The Good Fight

Saturday found our staff (and all of our friends) in Martz Hall, Pottsville, PA for the annual volleyball tournament- or "Martz Madness" as the T-shirts proclaimed. (It's great how all things in life can be summarized on a T-shirt). Years past have shown us that this tournament provides a few things- a great photo environment (second only to the main gym at PSU, IMHO), an extensive concession stand (The Halushki was reportedly sub-par, so I postponed my first experience), and a well-paced day of volleyball games.

There is an interesting rivalry brewing this year- between your Royals and Wyoming Valley West. Every matchup has been interesting- At the WVW tournament, HR pulled out a victory in a close game to take first place. In regular season play, WVW handed HR one of only 2 losses thus far (no pictures from that one, as FF was incommunicado). The stage was set in Pottsville for another battle- both teams were in the same pool. After playing to a 1-1 split in pool play, it seemed only fitting that the championship game was again- Valley West vs Redeemer.

By now it's old news- HR wins in 2 straight, winning the tournament and tilting the season record in our favor over the Spartans. Lost in that summary is the drama that unfolded- the Royals had to come from behind to win the first game in extra points, then held off a late surge from WVW (started with a referee's whistle- more on that later) to win the second- again in a remarkably close game.

I know that referee-bashing is seemingly the norm here, and that is not my nature. But on this particular occasion....

In the last three or four points of a close, well-played game, with the championship on the line- how do you award a point to either team over a player taking too long to serve? I was perched right behind the ref, within ten feet as it worked out, and I didn't hear the whistle he claimed to have blown. Poor application of the rules, by any standard. Spoiled the good fight.

So now the stretch run begins, hopefully leading to a district playoff berth. If history is any indication, we may still see Valley West again. Or North Pocono. With more on the line. Don't miss it!

Of note-

400+ pictures from the day! Lots to page through. I made an important discovery on that topic- The fastest way to page through smugmug seems to be this- make sure you are viewing the gallery in the "smugmug view" (view options are on the upper right part of the page when you are viewing) then hold down the alt key while using the arrows to toggle through. Seems much faster than clicking next 400 times.

I had lunch next to these two, and I figured them to be brother & sister. Not so sure after this scene.

I am not sure what this is. As you know, I am no fan of chanting, and this seems dangerously close to that. At least it's original.

Another plus to this tournament- Steve stays dressed.

Looking at Brian, it's hard to believe, but the game is not won yet.

What to you think got into Mike Z in this shot?

Off to work.

Gallery is here.

Site is here.

Berwick tonight.