Who’s Ready For Beach Volleyball?!(Austin,TX)
Sand, gravel, dirt. Abandoned parking lot. Over the years of trials, we’ll take what we can get. Luckily, we will be getting a heaping serving of glazed bbq chitlins this weekend at AVP Austin. Beach volleyball is back, and with a largely new format, that has some panicking, some reeling it in, and others ready to launch rockets at each other for all to see.
This will be our first look at what BALLY’S brings to the table. The overwhelming hope is that this might be our chance, as a community, to finally cash in. To finally legitimize this wonderful sport, where samurai and wizards collide in sorcery courtside. The dark sides unveiled, the light unfurled in a magical twist of destiny stateside. This is the AVP. Over the years, miracles have been born, legends have been sowed. A new legend could appear today. That’s what is so exciting about sports. The opportunity for you as a fan, to connect to your favorite athletes. The stories, far beyond the lines, the grit, the majesty. This blog is meant to get you closer to the action than you have ever been before. To follow stories of these athletes who are so so so human, and real, and willful of their pursuit of their best selves.
It’s truly inspiring. especially considering the circumstances… More than any sport, this one has given athletes reasons to have to question their sanity, to question their place in this third-tier sport. But this may be the coolest underdog story ever, a whole sport that stuck with it, and just keeps chugging. Imagine the catharsis this morning, of an athlete who almost took a hike towards finance, tears in their eyes trying to decide if it’s worth it. Down to the depths, and up high again, and rising. Palpably rich, like the rib tips at Terry Black’s. We are here to cover this ascent. With BBQ sauce on our fingertips, we are back folks. And what a pleasure it is…
WHO will TAKE FLIGHT today??
MATCHUPS I LOVE -
MEN
8) Cory/Kolinske vs. 9) Webber/Hyden - The young bucks have split off with some wise teachers of the game. Evan Cory and Logan Webber have proven to be adamant winners on their way up the ranks early, winning AVP Next tournaments over the past few years in Seaside and New Orleans, to name a few. When Johnny Hyden calls, you pick up the phone. A tough decision, but one that has left us with some must watch TV. Logan Webber will be battling his old partner with the general of the AVP, Johnny Hyden, backing him up. Ex-partner battles may be cliche, but this one will have some sizzle…
2) Benesh/Dalhausser vs. 15) Prima/Tucker - The tallest team in AVP history. And they may not even need to double block to win. They can pass, set, and sideout. The sport is moving towards split blocking bigs, and these dinosaurs may put some of the competition on the extinct list this weekend. If they can throw it together last minute in some magical way, we would not be surprised to see Andy and Phil on a Sunday together. Their bracket is tough with Crabb/Sander a potential second round matchup, but there size may prove overwhelming. This matchup has added hype with the local cat, Lila Tucker holding it down for Texas. Get your popcorn ready.
WOMEN
3) Cannon/Sponcil vs. Rodriguez/Simo - Everyone loves a good upset… The young upstarts Rodriguez and Simo are a dangerously athletic team. Rodriguez has been making noise internationally and feels ready to make a splash. Simo is a dynamite defender, with a heavy arm. They will be colliding with newly minted Olympian, Sara Sponcil, which is never easy. But, look for the solid young partnership to give heavy problems at the very least to the duo of Sponcil/Cannon.
Stories that SLAP - As the kids say nowadays, this song slaps, it hits, in lamens terms dad - it “affects me on a deep level, and makes me feel good and alive..”
Katie Spieler is back from a torn ACL, and the “Honey Bee” is ready to get the crowd buzzing. The epitome of class and ease, this happy go lucky little person will light any good crowd up. Cheering this mighty mite on was easy enough before. Throw in the Rocky story, and you have reason to believe again. Good luck Katie Spieler. We’re so happy you’re back.
HOT TAKES - The weather looks to be steamy, with mid-90’s temps looking to sizzle weak competition. We will see who can handle the heat. In the past, Florida representatives have faired well in these conditions. We Californians are relatively soft as a nation. But we make up for it in chill vibes, and dusty lingo. If I had to guess, everyone will have fun and someone will win. If I’m wrong, you can slap me in the face. I am just glad to be a part of it all through YouTube’s live streaming services. Just don’t look at the comments section kids. Water is wet. Hydrate folks because this one is going to get salty.
