Top Weekend Moments as Prep Dig Resolution, Champions Center Kick Start 2020
The Fox Cities Champion Center and Prep Dig have a similar timeline. With the announcement of the Champions Center being built in prime location near the Fox River Mall area in Appleton and Prep Dig diving headfirst in events, it was essential for us at Prep Dig to find a top-notch facility to kick off our 2020 series of events and this couldn’t have been any better combination. The weekend passed the test with flying colors with a large crowd on hand to see the top teams in the Fox Valley, as well as the state, start their 2020 club season. Here are a few top moments throughout the weekend that provided more than good vibes and a promising look into the future of Prep Dig as well as the Fox Cities Champions Center.
The Crowd, But Not Crowded
For many teams in Northeast Wisconsin, the club season is filled with plenty of frequent trips on I41 and I43 heading to Milwaukee or even the Chicagoland area to play in tournaments. Now these teams have a place to call home, another location for plenty of sports where parents and extended family can watch. There was a moment on Sunday while the 17/18 Gold semifinals were being played and the rows of bleachers were filled, along with fans on the side able to watch as well. Even moving throughout the seating as well as the lobby there was definitely people, but I never got the “crowded” feel. There are plenty of club events where it feels like you have to swim through people to get a drink of water or if you’re a spectator, you are so close to the court where you feel like you might possibly be an option for the setter (wouldn’t we all love that). This makes for a pleasant feel for all, parents, athletes, and officials (parents are up top on the mezzanine level and only players, athletes, officials, and staff are allowed on the floor).
Championship vibes 😎 pic.twitter.com/SGoVXGUTVG
— Chris Fitzgerald (@PrepDigChris) January 5, 2020
From the First to the First of the Last
For people involved in club volleyball, it’s like a flip is switched and club volleyball mode is activated. You are prepared for the whistles, the screams, the noise, and there are times where when the wave is over you feel as if you played three matches. This past weekend we had families and athletes who have been through the club volleyball scene for years and others who are just getting their feet wet. When a parent would come up to our tournament central table and say, “So this is my first tournament and I really don’t get the scheduling or how all this works?” It was kind of exciting! They were getting started with quite a journey where their daughter would meet some of her best friends, battle through physical and mental challenges, and create some lifelong memories – and get some volleyball in as well. There are also the Senior parents, the ones where the journey is almost over and their daughters will head off to college. They’ve been through the successes, the shortfalls, and everything in between. For the outgoing Seniors, the volleyball community is rooting for you, and will always welcome you no matter where you go.
View this post on InstagramTo all those Seniors, starting their final year of club…#PDResolution @fcelitevb
The Prep Dig Writers and Staff
Rachel Kass, Breit Nelson, and JJ Saugstad have been an integral part of the success of Prep Dig Wisconsin. We also welcomed our friend and writer from Prep Dig Illinois, Brian Gibboney, along with Adam Baltz, a Fond du Lac native and UW-La Crosse alum served as event director/traffic controller. We all work together, but are rarely under one roof living in different parts of the state as well as some coaching their own teams. Over the course of the weekend, we had plenty of camera’s, social media updates, and will have even more articles to come from our event. We are volleyball junkies, to say the least where we love what we do. Not just for the sport, but for the volleyball community. Through Prep Dig we’ve been able to make plenty of new connections and not only get to see these athletes on the court, but get to know their story and their families. We are truly lucky to be apart of their volleyball journey.
Almost 9:00, been here since 6:30 AM – the genuine excitement here. Love it. Been a great Day 1 of the #PDResolution pic.twitter.com/NLtczWziib
— Chris Fitzgerald (@PrepDigChris) January 5, 2020
The Genuine Excitement
On Saturday, as we were nearing the end of day one with courts wrapping up, fatigue setting in as we’d been going since 8:00 AM and nearing the 13th hour of play, I found a major spark. During an event sometimes you feel like you’re spinning around with your head on a swivel, but to watch the final set of a 13s match was honestly where it hit me once again how exciting this game is for athletes just getting involved. A 16-14, three set win for the FC Elite 13 White squad was celebrated with a big team hug, lots of screaming, and plenty of high fives. For anyone losing their enthusiasm for volleyball, feeling a bit tired, watch a few plays on a 12s or 13s court. Watch the athlete successfully get a serve over the net after countlessly working on that skill or maybe the shortest girl on the team getting a bump kill – that celebration is priceless, it’s genuine, and reminds everyone its more than OK to get excited about the small victories for yourself and others.
That’s a wrap on Day 1 pic.twitter.com/5zP9ucUgw7
— Chris Fitzgerald (@PrepDigChris) January 5, 2020
What’s Next?
Prep Dig will be continuing to post photos and video from the event on our social media pages listed below. Articles will be posted as well our website reliving the event and also looking forward to other events in the region.
Prep Dig will also be hosting five more tournaments this year, coming back to the Champion Center May 9-10 for “Battle In The Valley”.