Torrance, Cal if. (Aug 18, 2007)-Jeff Taylor Play Overlooked

We received the following email from Brian:

Hey Ray: No mention of Jeff Taylor? I was there and saw him play some great volleyball, especially when he slammed the ball into the chests of both Jimmy Pelzel and Spencer Bemus, of course both highlighted in your article. What's up with that? Give the players their due. Brian

Hey Brian,

Jeff Taylor is one of my favorite players.  He is a great player with a great attitude. And he’s definitely one of the top leapers out there.   I consider him an important part of the APVL.  I asked the coaches to help me out with the highlights and I incorporated that into the article.  Jeff plays so wells so often that I guess that we just take it for granted.  Thanks Brian, for bringing it to my attention.

Ray Goto

Torrance, Cal if. (Aug 10, 2007)-
American Pro Volleyball League Battles So Cal Riptide for Court Supremacy. 

The American Pro Volleyball League’s (APVL) #1 Summer team, the Newport Beach Sea Hawks, finished on top at the July 29^th APVL Challenge Tournament at Corona Del Mar High School in Newport Beach.  The Newport Beach Sea Hawks beat the So Cal Riptide in the tournament finals, 2-0.  This tournament outcome doesn’t even begin to tell the tale of the epic battles that occurred during this historic day.   The quality of volleyball was unsurpassed in recent memory, as the country’s best players scrapped for each and every point in every set.  Ray Goto, APVL commissioner, said “what I’ve seen today may have been some of the best volleyball that i've seen in along time.”

In the first semi-final match, the Sea Hawks beat the APVL’s #3 summer team, the Los Angeles Breakers in a closely fought 2-1 match. The fact that the Breakers took a game from the Sea Hawks proves that even with our summer format (see June/July Pro Volleyball News at www.goAPVL.com), all 3 APVL teams are very good.   In the second semi-final, the APVL’s #2 Summer Team, Orange County Crushers lost to So Cal Riptides, in two closely fought games.  So Cal Riptide is the 2007 USA Volleyball’s Men’s Open Nationals’ Runner-up.  This makes them, arguably, the second best men’s volleyball team in the nation.  And this match added evidence to that fact.

In the long awaited finals showdown, the Sea Hawks beat So Cal Riptide 2-0; in a closely fought match in which each set could’ve gone each way.  Tanner Sutherland, 6-3, OH (Pepperdine) ran off a chain of aces and momentum-breaking serves to put the Newport Beach Sea Hawks in a position of victory in set 1.  Andy Tomkinson, 6-9, MB, (UCSB), Chris Harger, 6-10, OPP (UCI) and Matt Ulmer, 6-8, Setter (Carthage) all put up huge stuff blocks against the Riptide offense.  Riptide was lead by AVCA First Team, All American, Jimmy Pelzel, 6-6, OH (UCI) and Spencer Bemus, 6-6, OPP (UCI) as both had some great rips throughout the match, with Bemus blasting some key kills out of the back-row. On one memorable play, Pelzel smoked a midcourt line hit against a 6-10, 6-9, 6-8 Sea Hawk block.  Mike Rupp, 6-5, OH (UCI) caught fire with some crafty shots around the block early in the 2nd game. But the Sea Hawks prevailed.  Kris Dorn, Sea Hawk head coach, said “We had so many weapons; All Americans or former national team members in almost every position.  It was a pleasure… This was a historic day for American Volleyball.”  

However, the victory over So Cal Riptide comes with an asterisk. Key Riptide players were absent because of schedule conflicts.  But it is a testament to the integrity of Mike Rupp and the Riptides to choose to come and play even without their best team.  Thanks you, Mike Rupp, R.J. King, Ron Cammarata, Spencer Bemus, Jimmy Pelzel, Tyler Caldwell, and the rest of  So Cal Riptides!  Jay Hosack, (USA Volleyball’s National Training Team) coach and head coach of the APVL’s Orange County Crushers is also in charge of getting all the APVL teams up to speed with the latest international volleyball strategy. He said: “You know what that means: Rematch! And in all fairness, some of our top players couldn’t make it either.  The rematch will be a war!”

“But before a rematch with Riptide can occur, we have another agenda to fulfill”, says Commissioner Ray Goto.  “The American Pro Volleyball League would like to formally challenge Team Paul Mitchell, winners USA Volleyball's Men's Nationals and El Gringo, the winners of the Manhattan Beach 6 Man, to the next challenge match, at their convenience.  We would like to get in touch with someone from their organizations.” 

“I think that it’s safe to say that everyone that played in or watched this tournament, enjoyed some of the best volleyball available anywhere in America today.”, says Goto.  Like many of our events, this one was captured with a multicamera broadcast truck, with APVL Commentator Robert Espero calling the play.  The streaming video of all 3 matches will be available soon by subscribing to our free Pro Volleyball News Newsletter, available on our website: www.goAPVL.com.

We would like to extend a special thanks to Robert Espero, Kris Dorn, Jay Hosack, Kevin Donovan, Russell Combs, Lewis Ventura, Jamie Goto, Chris Goto, Art Garcia, Steve Conti, Michael Soto, Brian Ceponis, Bill Sigler, President of  SmackSportsWear.com, and of course, all the APVL players, without whose help the American Pro Volleyball League would not exist.

We will continue to recruit players until we have the best volleyball players in the country, so you still may have a chance to make the team. Register on our website: www.goAPVL.com and we may invite you too.

Thanks,

Ray Goto

American Pro Volleyball League

www.goAPVL.com

Pro Volleyball News Online Newsletter, June/July, 2007

The Official Publication of the American Pro Volleyball League.

Torrance, Cal if. (July 21, 2007-)APVL Team Rosters/Schedule, July 29th Challenge Tourney

The American Pro Volleyball League (APVL) is having a challenge tournament on July 29th,  12 Noon, 2007 at Corona Del Mar High School, 2101 Eastbluff Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660.   APVL teams and our special guests: So Cal Riptides, USA Volleyball’s Men’s Open Nationals Runner Ups, will participate in the tournament.  Some of America’s top players are participating.  Fans are invited to this challenge tournament for the bargain price of only $15 at the door.  Or, you can get in free by subscribing to our free Pro Volleyball News Online Newsletter on our website:  www.goAPVL.com, between now and July 27th, to witness this great volleyball. As with many of our events, this tournament will be filmed with multiple broadcast cameras.

Players, Coaches, & Staff Schedule:

8:30 AM:  All Coaches & Staff Convene

9:00 -11:00 AM:  APVL team practice. All players listed below in “APVL Team Rosters” are invited.  USA Volleyball’s Training Team Coach, Jay Hosack and Kris Dorn, (Cal Baptist) will run this light practice to make sure everyone’s on the same page.  Bring your tryout shirts.

11:00 AM: So Cal Riptides are invited to prepare for play.

12 noon:  Tournament Begins.

The following individuals are invited to participate on the following American Pro Volleyball League’s Summer Teams:   Congratulations and thank you for your support.  (Obviously, not all players will attend this tournament.) 

These top players were selected at the last tryout only event on July 1.  Over 200 players participated in the invitation only tryout events in April, May, and June.  The ultimate goal is to create a group of 45 (up from 36) players that will become the core of 3 APVL teams. Information about some of these players is available on our website: www.goAPVL.com.  These 3 teams will play in the inaugural 5 team American Pro Volleyball League in Jan, Feb, and Mar of 2008. One of the other teams will be sponsored by the USA National Training Team and will be coached by Hugh McCruteon and his staff. Hawaii was chosen to be the fifth and final team of the league and Chad Giesseman has been appointed to be the manager/coach of Team Hawaii. These goals will continue to drive us throughout the year, culminating in the inaugural APVL league in early 2008. 

Our immediate goal is to build 3 cohesive teams that will challenge all comers.  We are looking forward to the showdown with So CA Riptides, who took 2nd place at the USA Volleyball’s, 2007 Men’s Open Nationals.  This makes them, arguably, the second best men’s team in the country. Congratulations! Jimmy Pelzel, Chris Jacobsen, Matt Proper, Tyler Caldwell, Aaron Boone, Zack Pelzel, RJ King, Bart Kowalski, Spencer Bemus, Gray Garrett, Tim May, Monte Tucker, Mike Rupp, Nick Schevtick, and Jon Thompson.  Mike said “Yes, I’ll get the team together for those dates.” Playing teams like Riptide will provide a litmus test on just how good our guys are.  And these challenge matches, as I like to call them, will take place throughout 2007 and will showcase the best volleyball talent in the United States.  It is our hope that the APVL will become the venue of choice for the best volleyball players and teams in America.

See you on July 29th!
Thanks again,
Ray Goto,
www.goAPVL.com     

Torrance, Cal if. (July 19, 2007-)American Pro Volleyball Challenge Match, July 29th in Newport Beach.

The American Pro Volleyball League (APVL) is having a challenge tournament on July 29th, 2007 at Corona Del Mar High School, 2101 Eastbluff Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660.   APVL teams and our special guests: So Cal Riptides, USA Volleyball’s Men’s Open Nationals Runner Up (a list of players maybe found below), will participate in the tournament.  Some of America’s top players are participating.  Fans are invited to this challenge tournament for the bargain price of only $15 at the door.  Or, you can get in free by subscribing to our free Pro Volleyball News Online Newsletter on our website:  www.goAPVL.com, between now and July 27th, to witness this great volleyball.
 
The APVL’s Top 45 Players were selected at the last tryout only event on July 1.  Over 200 players participated in the invitation only tryout events in April, May, and June.  The ultimate goal is to create a group of 45 (up from 36) players that will become the core of 3 APVL teams. A list of the APVL’s Top 45 Players is available in an ealier article below. These 3 teams will play in the inaugural 5 team American Pro Volleyball League in Jan, Feb, and Mar of 2008. One of the other teams will be sponsored by the USA National Training Team and will be coached by Hugh McCruteon and his staff. Hawaii was chosen to be the fifth and final team of the league and Chad Giesseman has been appointed by the APVL to be the manager/coach of Team Hawaii. These goals will continue to drive us throughout the year, culminating in the inaugural APVL league in early 2008. 

Our immediate goal is to build 3 cohesive teams that will challenge all comers.  We are looking forward to the showdown with So CA Riptides, who took 2nd place at the USA Volleyball’s, 2007 Men’s Open Nationals.  This makes them, arguably, the second best men’s team in the country.  Playing teams like Riptide will provide a litmus test on just how good our guys are.  And these challenge matches, as I like to call them, will take place throughout 2007 and will showcase the best volleyball talent in the United States.  It is our hope that the APVL will become the venue of choice for the best volleyball players and teams in America.

At the July 1st Event, APVL coaches selected the APVL’s Top 45 Players, who will make up the 3 summer teams.  There will be a #1 team and so on, but these summer teams are transitional, they can and will change as better players register and players move up and down. If you can hang with or beat these guys, you owe it to yourself and American Volleyball to register on our website: www.goAPVL.com.  And, we may invite you to participate.

Thanks again,
Ray Goto,
www.goAPVL.com     

Torrance, Cal if. (July 14, 2007)-Players Only News: July 29th Challenge Match Update.

All APVL Players, Coaches, & Staff,

I just wanted to keep you updated on the APVL schedule:  We are not practicing on July 15^th.   We are having a challenge tournament on July 29^th at Corona Del Mar High School, 2101 Eastbluff Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660.   We’ll have both gyms.  One court in each.  Three APVL teams will be participating, as well as our special guests: So Cal Riptides. 

The following individuals are invited to this event:

APVL’s Top 45 Players       

All APVL’s Top 45 players need to be there. (Kris, Jay, Art, Corey, & Rob are working on the final teams).  There is a list of the TOP 45 APVL players listed below. Each APVL team will have a pre tournament practice to work out lineup, offense and D, since the APVL teams have never played together.  We will email further updates with your schedule.  And they’ll always be available in our online newsletter.  All players bring your tryout shirts.

So Cal Riptides Team

                                                Mike Rupp, Please have all your players to register on our website, so we’ll have their biographical information for our Commentators Rob, Darren and Brian’s preparation. I’ll know who they are. I would also like you guys to wear the uniforms you used at Nationals, if possible.

Coaches:                                

                                                Kris Dorn, Art Garcia, Jay Hossack, Corey Clevens, Mike Nelson, Bill Lawler, Steve Conti. And Coach/Commentator Leland Quinn.

Commentators:                        

                                                Rob Espero, Darren Preston, and Brian Ceponis.

Commentators are asked to wear a “Sal Masekela” look (the untucked casual look w/fasionable clothing.) Talk to Rob: roberte@uci.edu.

Officials:                                  

                                               Tom Ulibarri, Russel Combs, and Osea Kaukimuce     

                                               Ideally, I would like for you to bring a crew to score keep.

                                                Please wear your uniforms.  You’ll be miked. 

Photographer:                          

                                                Jamie Goto     

PA Announcer/DJ:                   

                                                Michael Soto- Bring all your gear.

Sales and Marketing:                 

Alan Domine

Ray’s second look players:      

                                                Scott Faust, John Coon, and #72 (We don’t know who this person is.  Does Anyone know? He’s on the home page blocking against Chris Harger).

New Players:                           

                                                Brock Redmond, Aaron Stalzer, and Tony Pray

Media  Production:                  

                                                All APVL and Riptide teams will have one full match taped with multiple broadcast cameras by Tom and his crew. Jamie Goto, APVL photographer will be taking stills.   A second match will be filmed if you win.  Losers will get a second match too, but that won’t be taped.

Please let me know if you are going to make it (or not, just to make sure you got the email).  Actually, keeping us informed helps us immensely in the planning and scheduling and may make a difference on what team you’ll be on. 

Thanks again,
Ray Goto
www.goAPVL.com     

Torrance, Cal if. (July 11, 2007)-Hawaiian Volleyball Players wanted for APVL's Team Hawaii.Open Letter From Chad Giesseman, founder and Head Coach, Kailua VBC.

Aloha,

I have been appointed by the APVL (American Professional Volleyball League) this past month to help put together a team from Hawaii for their inaugural league that will begin in early 2008. The league will consist of five (5) teams and the teams will be comprised of some of the best players in the United States. Three of the five teams have been selected and will be based out of California and the fourth team will be the U.S. National Training Team which is comprised of hopeful Olympic prospects. Hawaii was chosen to be the fifth and final team of the league and I have been appointed by the League to be the coordinator/manager/coach of Team Hawaii.
        
I have been talking with Ray Goto who is the founder of the APVL and I will be flying up to Los Angeles later this month to meet with the administration and discuss what Hawaii can offer to the League as well as goals for Team Hawaii. They will show me what the three (3) California teams have already done and how their League tryouts were set up. I am planning on holding tryouts for the Hawaii Team sometime in late August or early September and I wanted to let the media and newspapers aware of the upcoming league so that possible prospects can try out for the Hawaii Team. Individuals who are interested in participating in the upcoming tryout must register themselves online at www.goapvl.com.to be eligible to tryout for the team. Those that are interested need to log onto the website and need to click on the tryouts tab and fill out the personal information to be invited to the Hawaii tryouts.
     
Unfortunately this league will not be able to pay players for the upcoming inaugural year but it is an opportunity to continue playing at a very high level while getting some individual exposure for possible other volleyball venues that they may be seeking such as other pro-leagues, National Team, or AVP. The upcoming tryouts will be organized by myself and a staff that I will be selecting shortly. As for myself I am the current Head Varsity Head Boys and Girls Coach for McKinley H.S. I also am the founder and director for the Kailua Volleyball Club which has taken the last four (4) Open Division Championships at the prestigious Haili Men’s Volleyball Tournament held annually on the Big Island. I have over seventeen (17) years of head coaching experience and would like to continue to see the sport of volleyball grow here in the islands.
    
If you have any questions you can call me on my cell at 382-4826 or you can email me at cgiesseman@goAPVL.com.

Chad Giesseman,
Manager/Head Coach, Team Hawai'i
www.goAPVL.com

Torrance, Cal if. (July 1, 2007)- The APVL picks it's TOP 45 Players.
The July 1, 2007 American Pro Volleyball League (APVL) Event was the last tryout only event of the summer and it was clearly a tremendous success.  We would like to thank all those that made it possible.  A special thank you goes to Art Garcia, Kris Dorn, Jay Hosack, Corey Kleven, Brian Ceponis, Rob Espero, Darren Preston, Chris Goto, Jamie Goto, Brandon Directo, and Todd Campen, without who’s help, the American Pro Volleyball League would not exist.

The ultimate goal is to create a group of 45 (up from 36) players that will become the core of 3 APVL teams. These 3 teams will play in the inaugural 5 team American Pro Volleyball League in Jan, Feb, and Mar of 2008. One of the other teams will sponsored by the USA National Training Team. And we are hard at work putting together a Hawaiian Team (See letter above).   These goals will continue to drive us throughout the year, culminating in the inaugural APVL league in early 2008. 

Our immediate goal is to build 3 cohesive teams that will challenge all comers.  We are looking forward to a showdown with So CA Riptides, who took 2nd place at the USA Volleyball’s, 2007 Open Nationals.  This makes them, arguably, the second best team in the country.  Playing teams like Riptide will provide a litmus test on just how good our guys are.  And these challenge matches, as I like to call them, will take place throughout 2007 and will showcase the best volleyball talent in the United States.  It is our hope that the APVL will become the venue of choice for the best volleyball players and teams in America.

At the July 1st Event, APVL coaches selected the APVL’s Top 45 Players, who will make up the 3 summer teams.  There will be a #1 team and so on, but these summer teams are transitional, they can and will change as better players register and players move up and down. If you can hang with or beat these guys, you owe it to yourself and American Volleyball to register on our website: www.goAPVL.com. The Top 45 are listed below:

Torrance, Cal if. (June 19, 2007)-June 24th American Pro Volleyball League Tryout/Practice cancelled. Rescheduled to July 1, 2007.

The American Pro Volleyball League (APVL) has cancelled its event scheduled for June 24th, and rescheduled it to Sunday, July 1, 2007 at University High School, 4771 Campus Dr., Irvine, CA. from 9 AM to 2 PM. (Enter first drive way on Culver Blvd.)  This is an important event and we had to change this date primarily because of a conflict with the boy’s junior classic; too many key players weren’t going to be able to make it.  It’s our last regular tryout before we choose teams for our interim summer teams. It’s all my bad and I apologize if this caused you any inconvenience.

During the tryout/practice on July 1st, we will choose 2 or 3 interim (summer) teams that will begin to practice as a team soon afterward.  The best players will be on the #1 team and so on.  July 15th is tentatively scheduled as a team practice day and we are shooting to have a small tournament with these APVL teams and a special guest team on July 29th..  Mike Rupp says that he’ll get his So Cal Riptide team join us on that date.  They are the runner-up, in the Gold Division, USA Open Volleyball Championships. They are, arguably, the second best volleyball team in the USA. Congratulations! Jimmy Pelzel, Chris Jacobsen, Matt Proper, Tyler Caldwell, Aaron Boone, Zack Pelzel, RJ King, Bart Kowalski, Spencer Bemus, Gray Garrett, Tim May, Monte Tucker, Mike Rupp, Nick Schevtick, and Jon Thompson.  Mike said “Yes, I’ll get the team together for those dates.”

The ultimate goal of all these events is to create a group of 36 players that will become the core of 3 APVL teams. These 3 teams will play in the inaugural 5 team American Pro Volleyball League in Jan, Feb, and March of 2008. The other 2 teams will sponsored by the USA National Training Team. (I’m having a meeting with Hugh McCutcheon on 6/19/07 to hammer out the schedule).

Check out our website: www.goAPVL.com and we may invite you too.  We will continue to recruit players until we have the best volleyball players in the region, so you still have a chance to make the team.  And also, subscribe to our Pro Volleyball  News Online Newsletter, it’s free.

Thanks,
Ray Goto
American Pro Volleyball League
www.goAPVL.com

Torrance, Cal if. (June 14, 2007)-American Pro Volleyball League Tryout/Practice, June 24th & July 1, in Los Angeles, CA

The American Pro Volleyball League (APVL) is inviting the nation's best men's volleyball players to its next tryout/practice, on Sunday, June 24th and a team only practice on Sunday, July 1, 2007 at CSULA, from 8:30 AM to 2 PM. We would like all elite American players to participate. The goals of these practices are for players, coaches, and league officials to get to know each other and for players to get practice time with their future teammates. The ultimate goal is to create a group of 36 players that will become the core of 3 APVL teams. These 3 teams will play in the inaugural 5 team American Pro Volleyball League in Jan, Feb, and March of 2008. The other 2 teams will sponsored by the USA National Training Team. During the tryout/practice on June 24th, we will choose 2 or 3 interim (summer) teams that will begin to practice as a team at the July 1st practice.  July 15th is tentatively scheduled as another team practice day and we are shooting to have a small tournament with these APVL teams and a special guest team on July 29th..  If you have attended or have been invited to past APVL events, please let me know which dates you intend to attend.

These tryout/tourneys are by invitation only, and if you can hang with the best volleyball players in America, let us know by registering on our website: www.goAPVL.com and we may invite you too.  And we may be coming to a location near you. We are not prepared to hold an open nationwide tryout yet, as our organizational efforts are taking all our energies and resources and are still far from complete, but I've been asked by some of the players and coaches to organize practices and this is what we've come up with.

Some of the players that are participating are Ryan Jay Owens (Greece), Andy Tomkinson (UCSB), Matt Prosser (LBSU), Brennan Prahler (UCLA), Jeremy Darner (UCSB), Jeff Hall (UOP), John Coon (UCLA), Donny Harris (UCSB), Mackay Wilson (BYU), Curt Toppel (Stanford), Ricky Hoag (LBSU), Tanner Sutherland (Pepperdine), Victor Batista (BYU), Casey Patterson (BYU), Lance Walker (Pepperdine), Dan Conners (UCLA), Mike Rupp (UCI), Chris Kozlarek (Loyola-Chicago), Matt Ulmer (Carthage College), Chris Nelson, (Loyola-Chicago), Evan Berg (Ball State), Greg Pochopien (Lewis), and 75 others. Some of the coaches and other staff that will be on hand are Jay Hosack , Kris Dorn, Art Garcia, Bill Lawler, Robert Espero, Jamie Goto, Mike Nelson, Tom Pestolesi, and Bill Sigler. Bill is President of www.SmackSportswear.com, official uniform sponsor of the APVL. 

Although this first phase of the league will be a Southern California regional league, we are looking to eventually have similar regional divisions throughout the United States and Canada. If you want American Pro Volleyball in your area, vote by registering your best players and subscribing to our free Pro Volleyball News online newsletter on our website. And, if you would like to specifically work to organize a division in your state or region, please let us know @ contact@goAPVL.com.

Thanks again,
Ray Goto
American Pro Volleyball League,
www.goAPVL.com

Chris Kozlarek, 6'4" OPP, (Loyola University-Chicago)
 2006-2007 Middelfart VK -Denmark, Elite Division, 2006 San Sebastian Los Caribes -Puerto Rican Superior League, 2002-2006 Loyola Chicago, 2006 AVCA 1st Team All-American, 2006 MIVA awards- Player of the Year, 1st team All conference/ POW 3 X.. 2005 MIVA 1st team all conference/Player of the Week 2 X, 2004 MIVA award Player of the Week once, Final National Statistical Rankings NCAA, Voted 2006 MVP by his Loyola teamates.

Krystian Krzyzak, 6-1, L, (Loyola University Chicago)
10/02/1982 Male Single registering for: Player Height: 6'1" Weight: 175 lbs Standing Reach: Block Reach: Spike Reach: EU: EU Position Played: libero Position Preferred: libero University Experience: Division 1, Loyola University Chicago (2002-2005) National Experience: Professional Experience: Awards: - 2nd Team All-American (2005) - 1st Team All-MIVA (2005) - MIVA All-Tournament (2005) - Loyola University Chicago Team MVP (2005) - Regular season MIVA champions (2005) - 2nd Team All-MIVA (2004)

Matt Martin, 6-3, OH, (Lakeland College)
4-21-1985 Male Single registering for: Player Height: 6'3'' Weight: 190 Standing Reach: 8' Block Reach: 10' Spike Reach: 10'10.5'' EU: Position Played: outside Position Preferred: outside University Experience: other, NIRSA Division 1- 4 years at Lakeland College National Experience: Professional Experience: Awards: 2004 WVC All Freshman Team 2005 WVC All Tournament Team 2006 WVC All Conference 2006 WVC All Tournament Team 2006 Midwest 10 All Conference 2006 Honorable Mention All American 2006 Lakeland College MVP 2007 Midwest 10 All Conference 2007 WVC MVP 2007 WVC All Tournament Team 2007 All American 2007 Lakeland College MVP Lakeland College 2005 MIVA Runner-Up 2006 MIVA Runner-Up 2007 MIVA Runner-UP 2007 WVC Regular Season Champions 2007 WVC Tournament Champions 2007 National Runner-Up

Chris Nelson, 6-4, OH, (Loyola Univeristy-Chicago)
07/18/1983 Male Single registering for: Player Height: 6'4" Weight: 195 Standing Reach: 8'2" Block Reach: 10'7" Spike Reach: 11'4" EU: Position Played: outside Position Preferred: outside University Experience: Division 1, Started at outside hitter at Loyola Univeristy-Chicago for 2004-05 and 2005-06 seasons. Member of team from 2003-2006. National Experience: Professional Experience: Awards: 2006: MIVA Academic-All Conference; Regular Season MIVA Champions (23-7 overall, 11-1 in conference); Team Ranked #11 in Final AVCA Poll 2005: MIVA Academic-All Conference; Solomon Rookie of the Year; Loyola Phoenix Rookie of the Year (fan-voted); Regular Season MIVA Champions (26-3 overall, 15-1 in conference, tied national match win streak record with 21); Team Ranked #10 in Final AVCA Poll 

Mark Nowak, 6-5, OPP,
01-11-1979  NAIA Player of the Year 1999 MIVA-NAIA Player of the Year 1999 and 2002 Midwest Professional Beachvolleyball Association 1999 Rookie of the Year Lead NAIA In Kills Per Game 1999, 2001, and 2002 Lead NAIA in Aces Per Game 1999, 2000, and 2002 Arafura Games Darwin, Australia Best Server 2001 4 time First Team All Conferance

Avdo  Omerbegovic, 6-7, MB, (Lakeland College)
09-15-1985 Male Single registering for: Player Height: 6'07" Weight: 210 Standing Reach: Block Reach: Spike Reach: EU: Position Played: middle Position Preferred: middle University Experience: other, 3 years at Lakeland College National Experience: Professional Experience: 1 year in Bosnia and Herzegovina Awards: 2006 NIRSA Finls- 2nd      WVC Champions- All conference team,      MIVA 2nd- All conference team      twice WVC - player of the week 2005 WVC all conference and once player of the   week 2004- All freshman team, all conference team Two years captain of high school team and MVP of the team both years BiH- 1999 3rd in the nation- All conference team      2000 2nd in the nation- All conference team      2001 2nd in the nation- All conference team.

Tom Sefton, 6-0, L
07/29/1980 Male Single registering for: Practice Player Height: 6'0" Weight: 170 Standing Reach: 7'10" Block Reach: 10'00" Spike Reach: 10'04" EU: Position Played: middle Position Preferred: opposite University Experience: other, played in non NCAA sanctioned division 1 National Experience: N/A Professional Experience: N/A Awards: Various league, tournament, and rec league 1st and 2nds.

Matthew Ulmer,  6-8,  S, (Carthage College)           
I graduated from Carthage College in May of 2006 with a degree in Exercise Sports and Science, I will have my Master\'s in Education by July of 2007, August of 2007 I begin my coaching career with the Long Beach State Women\'s Volleyball team as an assistant, in the fall of 2006 I was the first assistant for Division 3 Carthage College Women\'s Volleyball Team that finished ranked 9th in the AVCA polls.   app_other_comments:   exp_other_comments: 5 years of playing for Division 3 Carthage College, 2004 NIRSA D2 National Champions, 2005 Molten Championship Runner-Up, 2003 WVC All-Freshman Team, 2005-2007 All-MIVA D3 1st Team, AVCA National Player of the Week and MIVA Player of the Week for the week of March 27, 2006   

Ryan Baumgartner, 5-11, L, (Carthage College)
12/03/84 Male Single registering for: Player Height: 5'11 Weight: 175 Standing Reach: 8' Block Reach: Spike Reach: 10' EU: Position Played: libero Position Preferred: libero University Experience: div3, Carthage College National Experience: None Professional Experience: None Awards: 2006:  Named American Volleyball Coaches Association second-team All-American and All-MIVA Coleman Division…played in 23-of-25 matches…team-leader in digs with a 198 and 2.61 per game, both Carthage season records…collected 10 or more digs on 10 occasions with a season high of 15 at Lewis on March 1.