georgia Women's Gymnastics -- (applause) -- Northwestern Women's Lacrosse -- (applause). I might as well go on the record, all right -- I was disappointed in the footwear. (Laughter.) It's just too conventional, especially on a hot day.
And the Stanford Women's Tennis Team. (Applause.) A three-peat champion, UCLA Women's Water Polo. (Applause.) And by the way, their title was UCLA's 100th overall national championship. Congratulations to UCLA. (Applause.) Five-peat, Auburn Men's Swimming Team. (Applause.)
Some of the teams are adding new chapters to their schools' record books. Cal Men's Water Polo, they won their 12th water polo championship, which is an NCAA record. (Applause.) The Colorado Men's Cross Country Team, the Buffalos won their second title in three years -- and congratulations, welcome back. (Applause.) The North Carolina Women's Soccer Team. (Applause.) Eighteenth championship in the 25 year history of the tournament. Georgia Men's Tennis -- (applause) -- they went undefeated. They claimed their fifth NCAA tennis title. Nebraska Women's Volleyball. The Huskers were ranked number one the entire season, and won their third NCAA championship.
Penn State Men's and Women's Fencing. (Applause.) They won their tenth national championship, more than any other fencing team in the nation. Penn State Men's Gymnastics won their 12th national championship. (Applause.) Stanford Men's Golf. (Applause.) Wire-to-wire victory to earn their eighth NCAA golf title.
So I'm sitting back there with the captains, I said, do you want the one-hour speech, or the five-minute speech? They said, you been outside lately? I said, yes, barely. I said, how about the two-minute speech? (Laughter.) So I want to conclude this ceremony by thanking all the people that are here. I appreciate the fact that you're champions on the field and champions off the field.
You know, I asked some of the seniors what they're going to do, and I remember one girl told me she's going to be Teach for America. That means being a champ off the field. (Applause.) It means giving back something to society. I appreciate the fact that the Pepperdine Men's Tennis Team held a free clinic for children in Washington, D.C. just yesterday.
In other words, you can win on the athletic field, and you can win in the classroom, but you can also contribute to our country by helping somebody in need, by using your championship status to help heal a broken heart or to help somebody live a better life. And so to the champs, I'm glad you're here. For those of you who follow presidential politics, you know I'll be around one more year. I'm looking forward to having you come back. In the meantime, I ask for God's blessings on you, your family and our country. Thanks for coming. (Applause.)
END 4:52 P.M. EDT
Men's Volleyball Visits the White House
UC Irvine meets the President
June 18, 2007
Washington, DC -- The UC Irvine men's volleyball team, accompanied by Chancellor Michael Drake, went to the White House to be honored for winning a national championship Monday.
The team met President George W. Bush and had a formal photo taken with him before joining 18 other national championship teams on the South Lawn for an address.
During his address to the teams, President Bush was told the crowd about some of the different mascots which were represented by the teams and ended with "and we even have Anteaters. Go Anteaters!".
Team captains Brian Thornton and Jayson Jablonsky presented the President with a team jersey as well as a stuffed Anteater.
The team began the day at UCDC receiving a letter and plaque from Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's office.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Jablonsky; Steller named to MPSF All-Academic Team
Jablonsky; Steller named to MPSF All-Academic Team
Two named All-Academic
May 30, 2007
Irvine, Calif. - Senior outside hitter Jayson Jablonsky and sophomore opposite Jon Steller were named Academic All-Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Scholar-Athletes.
To receive the award, student-athletes must have a 3.0 cumulative grade point average or better, be a sophomore academically, completed one full academic year at the institution and competed in 50 percent or the team's competition.
Jablonsky is a criminology major and will be graduating in June, while Steller is a biological sciences major.
37 student-athletes from nine MPSF schools were honored.
Future Anteaters on 2007 All CIF Teams
For complete listing visit:
http://www.cifss.org/index.php?menuID=Page&pid=40
Eater volleyball followers-- check this out! Three of the four incoming high school players make All-CIF team!
6'6" Middle Blocker, Esperanza/Yorba Linda, CA, BRYCE DANKER - 2007 Divisioin I Co-Player of the Year.
6'4" Outside Hitter, Los Alamitos/Los Alamitos, CA, KEVIN CARROLL - 2007 Division I 1st Team
6'6" Opposite Hitter, Santa Barbara/Santa Barbara, CA CARSON CLARK - 2007 Division II 1st Team
Expect these guys to make an immediate impact in practice if not on the court because these guys will make every game they play in competitive!
http://www.cifss.org/index.php?menuID=Page&pid=40
Eater volleyball followers-- check this out! Three of the four incoming high school players make All-CIF team!
6'6" Middle Blocker, Esperanza/Yorba Linda, CA, BRYCE DANKER - 2007 Divisioin I Co-Player of the Year.
6'4" Outside Hitter, Los Alamitos/Los Alamitos, CA, KEVIN CARROLL - 2007 Division I 1st Team
6'6" Opposite Hitter, Santa Barbara/Santa Barbara, CA CARSON CLARK - 2007 Division II 1st Team
Expect these guys to make an immediate impact in practice if not on the court because these guys will make every game they play in competitive!
LA Times Story: Incoming MH Bryce Danker
http://www.latimes.com/sports/highschool/la-spw-hsdanker13jun13,0,3672665.story?coll=la-headlines-sports-highschool
From the Los Angeles Times
TIMES' BOYS' VOLLEYBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Esperanza's Danker raises animals, and his game
By Lauren Peterson
Times Staff Writer
June 13, 2007
Whether it's raising livestock or playing volleyball, Bryce Danker has high expectations for himself.
So far, he has met them all.
A long-time 4-H Club member, the Anaheim Esperanza senior middle blocker had auctioned three grand-champion rabbits at a fair for $1,500 a couple of years ago.
"It's one of my favorite things to do. I like it even more than volleyball," Danker said. "I like the animals, and the people just have different values, different views. It's kind of old-style — a whole different world."
Danker, who also tends to a steer, two baby cows, 20 pigs and assorted chickens being raised at his parents' and his grandmother's homes and has banked about $7,000 for college through livestock sales over the years, has shown he is just as comfortable in the world of athletics.
During the recently completed season, the 6-foot-6 Danker led the second-seeded Aztecs (29-4) to the Southern Section Division I championship by recording 17 kills in a hard-fought 22-25, 25-19, 25-23, 18-25, 15-13 victory over top-seeded Manhattan Beach Mira Costa in the final match May 26 at Cerritos College.
"Nobody was stopping him. He couldn't be stopped," Esperanza Coach Isaac Owens said. "Everybody in the gym knew it was going to him, and they still couldn't stop him."
Danker, who was selected Division I co-player of the year with teammate James Anderson, also had 16 kills in a 24-26, 25-20, 28-26, 22-25, 15-11 victory over Santa Ana Mater Dei in the semifinals, and registered 10 kills in a 25-21, 25-9, 20-25, 25-21 victory over North Hollywood Harvard-Westlake in the quarterfinals.
For his efforts, Danker has been named The Times' 2007 boys' volleyball player of the year.
"I knew it was time for me to step up," he said. "We knew all along that we had the talent and that we could win it, we just had to go out and prove it to ourselves."
Before winning the Division I title, Esperanza won the Orange County Championships and took the title in the Sunset League, generally considered the toughest in boys' volleyball in the Southern Section, with a perfect record.
"Once we did that, we knew what we could do," Danker said. "Going 10-0 kind of set us apart."
With their first section title since 2002, the Aztecs also proved that an 18th-place showing at an early-season tournament in San Diego had been a turning point.
"It sort of took us playing bad to turn things around," said Danker, who will attend UC Irvine. "It was kind of a wake-up call, but every game out from the San Diego tournament, everybody was on top of their games."
Especially Danker.
"It was growing pains early on, just trying to find the right combinations," said Owens, Division I coach of the year. "I think people knew we had some talent, but a lot of people questioned, 'Who's going to be the guy?' "
They found out in the season's home stretch.
"Bryce, he definitely stepped it up at the end," Owens said. "You want to be at your best at the end. We were, and he was the difference, or, he was a big part of the difference for us."
From the Los Angeles Times
TIMES' BOYS' VOLLEYBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Esperanza's Danker raises animals, and his game
By Lauren Peterson
Times Staff Writer
June 13, 2007
Whether it's raising livestock or playing volleyball, Bryce Danker has high expectations for himself.
So far, he has met them all.
A long-time 4-H Club member, the Anaheim Esperanza senior middle blocker had auctioned three grand-champion rabbits at a fair for $1,500 a couple of years ago.
"It's one of my favorite things to do. I like it even more than volleyball," Danker said. "I like the animals, and the people just have different values, different views. It's kind of old-style — a whole different world."
Danker, who also tends to a steer, two baby cows, 20 pigs and assorted chickens being raised at his parents' and his grandmother's homes and has banked about $7,000 for college through livestock sales over the years, has shown he is just as comfortable in the world of athletics.
During the recently completed season, the 6-foot-6 Danker led the second-seeded Aztecs (29-4) to the Southern Section Division I championship by recording 17 kills in a hard-fought 22-25, 25-19, 25-23, 18-25, 15-13 victory over top-seeded Manhattan Beach Mira Costa in the final match May 26 at Cerritos College.
"Nobody was stopping him. He couldn't be stopped," Esperanza Coach Isaac Owens said. "Everybody in the gym knew it was going to him, and they still couldn't stop him."
Danker, who was selected Division I co-player of the year with teammate James Anderson, also had 16 kills in a 24-26, 25-20, 28-26, 22-25, 15-11 victory over Santa Ana Mater Dei in the semifinals, and registered 10 kills in a 25-21, 25-9, 20-25, 25-21 victory over North Hollywood Harvard-Westlake in the quarterfinals.
For his efforts, Danker has been named The Times' 2007 boys' volleyball player of the year.
"I knew it was time for me to step up," he said. "We knew all along that we had the talent and that we could win it, we just had to go out and prove it to ourselves."
Before winning the Division I title, Esperanza won the Orange County Championships and took the title in the Sunset League, generally considered the toughest in boys' volleyball in the Southern Section, with a perfect record.
"Once we did that, we knew what we could do," Danker said. "Going 10-0 kind of set us apart."
With their first section title since 2002, the Aztecs also proved that an 18th-place showing at an early-season tournament in San Diego had been a turning point.
"It sort of took us playing bad to turn things around," said Danker, who will attend UC Irvine. "It was kind of a wake-up call, but every game out from the San Diego tournament, everybody was on top of their games."
Especially Danker.
"It was growing pains early on, just trying to find the right combinations," said Owens, Division I coach of the year. "I think people knew we had some talent, but a lot of people questioned, 'Who's going to be the guy?' "
They found out in the season's home stretch.
"Bryce, he definitely stepped it up at the end," Owens said. "You want to be at your best at the end. We were, and he was the difference, or, he was a big part of the difference for us."
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
David Smith Named MPV of 2007 USAV National Tournament
Smith has been on fire! - R
2007 USA OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS - MEN’S OPEN
All Tournament Team - 1st Team
Evan Patak (TPM), Nick Schevtick (Riptide), Jason Octave (Creole)
Tyler Hildebrand (TPM), Matt Proper (Riptide), David Smith - MVP (TPM)
All Tournament Team - 2nd Team
Monte Tucker (Riptide), Robert Tarr (TPM), Michael Salak
Bart Kowalski (Riptide), Kurt Toppell (IDM/3rd Degree), Matt Lyles - MVP (TPM)
Team Paul Mitchell (1st Place):
Scott Damien, Brett Schroeder, Scott Lane, Kyle Robinson, Andy Hein, Ted Lyles, Coley Kyman, David Smith, Mark Presho, Alan Knipe, Robert Tarr, Matt Lyles, Eric Sullivan, Brian Thornton, Paul Spittle, Evan Patak, Tyler Hildebrand
So Cal Riptides (2nd Place):
Jimmy Pelzel, Chris Jacobsen, Matt Proper, Tyler Caldwell, Aaron Boone, Zack Pelzel, RJ King, Bart Kowalski, Spencer Bemus, Gray Garrett, Tim May, Monte Tucker, Mike Rupp, Nick Schevtick, Jon Thompson
Creole (3rd Place):
Tarik Rodgers, Kert Fernandez, Victor Batista, Alvaro Velasco, Marcus Haynes, Phillip Gallagher, Michael Salak, Rony Gilot, Elvis Rodriguez
2007 USA OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS - MEN’S OPEN
All Tournament Team - 1st Team
Evan Patak (TPM), Nick Schevtick (Riptide), Jason Octave (Creole)
Tyler Hildebrand (TPM), Matt Proper (Riptide), David Smith - MVP (TPM)
All Tournament Team - 2nd Team
Monte Tucker (Riptide), Robert Tarr (TPM), Michael Salak
Bart Kowalski (Riptide), Kurt Toppell (IDM/3rd Degree), Matt Lyles - MVP (TPM)
Team Paul Mitchell (1st Place):
Scott Damien, Brett Schroeder, Scott Lane, Kyle Robinson, Andy Hein, Ted Lyles, Coley Kyman, David Smith, Mark Presho, Alan Knipe, Robert Tarr, Matt Lyles, Eric Sullivan, Brian Thornton, Paul Spittle, Evan Patak, Tyler Hildebrand
So Cal Riptides (2nd Place):
Jimmy Pelzel, Chris Jacobsen, Matt Proper, Tyler Caldwell, Aaron Boone, Zack Pelzel, RJ King, Bart Kowalski, Spencer Bemus, Gray Garrett, Tim May, Monte Tucker, Mike Rupp, Nick Schevtick, Jon Thompson
Creole (3rd Place):
Tarik Rodgers, Kert Fernandez, Victor Batista, Alvaro Velasco, Marcus Haynes, Phillip Gallagher, Michael Salak, Rony Gilot, Elvis Rodriguez
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
OC North/South All-Star Match: Behind the Mic
Family, friends and fans of 'Eater Volleyball,
This last Friday night (June 1), I had the great opportunity once again to announce the 30th Annual Dave Mohs Memorial North/South Orange County High School All-Star Match at Newport Harbor High School in Newport Beach, CA. With this, as I always do I had the great opportunity to get a sneak peak at the talent coming in to play v-ball at UC Irvine. Last year I saw Cory Yoder, Kenny Webster and Kevin Wynne playing in this same match and 3 years before them, I saw tall, lanky 6'5" OH, from Yorba Linda and Esperanza High School named Jayson Jablonsky and a 6'3" S from San Clemente named Brian Thornton-- two incredible players who are All-Americans and NCAA Champions!
On the girl's/women's side, Kari Pestolesi, daugther of IVC Head Men's Volleyball Coach, Tom Pestolesi, played on the North Squad that handily defeated the South, 3-0. K-Pesto is a 6'0" OH from Edison High School with a keen sense for playing the game. K-Pesto was the complete package for the North, blocking balls, swinging with authority, passing hybrids, jumps and float serves, and digging like only Asuka can (Sake, I had to mention you)! Her effort was noticed by the media/press on hand as they selected her as the MVP on the girl's/women's side.
On the boy's/men's side, two future 'Eaters were on the North Squad that pummeled the South emulating the women's match-- the 6'6" MH from Esperanza, Bryce Danker, and the 6'4" OH from Los Alamitos, Kevin Carroll. Danker was dominant at the net and threw up some tough jump serves, however the sets he saw did not bring out the best in his game (being that I saw him the previous weekend at the CIF Championships). Carroll on the other hand passed confidently and hit the leather off of the ball. He jumps and swings like a wrecking ball was slung off of his shoulder. Carroll's performance garnered him the MVP of the Boy's/Men's match-- making it a future-eater sweep of the MVP honors of the All-Star matches!
I've got a feeling that we'll be hearing quite a bit more from all of the future 'Eaters!
Robonthemic
This last Friday night (June 1), I had the great opportunity once again to announce the 30th Annual Dave Mohs Memorial North/South Orange County High School All-Star Match at Newport Harbor High School in Newport Beach, CA. With this, as I always do I had the great opportunity to get a sneak peak at the talent coming in to play v-ball at UC Irvine. Last year I saw Cory Yoder, Kenny Webster and Kevin Wynne playing in this same match and 3 years before them, I saw tall, lanky 6'5" OH, from Yorba Linda and Esperanza High School named Jayson Jablonsky and a 6'3" S from San Clemente named Brian Thornton-- two incredible players who are All-Americans and NCAA Champions!
On the girl's/women's side, Kari Pestolesi, daugther of IVC Head Men's Volleyball Coach, Tom Pestolesi, played on the North Squad that handily defeated the South, 3-0. K-Pesto is a 6'0" OH from Edison High School with a keen sense for playing the game. K-Pesto was the complete package for the North, blocking balls, swinging with authority, passing hybrids, jumps and float serves, and digging like only Asuka can (Sake, I had to mention you)! Her effort was noticed by the media/press on hand as they selected her as the MVP on the girl's/women's side.
On the boy's/men's side, two future 'Eaters were on the North Squad that pummeled the South emulating the women's match-- the 6'6" MH from Esperanza, Bryce Danker, and the 6'4" OH from Los Alamitos, Kevin Carroll. Danker was dominant at the net and threw up some tough jump serves, however the sets he saw did not bring out the best in his game (being that I saw him the previous weekend at the CIF Championships). Carroll on the other hand passed confidently and hit the leather off of the ball. He jumps and swings like a wrecking ball was slung off of his shoulder. Carroll's performance garnered him the MVP of the Boy's/Men's match-- making it a future-eater sweep of the MVP honors of the All-Star matches!
I've got a feeling that we'll be hearing quite a bit more from all of the future 'Eaters!
Robonthemic
The Media's New Darling - David Smith!
Article from "The Signal", captured from http://volleytalk.net
By Grant Marek
Signal Staff Writer
Monday June 4, 2007
David Smith is a civil engineer at UC Irvine. He is an All-American for the Anteaters volleyball team.
He is an NCAA champion.
He is a record holder.
And of late, he has become somewhat of a media darling.
He counts 10 newspaper stories in all, a handful of television interviews and countless mentions from commentators during Irvine's 2007 NCAA title run.
The Angels had him out for a baseball game in May.
The President of the United States has plans to meet the Saugus High grad in the middle of June, as does the mayor of Irvine later this week.
"I was part of five titles at UCLA and I've never seen something like this," says Anteaters men's volleyball coach John Speraw, a former player and assistant coach for the Bruins. "There's been a flood of e-mails, news crews. ... I did it five times and I never once met a president."
But then, he never did it the way David Smith has.
Smith, the nation's top hitter in 2007, helped the Anteaters to their first-ever NCAA title on land - and he did it without the benefit of his hearing.
Smith was born with mild-to-severe hearing loss - he's not deaf, but without the hearing aids he wears in both ears, he's close to it.
"That's the big story with David - he gets a lot of human interest stories because of it," Speraw says.
But after four years coaching the Anteaters' only first-team All-American this season, Speraw shies away from contributing to another one.
He's more father than coach.
He'd sooner tout Smith as a future Olympian than a human interest story.
"We're going to miss David because he hit for a real high percentage and he's a great teammate," he says. "He's going to be hard to replace.
"He's one of the more unique players I've ever coached - he has a rare combination of speed and athleticism."
During an interview that lasts almost a half hour, Speraw deflects more questions about Smith's disability than Smith does balls as a middle blocker.
He briefly explains how the Anteaters first dealt with Smith's lack of hearing.
"I came up with the 'David Smith' rule pretty quickly - if he wants a ball he can go get it," the U.S. National Team assistant coach says.
But no sooner does he breach the subject than put an end to it.
"In the end, we all functioned like David did," he says.
Playing like him was another thing altogether.
Smith became the fourth first-team All-American in school history while setting UCI hitting percentage records for a game, season and career.
And the fact that he did it with a hearing impairment is more of a sidenote to the 6-foot-7 senior.
"Being an All-American doesn't really need much else to inflate it," says Smith, who also set career Anteater records in blocks and block assists. "It is an honor, and to me, being hearing impaired is just who I am. I still had to play the same guys as everyone else, and I earned it on the same playing field that everyone else played on.
"I think I am just a regular Joe who plays volleyball well and has a national championship ring on his finger."
But that's not to say he isn't all for the media attention.
"If it's something that will help inspire a kid to change his or her outlook on life and pursue things that others don't exactly think they can do, then I'm all for it," he says. "And I am excited that people have an interest in my hearing disability. Even guys on the team, they really want to know what I deal with on a daily basis."
As do perfect strangers.
His television appearances have earned Smith minor celebrity status on the UCI campus.
"I have had a lot of people in my classes introducing themselves," he says.
But as Smith and his coach point out, the senior's hearing impairment is still a mystery to most.
"I still struggle with hearing more than everyone else does," Smith says. "But, I would be able to carry on a conversation and most people wouldn't know I am hearing impaired until they actually see the hearing aids, which is kind of my goal in a sense - just fit right in."
And never is it easier to do so than on the court - a fact that has created more than a few memorable moments for Smith and Speraw.
"I've been on the bench, sitting next to my assistant coaches and heard someone trying to heckle David," says Speraw with a smile. "I'd whisper under my breath to my assistant coaches, 'Yeah, keep it up buddy.'"
The hecklers have, but to no avail.
Two years after sporting a 9-20 overall record, the Anteaters - led by their first team All-American - are NCAA champions.
And David Smith is on his way to future greatness.
"The national team now trains in Anaheim," Speraw says. "He can be one of those guys. He can be an Olympian - he can do that.
"I think he should."
Smith considers the National and Olympic teams to both be options.
"I would love to play volleyball for as long as I can," he says. "And I know I can."
After the initial media blitz, he certainly isn't the only one.
By Grant Marek
Signal Staff Writer
Monday June 4, 2007
David Smith is a civil engineer at UC Irvine. He is an All-American for the Anteaters volleyball team.
He is an NCAA champion.
He is a record holder.
And of late, he has become somewhat of a media darling.
He counts 10 newspaper stories in all, a handful of television interviews and countless mentions from commentators during Irvine's 2007 NCAA title run.
The Angels had him out for a baseball game in May.
The President of the United States has plans to meet the Saugus High grad in the middle of June, as does the mayor of Irvine later this week.
"I was part of five titles at UCLA and I've never seen something like this," says Anteaters men's volleyball coach John Speraw, a former player and assistant coach for the Bruins. "There's been a flood of e-mails, news crews. ... I did it five times and I never once met a president."
But then, he never did it the way David Smith has.
Smith, the nation's top hitter in 2007, helped the Anteaters to their first-ever NCAA title on land - and he did it without the benefit of his hearing.
Smith was born with mild-to-severe hearing loss - he's not deaf, but without the hearing aids he wears in both ears, he's close to it.
"That's the big story with David - he gets a lot of human interest stories because of it," Speraw says.
But after four years coaching the Anteaters' only first-team All-American this season, Speraw shies away from contributing to another one.
He's more father than coach.
He'd sooner tout Smith as a future Olympian than a human interest story.
"We're going to miss David because he hit for a real high percentage and he's a great teammate," he says. "He's going to be hard to replace.
"He's one of the more unique players I've ever coached - he has a rare combination of speed and athleticism."
During an interview that lasts almost a half hour, Speraw deflects more questions about Smith's disability than Smith does balls as a middle blocker.
He briefly explains how the Anteaters first dealt with Smith's lack of hearing.
"I came up with the 'David Smith' rule pretty quickly - if he wants a ball he can go get it," the U.S. National Team assistant coach says.
But no sooner does he breach the subject than put an end to it.
"In the end, we all functioned like David did," he says.
Playing like him was another thing altogether.
Smith became the fourth first-team All-American in school history while setting UCI hitting percentage records for a game, season and career.
And the fact that he did it with a hearing impairment is more of a sidenote to the 6-foot-7 senior.
"Being an All-American doesn't really need much else to inflate it," says Smith, who also set career Anteater records in blocks and block assists. "It is an honor, and to me, being hearing impaired is just who I am. I still had to play the same guys as everyone else, and I earned it on the same playing field that everyone else played on.
"I think I am just a regular Joe who plays volleyball well and has a national championship ring on his finger."
But that's not to say he isn't all for the media attention.
"If it's something that will help inspire a kid to change his or her outlook on life and pursue things that others don't exactly think they can do, then I'm all for it," he says. "And I am excited that people have an interest in my hearing disability. Even guys on the team, they really want to know what I deal with on a daily basis."
As do perfect strangers.
His television appearances have earned Smith minor celebrity status on the UCI campus.
"I have had a lot of people in my classes introducing themselves," he says.
But as Smith and his coach point out, the senior's hearing impairment is still a mystery to most.
"I still struggle with hearing more than everyone else does," Smith says. "But, I would be able to carry on a conversation and most people wouldn't know I am hearing impaired until they actually see the hearing aids, which is kind of my goal in a sense - just fit right in."
And never is it easier to do so than on the court - a fact that has created more than a few memorable moments for Smith and Speraw.
"I've been on the bench, sitting next to my assistant coaches and heard someone trying to heckle David," says Speraw with a smile. "I'd whisper under my breath to my assistant coaches, 'Yeah, keep it up buddy.'"
The hecklers have, but to no avail.
Two years after sporting a 9-20 overall record, the Anteaters - led by their first team All-American - are NCAA champions.
And David Smith is on his way to future greatness.
"The national team now trains in Anaheim," Speraw says. "He can be one of those guys. He can be an Olympian - he can do that.
"I think he should."
Smith considers the National and Olympic teams to both be options.
"I would love to play volleyball for as long as I can," he says. "And I know I can."
After the initial media blitz, he certainly isn't the only one.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)