Thanks for a great season

My Take, by Tim Brodt

Coming into this year's season, I must admit I wasn't exactly a huge fan of volleyball. I like the sport and enjoy playing the occasional back yard and beach game, but held little understanding of the technical aspect that takes the game to a higher level.

All of that quickly changed in the first couple of matches I covered following the preseason Jamboree.

Covering the sport made me delve deeper into the intricacies and strategy of the play that is occurring on the court. I quickly learned it is much more than see the ball, hit the ball.

I often sat in awe at the athleticism of the players, wondering how the defense could get to crushing shots and pop the ball up to the setters. How the setters could receive a ball anywhere on the court and set it up precisely where hitters need it to be. How hitters could time their jump to hit pounding shots over the net without touching the net themselves.

The extraordinary teamwork and communication involved for six players to cover the court and maneuver into positions while the ball is in the air was mesmerizing to watch.

Getting to know the coaching staffs and players made the season very pleasurable. Most of the coaches kept me informed of results from away games and always had time to talk and help me through my ignorance of the finer points of the game.

Coaches truly love the game and support it any way they can. I saw both Palmer and Colony coaching staffs at Wasilla's semifinal and championship game of the state tournament. They obviously were not there to scout the teams because their season was over. They came to watch good volleyball and support Valley teams.

As the tail end of the football season and the beginning of the volleyball season overlapped, I saw a dramatic difference in disposition and testosterone level between the sports.

One night I would cover football, played outside with snorting, grunting, dirty, bloody big boys who head butt each other in congratulations. The next night I saw volleyball, played inside with clean, well-mannered girls who have a cheer routine for every good play.

Even though each sport is different, volleyball and football do share many common characteristics -- intensity, teamwork, dedication, and love of the sport.

Everyone watching Saturday's state volleyball championship match could see the fire in the eyes and the determination in the hearts of the Wasilla Warriors players as they drove to the title.

I have been thoroughly spoiled in my first year of covering Valley high school volleyball. I was treated to some spectacular play in spectacular matches played by spectacular athletes. I felt lucky to cover the championship match and see the celebration as the Warriors brought the state title to the Valley.

All of this in my first year, what could possibly match it next year? How about another state title in the

Valley?