New Sand Volleyball Court is a hit for recreational and social use.
By Jason Nemcosky '07
Since opening in spring 2007, the newest sand volleyball court located on the Batten Lawn has been a big hit with students, faculty and staff at Virginia Wesleyan.
The idea for a volleyball court, strategically located in the middle of campus to bring everyone together, is not new however. In 1990, two volleyball courts were installed where the Jane P. Batten Student Center now sits, and there they remained for a decade.
"The courts were extremely popular," said Jason Seward, director of recreational sports and outdoor activities and assistant director of the Jane P. Batten Student Center. "Students socialized and played on them all night long."
Virginia Wesleyan hosts three sand volleyball courts on campus. Although the years have gone by, the plan to bring back a space where students can play volleyball has been in the works, said Dr. Doug Kennedy, associate dean of campus recreation and Batten Professor of Recreation and Leisure Studies.
"It was a project we always wanted to get going again," he said. "We've even had alumni who come back and ask 'What happened to the courts?'"
The return of the new volleyball court filled with soft beach sand was sparked by a combination of two things – the arrival of Seward and "having a recreational and leisure studies class that wanted to take on the challenge," said Kennedy.
The sand court is 40 by 70 feet with a white PVC pipe border. And now that it is back, the recreational activity is just as popular as before.
"People just get a ball and go out there," said Kennedy. "The desire has never been higher."
A total of 11 intramural volleyball teams played in the spring 2007 – compared to only five the year before. In addition, RecX, the campus recreational program, plans to continuously run tournaments throughout the upcoming academic year.
Bray and Brock Village host two other sand volleyball courts.For those students not interested in getting down and dirty, the sand court offers other incentives. Remove the poles and students have a beach-like environment on a nice spring day, or a venue for concerts such as Spring Fling.
"We are definitely excited to have it back," said Seward.
Interested in playing sand volleyball? Volleyballs can be checked out at the fitness hub during business hours of the Jane P. Batten Student Center. Organizations and groups are welcome to reserve the courts by contacting the Office of Recreational Sports and Outdoor Activities at 757.455.2124 or jseward@vwc.edu
08/15/07