i*. \ \" l's Liz Masakayan spikes a hard one over the net. Sports Update The 1988 U.S. Olympic Volleyball Teams by CHP OfRcer Phil Konstantin, I.D. 11643 I hink your life is stressful? Well, these circumstances, the players boycotted these Olympics so the there exists a world where an entire would practice together for about a team did not compete. life's work can be judged by only a month and then compete against By 1981, both the men's and few days' work. This world uses teams of genuine international cali- women's teams had relocated to such words as blocks, aces, spikes, ber. It was no wonder that U.S. California, with the men based in sets, dinks, jumps, nets and side- teams seldom won. San Diego and the women working outs. These monumental stresses The training center's aim was to in Coto De Casa. Eventually, the and unusual words are the stan- establish a continuity in the Amer- women's team also came to San dard fare for the athletes compet- ican volleyball program. Hopefully, Diego, creating a truly national ing in Olympic volleyball. through an ongoing effort, the U.S. training center. San Diego's climate Volleyball was invented by Wil- program could achieve a reputable and apparent easy access to the liam G. Morgan in Holyoke, Mas- position in the international com- majority of the nation's best play- sachusetts, back in 1895. During munity similar to its rankings in ers who lived in Southern Califor- World War II, American service- other Olympic and international nia, made San Diego the ideal choice men spread its popularity overseas, events such as track and field. for the National Volleyball Head- and by 1949, international compe- Living in Pasadena at the time quarters. As one men's team mem- tition had begun. However, lacking and doing public service programs ber said, "When 95 percent of the any cohesive organization, U.S. for several Houston radio stations, team is from Southern California, teams did not fare well early in this I had the opportunity to interview who wants to go all the way to American-born sport. both the players and the coaches Ohio to play?" In 1975 in Pasadena, Texas, a and watch them play and practice One other basic success of the significant change was instituted on a regular basis. year-round team center concept in the world of women's volleyball As the months went by, the has been the willingness of local here in the United States. Through women noticeably began to im- businesses to provide jobs for many the efforts of national volleyball prove. However, because they were of the team members. This pro- organizations and civic leaders in starting as a team so late, the vides a steady source of income for this Houston suburb, a national women were unable to qualify for the players and allows them to team training center was created. the 1976 Olympic Games. Noting work around their busy practice, Prior to the development of a the improvement in the women's travel and playing schedule. (The year-round training center, this program, though, in 1978 the U.S. team organization is always look- country's national teams were men's team started a similar team ing for more corporate and inde- formed almost like a game of "pick- training center in Dayton, Ohio. pendent financial support. Inter- up" volleyball on the beach. Play- The year-round efforts finally paid ested groups should contact "Volley- ers would be teamed together to off and the women's team qualified ball USA" in San Diego.) participate only in specific compe- for the 1980 Olympic Games in Over the past decade, the team titions, such as the World Cup. In Moscow. But the United States training center concept has proven June 1988 Bob Ctvrtlik, top photo, spikes the ball between two Russian players. Bottom photos show team members consulting with Head Coach Marv Dunphy, while also keeping fit for the competition. to be extremely successful. In the Championship (held two years after 12 players. Though the final Olym- 1984 Olympics, the men won the the Olympics). If any of these teams pic team is subject to change right first U.S. Olympic medal in volley- happen to win more than one of up to the opening ceremonies, the ball - - and it was GOLD. The the events, the second place team current men's team has four return- women also won their first medal would earn a berth. The other ing Olympians. The women's team - the SILVER — for second place. teams come from the winners of was rebuilt in 1985, so they have This was an impressive feat for competitions within the five world no returning Olympic veterans. teams that had not even competed zones: 1) North America/Central Laurel Kessel was a part of the in an Olympic Game since the America/ Caribbean (NORCECA); ill-fated 1980 Olympic team. After 1968 Games in Mexico. 2) South America; 3) Europe; 4) taking a seven-year leave from in- The route to the Olympics is Asia; 5) Africa. ternational competition, she re- complex in all sports, but espe- Prior to the successes of 1984, gained a position on the team in cially volleyball. Four teams are the U.S. teams had a great deal of 1987 and, at 34, is the oldest player guaranteed a position: 1) the win- difficulties within the NORCECA on either team. ners in the previous Olympics; 2) zone. Even today, Cuba continues Caren Kemner is another cor- the host country; 3) the winners of to be the perennial stumbling block nerstone of the women's team, hav- the previous World Cup (held the to U.S. goals within our own zone. ing been named its most valuable year after the Olympics); and, 4] player for two years running. She is the winners of the previous World Each Olympic team is limited to expected to be a driving force in 10 The CHP Sports Update this year's Olympic Games in Korea. won the bronze medal. The backbone of the men's team It is interesting to note that is Olympic veteran Karch Kiraly. American teams receive more no- He has been the team's most valu- toriety in other countries than they able player for three consecutive get here in the United States. After years and also has been a finalist a tournament in Japan, for example, for the Sullivan Award for the past players will receive fan mail from three years. (The Sullivan Award is Japanese devotees for several the AAU's award to the nation's weeks. best amateur athlete, and Kiraly It has been 13 years since I saw was the only volleyball player to the beginnings of the new U.S. make the list.) national volleyball program and, Perhaps the greatest tribute to during that time, there has been a Kiraly's skill came when the Inter- lot of changes. Volleyball has be- national Volleyball Federation come the second largest woman's named him the "World's Best Vol- participatory sport in the United leyball Player" -- the first and, to Karch Kiraly was named most val- States, and the women's team has date, only recipient of this honor. uable player on the men's team for won international recognition. The Two other men to watch for are three consecutive years. men's team has become the stan- Steve Timmons and Craig Buck, dard by which other teams are now both veterans of the 1984 Olympic are only the second team ever to judged. team. Timmons is an outstanding perform this feat (the Soviet outside hitter and Buck will be Union's men's team was the first). providing support services on de- The women's team currently is fense as a blocker. ranked near the middle of the The United States' men's team world's top 10 teams. Working hard currently is ranked No. 1 in the on the fundamentals, the women world. With their 1986 World hope to finish in the medal round Championship triumph, these men in Seoul. had won volleyball's triple crown: At the Pan American Games in the Olympics, the World Cup and August 1987, the men's team won the World Championships. They the gold and the women's team Hard work and determination keep these women ranked among the world's top 10 teams. Prospects for the 1988 Summer Olympic Games in Korea look good. It takes profound dedication to endure a daily schedule of two to four hours of practice and then face Caren Kemner the rigors of competition. Watch- was named ing these men and women play, most valuable you can easily see their enthusi- player on the asm, pride, drive, determination women's team and skill. With the growing inter- for three national enthusiasm for this sport, consecutive volleyball is sure to be one of the years. "hot tickets" in Korea this summer. You can't help but share the patriotic pride these players feel when, while standing alongside the court, I watched the women break from their pre-game huddle with a roaring cheer of "U-S-A!" Okay, Korea, I think they're ready. ® 11 PI a6ed dHO 886L aunp NVKlOHXVd AVMHOIH.