HUNTLEY – Sun City resident Richard Desmond of Neighborhood 27 definitely believes you’re never too old for a little healthy competition, which was why he organized the first Huntley “World” Senior Volley Ball Tournament for the Huntley Park District Senior Volleyball Program.
Huntley Park District Senior Volleyball Program players enjoy some pick-up games on the last day of the spring season at the Huntley Park District. (Photo by Chris LaPelusa/Sun Day)
“I got some feedback from people [players]. They were telling me they wanted more competition than what they regularly get,” Desmond said.
The standard Huntley Park District Senior Volleyball Program runs both a fall and spring season, each consisting mostly of self-organized pick-up games.
“You just play till you win. And if you lose, you go to the other side of the court,” Desmond said. “But there are no formalized teams. People wanted to get involved in a tournament-like situation where they could play as teams and have a team identity.”
Desmond structured the teaming system to select four captains, who each chose their players. Desmond’s goal was to have a total of 28 players split between the four teams, making it an even six-man team with one alternate each. Ultimately, the tournament registered 27 players.
Heading into the tournament, the teams experienced some slight attrition, due to injury / schedule conflicts, but were able to fill in the gaps to make for successful team play on tournament day.
“This is the first time we had a tournament, and it turned out to be successful, I’m happy to say,” said Desmond.
The tournament was a one-day event, starting at 9 a.m. and finishing up around noon on Wednesday, April 27. Play was a round-robin set up where each team played the other team twice. Desmond was able to secure volleyball medals to be awarded for tournament winners and players.
Without officials refereeing the games, tournament team captains moderated each game, resolving issues as they arose and awarding points, with much success, said Desmond.
“We were able to effectively resolve all the issues,” Desmond, a team captain, said, “without referees. It was very competitive. Everybody was trying to win.”
Desmond said “it was clear” everyone enjoyed the competition.
“And, of course, there were medals to win,” Desmond said. “It wasn’t just for bragging rights.”
