The Summerland Advocate-Messenger - Reliable, Trustworthy Reporting, Capturing The Heartbeat Of Our Community

Isn’t it amazing how a game changes over the years?

During the late 1960s, Mom coached volleyball in Clay Center. I remember sitting on the stage in what later became known as the “old gym,” watching her toss the ball to the girls, running some kind of hitting drill. I can see a line of girls practicing their underhanded serves, some of the balls skimming over the top of the net and landing in the back corner of the court.

I vaguely remember a few games taking place against area schools. There was nothing fancy about those games. Nobody called a zone for the setter to send the ball to. It was basic bump, set, spike.

By 1973, though, Clay Center had a powerhouse team, thanks to scrappy play by senior team members, including Mary Jane Sampson. She was a libero before that term was coined by the volleyball world. She seldom missed a dig, she could set, she could hit. And, she had a wicked serve. The Wildcats advanced to the regional playoffs, but lost, dashing dreams of a state volleyball trip to Scottsbluff.

It would be 23 years before my alma mater would earn a trip to the dance, which moved across the state to Lincoln. In 1996, they’d advance to the semfinal before being eliminated by Lewiston. In 1998, they’d bring home the first girls’ state sports championship trophy. A decade later, they’d return, twice, finishing fourth once and earning a runner-up trophy.

The game had evolved during that quarter century, too. Defined player roles. Intensive drills. Slides and quick sets became a normal part of a powerful offensive scheme. It’s fast-paced. It’s strategy.

And, it’s still a game controlled by momentum.

That was evident, Saturday, when the Bobcats met undefeated Bayard, a trip to Lincoln and the state tourney on the line. Even if the Tigers pressed ahead, Summerland responded, keeping their cool, staying in the moment instead of looking ahead.

This Thursday, when the Bobcats battle Lincoln Lutheran, let’s support them on their quest. Be loud and proud. Let your Bobcat spirit be heard.

It’s an amazing journey to be on, girls. Enjoy it all, soak in every moment. And, most importantly, play your game, your way.

Go Big Blue.