Sports

Champions crowned at 2008 NCCS National Volleyball Championships

A record 258 teams competed, despite flight cancellations that threatened the tournament

Marquette University celebrates its 2008 national championship

University of Illinois attempts block against Lakeland College in the Men’s Div. I Final

2008 NCCS Volleyball Tournament Staff

With 258 teams from 35 states competing on 33 courts, the 2008 NCCS National Volleyball Championships marked the biggest event in its 24-year history. NIRSA’s most popular national sporting event was held in Dallas, Texas April 10-12, where seven teams claimed national championships: Lakeland College (Men’s Division I), Marquette University (Women’s Division I), California State University, Chico (Men’s Division I-AA), Messiah College (Men’s Division II), Illinois State University (Women’s Division II), College of Dupage (Men’s Division III) and Michigan State B (Women’s Division III).

The day before the start of the tournament, hundreds of American Airlines flights were cancelled, forcing over 60 teams to alter their travel routes. Tournament staff quickly made the necessary adjustments so teams could make their first round matches.

Marquette University ended The University of Texas at Austin women’s team bid for a fourth straight title, winning 25-21, 25-21. The last match of the tournament was played in front of 2,800 rowdy fans at the Dallas Convention Center Arena, where Lakeland College defeated University of Illinois 25-23, 28-26.

View complete tournament results, all tournament teams, and more photos on the NIRSA website.

About two dozen NIRSA Members and event staff worked together to make this another successful tournament. Big thanks to the following individuals:

NIRSA Volunteers

• Eric Ascher, University of Florida
• Ruchelle Dunwoody, Miami University
• Jonathan Elliott, Texas Tech University
• Catherine Garland, Texas State University-San Marcos
• Megan Greene, The University of Texas at Dallas
• Billy Mathew, University of North Texas
• Chris McAlpine, Villanova University
• Chad McKenzie, The University of Texas at Austin
• Jessica Morris, Texas A&M University
• Erika Newman, Sam Houston State University
• Mary O'Mahoney, The University of Arizona
• Jennifer Polk, Sam Houston State University
• Adam Pruett, UCLA
• Maryann Rapposelli, University of Delaware
• Sarah Rasmusson, Texas Tech University
• Mario Rios, The University of Texas at San Antonio
• Richard Romero, The University of Arizona
• Kory Shingles, University of Minnesota
• Steve Skourup, Texas Tech University
• Stephanie Thompson, Texas State University-San Marcos
• James Wayne, Southeast Missouri State University
• Steven Wright, Sam Houston State University
• Tara Yesenski, Arizona State University

Tournament Staff

• Richard Bleau
• Diane Broyhill
• Gary Colberg
• Bill Forrester
• Doug Hinton
• Jose Jones
• Greg Leung
• Sue Mailhot
• Courtney Rader
• Jason Rehm
• Nick Todorovich
• Ric Washburn

The 2009 NCCS National Volleyball Championships will take place April 9-11 at the Kansas City Convention Center in Kansas City, Missouri.