News & Events

Contact: John Kane
Public Relations Department
(413) 536-0926
15 January 2008
For Immediate Release

Volleyball Hall of Fame Hosts Morgan Classic Tournament at Springfield College - February 22-23

. Features Springfield College and men's collegiate volleyball standouts USC, IPFW and George Mason
. Players' and Coaches' Clinics offered - February 23

HOLYOKE, Mass. --- Winter heats up fast in New England when the Volleyball Hall of Fame hosts the sizzling play of top collegiate Division I-II men’s teams. The 21st annual Volleyball Hall of Fame Morgan Classic will be held at Springfield College on Friday and Saturday February 22 -23. The Presenting Sponsor is PeoplesBank.

The Classic , featuring top men’s collegiate teams that are poised to be very competitive in 2008, pits George Mason University versus Indiana Purdue/Fort Wayne and the University of Southern California versus Springfield starting at 6 p.m. on Friday, February 22 at Springfield’s Blake Arena.

The action continues on Saturday, February 23 with the consolation match at 6 p.m. and the championship match at 8. Tickets cost $5 for adults and $3 for youth and students.

“This is an amazing slate of top-notch men’s volleyball teams,”says Vin Olinski, president of the Hall of Fame. “With the low admission fee, it is a perfect opportunity for all sports fans to bring their families to check out the best men’s volleyball action on the east coast.

The Volleyball Hall of Fame Clinic Series will continue on Feb. 23 with players’ and coaches clinics. It presents a unique approach to teaching the art of volleyball. Players will be grouped by ability level to learn the newest innovations by top active players and coaches. Men and women and age groups from 13-and-up are invited to participate. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn skills from the players and coaches from the tournament teams. The fee for each clinic is $50 per person and includes one ticket to Saturday evening's matches.

Coaches and those who are considering coaching will learn from Charlie Sullivan, one of america’s top coaches and strategists.

"These clinics are highly regarded for their active-player format, and folks travel from as far as Pennsylvania and Maine to attend. We suggest that people sign up early as these clinics sellout every year," says Sullivan, Springfield College men's head coach.

For information on the tourney and the clinics, call the Volleyball Hall of Fame at (413) 536-0926, or checkout the official website, www.volleyhall.org.

The Morgan Classic is sponsored in part by: PeoplesBank, USA Volleyball and Regions, The City of Holyoke, Mass Sports Partnership, Springfield College, Holyoke Medical Center, Holyoke Gas & Electric, MassLive, Clear Channel Radio, CBS-TV3/WSHM, and Meyers Brothers Kalicka, PC.

The Volleyball Hall of Fame, incorporated in 1978, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring the great men and women of the sport, and the promotion of volleyball worldwide.

Located in Heritage State Park, at 444 Dight Street, in Holyoke, the Hall of Fame features an interactive video kiosk, large panel graphics of the history of volleyball, the "Walls of Fame," rotating exhibits and a gift shop featuring official Hall of Fame merchandise and activewear.

Hours: Tuesdays - Sundays - Noon - 4:30 • Admission donation: $3.50/$2.50 for children and seniors.