One Team to Rule Them All
From October 24-26, Union hosted a bevy of high school students, coaches and parents during its annual volleyball and soccer tournaments. There were 14 participating volleyball teams and 11 soccer teams from academies spanning the country. Throughout Thursday, Friday and Saturday night, there were multiple bouts where the teams jostled for qualifying positions. The points were added to determine the standings for the final rounds. Forest Lake Academy and Collegedale Academy went head-to-head late Saturday night for the volleyball championship game, with Collegedale coming out on top. For the soccer championship, there was a fierce game between Collegedale and Sunnydale, after which Collegedale was once again declared the winner. It looks like it’s been an exciting year for them!
There was a high amount of energy at the proceedings as eager fans rolled in to show support for their favorite teams. Cheers, hollers and noisemakers could be heard across the campus, from the Thunderdome to the College View Academy gym. The air loomed with a buzz from the excitement. If you played in the Thunderdome you had an even greater chance to feel that vibe, because Buell Fogg was providing some very enthusiastic live commentary.
Reaia Turner, a member of Midland Adventist Academy’s volleyball team, really appreciated the hospitality of Union and the whole weekend. “I love tournaments because they’re just such a fun experience. It was nice to be surrounded by so many people that I don’t get to see every day and make new friends, and I liked playing with my team. The feeling of getting ready to start a game is great, it feels like a mix between excitement and nervousness. I can’t get enough of that. It was also great to be able to go and cheer for my friends on the different soccer teams because I love supporting my friends.”
It was incredible to feel the surge of positivity at each of the games I attended. All of the games never ceased to put a smile on my face. I already can’t wait for next year.
Drew Hickman is a sophomore studying communication.