Highlights from Friday night’s action
The King of The Beach contest continued Friday night at Dig n Dive with four more thrilling matches. This marked week four of the eight-week contest that decides the overall best male volleyball player at Dig n Dive. The players compete in doubles matches and are paired with a different teammate each week. Wins and Losses are earned for each participant and the results are tallied at the end of eight weeks to crown a champion.
The 6:30 matches were Jason V. and Phil W. versus Xavier T. and Kevin B on court number one. Court two pitted John M. and Josh I. versus Chris H. and Nate G. The action continued at 7:30 with Josh I. and Kevin B. versus Chris H. and Phil W on court number one. On court two Xavier T. and Nate G. faced Jason V. and Jon M (Last names of players are not permitted). Jason V., Jon M., Josh I., and Chris H. all got wins tonight and separated themselves from the rest of the competition. This puts them in a four-way tie with four wins apiece. These top players all seem to have a very strong serve that sets them apart from the field. In doubles play a strong serve is even more valuable with the extra space on the court.
I got the chance to speak with Kevin B. after his match to get his perspective on the evening. When asked what he most liked about the King of The Beach contest Kevin said, “I enjoy the competition here because you get to play with the best players around.” Kevin B. is one of the older contestants at forty-eight years old. “I’m just glad I can still walk after the night is over. It’s tough trying to keep up with these young guys,” said Kevin. When asked what he thought was the key to doing well in the King of The Beach format Kevin said, “You have to be adaptable to play with different styles of players on your team. You need to be comfortable with the right side or the left side and communicate with your teammate.”
The King of The Beach contest always brings out a big crowd every Friday night. This night was no exception. Dig n Dive’s facilities manager is Nakia T. She has been with the company for two years and was excited to see great turn out for the event. “Tonight we had about three hundred and seventy five people show up. We always get really busy for the King of The Beach. Everyone just loves to see the best players compete,” said Nakia. Dig n Dive on a Friday night for King of The Beach is a party atmosphere. Everyone was cheering and shouting words of encouragement to the players. The crowd was a mix of friends and families of the players as well as spectators just looking to have a beer and see some great volleyball action.
Next week is shaping up to be a turning point in the contest. With four players all tied for first place the competition is sure to be fierce. Cash prizes as well as a trophy are on the line as we start the second half of the contest next week. As always, the action will start next Friday at Dig n Dive at 6:30.
*All photos and videos taken by Jeffrey M. Boulden