While the varsity Ball State men's volleyball team hosted two matches last weekend in Worthen Arena, there was some other volleyball action taking place on campus.
Ball State hosted the Midwest 10 Qualifier #2 Championship tournament for club teams. There were 14 teams involved in the contest. The first day teams played in pool competition starting Saturday at 11 a.m. and concluding at 9 p.m. Sunday was the championship beginning at 8 a.m. and finishing at 1:30 p.m. BSU's club team advanced to the championship before falling to the University of Connecticut 25-14, 23-25, 14-16.
"It (the tournament) was a good time," said outside attacker Gordon McConnell. "We played well until the last two games of the tournament match."
He's a second-year team member and serves as secretary for the group. According to club president Mark Caravello the event was a success. The turnout was bigger than they anticipated. Caravello has been playing for the past four years as the team's setter. In addition to being president he recently took on coaching duties this year.
"It's a little different because the guys are my teammates too," said Caravello. "It's just a different level because they're the same age as me, but they don't seem to mind."
The club was originally formed in the early 1990's to accommodate players who wanted a higher level of competition beyond the intramural league. It operates similar to a varsity team. The club had been off and on for a while, but has remained consistent for the past four years.
The Cardinals often schedule and host tournaments, and also maintain a regular game schedule. Membership is open to any student who has an interest in volleyball. The majority of the members played or were in a club during high school.
Individuals join for different reasons. McConnell wanted to continue playing after high school. He went on to play for a varsity team at another university before transferring here. He also knew Caravello in high school and that influenced his decision to play at Ball State.
Others join for the competitive edge found in the sport.
"The level of competition is right below the varsity level," says Caravello. "You get to see some good competition."
The team holds practice sessions on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 p.m. until midnight in Irving Gym on the balcony. Practices consist of drills, scrimmages and going over important plays for upcoming games. The team competes every other weekend, traveling throughout the Midwest.
Ball State is currently preparing for their next round of competition, which is this weekend at Hoosier Illini Classic in Bloomington. There will be 32 teams from all over the country competing.
"It's one of the biggest competitions of the year especially in the Midwest." says Caravello.
The final event will be the national competition held in Columbus, Ohio on April 9 -12. It typically isn't held in the Midwest. Nationals bring the top 50 Division I and II teams for one competition.
Members are looking for recruits for next year's team because the majority of the players will be graduating. According to Caravello, the team didn't have a big turnout this year. The Cardinals roster is composed of just ten players and himself. They want to gather the team for next year by the end of this semester.
"You have to have the will to learn, says Caravello. "We are always looking for new people."
The only equipment that is mandatory is gym shoes. Each player is also required to pay $60 for semester dues and be willing to be involved in fundraising activities. Some examples include football and basketball clean-up.
For more information, contact the club president Mark Caravello, or check out their official Web site at http://www.bsu.edu/web/clubvball.
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