Dwindling officials a major concern

CEDAR RAPIDS -- The rapid decline of volleyball officials has reached "a critical point," according to Joel Oswald, assistant director for the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union.

"We've had matches this season in which there was just one official. We've had matches postponed and cancelled because of a lack of officials," Oswald said.

In the late 1990s, there were more than 1,500 certified volleyball officials in Iowa. That number melted to 1,196 by 2007, and is down to 830 now.

Volleyball isn't the only sport that's hurting. Referee/umpire numbers are down in every girls' sport, except soccer.

But the volleyball drop -- 30 percent in 7 years -- is most alarming.

"A big part of it is because the game has changed," Oswald said. "It's gotten so complicated, with the addition of the libero, and the speed of the game.

"It's not like officials can just call in, out or lift any more."

It's a different game, and it's a different society.

"The No. 1 reason that officials get out is adult sportsmanship," Oswald said. "It's not the coaches, it's not the players, it's not the pay."

Oswald said that volleyball officials earn $60 per match, plus mileage, at the state tournament. They earn $45, plus mileage, for regional matches.

HEADING HOME, NOT THE DOME

The Solon Spartans could have rushed to the UNI-Dome after their semifinal win Thursday to watch the football team's Class 3A semifinal game against Washington (Iowa).

But not at the expense of the opportunity that awaits.

"Coach (Peter Gustin) said if we won today, that was more important that we get some rest for (Friday)," said Solon's Maegan Bruene. "It's all right. Hopefully we can cheer for them in the championship game."

Solon advanced to the 4A volleyball final by sweeping Davenport Assumption. The second-ranked Spartans will face No. 1 Harlan for the championship at noon Friday.

"We'd love to go up and support the football guys," said setter Taylor Nearad. "But if we play well and we win (Friday), it will be worth it."

CALL TO THE HALL

Brynja Rodgers, who led Iowa City High to the Class 4A state championship in 2006, is among three players who will be inducted into the IGHSAU Volleyball Hall of Fame on Friday.

She'll be joined by Amanda Eekhoff of Western Christian and Bre Payton of Waterloo Columbus.

The trio will be inducted prior to the start of the Class 2A championship match at 4 p.m.

Rodgers earned all-state honors four seasons and was the Iowa player of the year as a senior. She helped City High to three state-tournament appearances and a state championship as a senior. She played collegiately at New Mexico State.

Eekhoff was the catalyst for Western Christian's run of three straight state championships (2001-03), and was a two-time first-team all-state selection. She was the captain of the all-tournament team in 2002.

Payton led Columbus to two state-tournament appearances and a Class 2A runner-up finish in 2006. She earned all-state honors three times and was a two-time first team all-state selection and an elite all-state pick as a senior, then enjoyed a stellar career at UNI, earning Missouri Valley Conference player-of-the-year honor three times.

PARITY REIGNS MORNING SESSION

During the morning session of matches at the state volleyball tournament on Thursday, the parity among teams in Class 5A and 4A showed through.

Of the four matches, three went to five sets – West Des Moines Dowling beat Urbandale, Bettendorf beat Ankeny Centennial and Harlan beat Charles City, all in five – and provided the U.S. Cellular Crowd plenty of bang for their buck.

Harlan Coach Angie Spangenberg said the high level of volleyball being played speaks not only to how close teams are, but to how good volleyball is in the state of Iowa.

'You've got great volleyball (being played here),' Spangenberg said. 'I think Iowa is one of the leaders in the entire country for solid, great high school volleyball.'

Spangenberg also gave a tip of the hat to the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union for placing teams where they belong and setting up the play seen so far in the tournament.

'When you have semifinals – and quarterfinals even – where you've got teams battling it out,' Spangenberg said, 'obviously the state did it right with their seeding throughout the year.'