Junior Davis Litzenberger and senior Murs Tariq share a passion for a sport that has not yet been admitted into the mainstream.
At a university that offers a wide range of club sports including, but not limited to, water polo, social ballroom dance and cricket, there has not been as much publicity for the sport of men’s volleyball — until now.
In the 2005-2006 school year, a men’s club volleyball team was started. However, the team’s existence was short-lived. Now Litzenberger, who played on the only competitive men’s volleyball team in the state, and Tariq are aiming to spark interest for the team that began with amateur pick-up games.
Litzenberger and Tariq, the president and vice president, are expecting a turnout of 30-40 men at the tryouts, which are being held next Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Carmichael on court nine. This turnout would nearly double the amount that tried out last year.
Though this poses more stress for the president and vice president, Davis said he sees this more as an asset than a hindrance.
“Already, there’s a larger interest for the team,” Litzenberger, a junior in textile engineering, said. “Depending on how competitive the turnout is, there are probably going to be some good players cut.”
Since all of the players from last year are returning and there are many freshmen with raw talent looking to join the team, Litzenberger and Tariq are expecting great things in the season to come.
Tariq believes the campus’ involvement will greatly improve their results for this season.
“We know of a ton of tournaments [we’d like to compete in], but it all comes down to funding,” Tariq, said. “We have one lined up for October 11th at Pfeiffer University, which now has a varsity men’s volleyball team. We’ll get to play against NCAA athletes instead of just club teams.”
Beach volleyball player and returner Addison Musser, a sophomore in biochemistry, said he is looking forward to playing with a more experienced, organized team this year.
“We’ve got a lot of experienced players, and a lot of freshmen who played in high school,” Musser said. “I’m very excited [that] it’s going to be more organized this year with more tournaments.”
Last year’s team was entirely self-coached and had successes with this method; the team came in fourth at a Tennessee tournament and beat UNC on its home court.
However, this year, Litzenberger and Tariq are trying to implement more outside help to further the squad’s progress.
“There’s potential for outside coaching by someone who is a certified coach with USA Volleyball,” Litzenberger said. “Any help he can give us would be great.”
The club team, which began as ten guys playing pick-up, has become a competitive team that is finding its niche at the University.
Litzenberger stated that the main goal of the team is to make the sport itself more widespread among all age groups.
“That’s what we’re trying to do — push the sport,” Litzenberger said. “Not just at N.C. State, but everywhere.”
