A Day of Volleyball Fun in Girad Ohio Sponsored by John and Patty Meluch SSPX-by Fr. Rutledge

[Dawn Marie]

Volleyball of fun in Girard

 

GIRARD, OH
8-1-2012

The 14th annual volleyball tournament sponsored by Our Lady of Sorrows in Girard, OH was held on Saturday, July 28. The spacious grounds at the residence of the John Meluch family have been used every year, especially since they are the ones who have generously organized the event, from food to the nets and balls, from the entertainment for the children to the trophies.

Every year a novena is offered to St. Therese for good weather and even though it rained almost all day everywhere around the Meluch property, only a two-minute shower in the middle of the day fell on the tournament cooling the weary volleyball players and softening the ground. The day also began with Mass  at 7:15 a.m. for any who wanted to prepare the day well and interestingly all of the girls on the winning girls team were present.

With about 350-400 people present, teams came from around the country, as far west as Minnesota and as far east as Syracuse. The tournament was divided into a men's league and a women's league. The numerous men's teams made it necessary to create A and B divisions. The competition was quite intense in the all divisions, but a Catholic spirit imbued the whole day. The Rosary was said at noon by all in attendance, even the numerous non-Catholics there for the occasion.

The day was not reserved for just men and women of playing age, but the large property of the Meluchs made the event quite a good time for families and children. The children played for hours in the pen that was filled with corn and some of the older ones wrestled in the hay and were taken for hayrides. Some children offered their services at score keeping as well.

As the day went on, the teams grew more and more weary, playing up to twenty games. In the end, the Pittsburgh ladies won the ladies league. They played on centre court under the lights with a boisterous crowd cheering the teams on. In the A division, the Girard B team upset the Girard A team for the first time ever. In the B division, Southeast defeated the tournament chaplain's team, the Girard C team.

As the tournament ended at 10:00 p.m., the trophies were awarded to the winning teams and the remaining contestants sang Sancte Pie Decime to finish the day. Thanks to St. Therese for the wonderful weather and all who participated in this wholesome event.

Report by Fr. Patrick Rutledge