A Legend's Last Season

We have William G. Morgan to thanks for one of the greatest sports ever invented.  I took up the sport in high school, and those days of tournaments and road trips started an amazing 10 years of playing the game that I fell in love with many reasons.    Need more hints?  It was invented at a YMCA in Massachusetts, it borrows things from a few other sports, and was basically invented to give uncoordinated, out-of-shape businessmen something to participate in without hurting themselves.
That's right, as you probably already guessed from the picture, the sport is volleyball.  It's a beautiful game.  And one, like golf, that can be played by people of all skill levels.  Also like golf, it can range from brutally slapstick to marvelously exciting to watch, depending on the talent and skill level of the participants and the setting of the event.
When you take a great sport, strip the players down from 6 to 2 per side, then strip those 4 players down to nothing but bathing suits, caps, and sunglasses, and set this all in the sand...well, you've got the makings of a great event.  This is the AVP beach tour, and this summer it may be coming to a location near you. 
The season is half over but you still may have a chance to catch a few matches.  Check out the schedule here.  The next event is in Seaside Heights, NJ on July 5 - 8.  This is the tour stop that had been held in Belmar for several years.   Take a long July 4th weekend and head down-the-shore to check out the guys and gals pound the ball around the beach.  And say 'hi' to Skeeter Mcgee, the tour announcer.   He does a great job of getting the crowd pumped up.  Also say 'hey' and thanks to Mr. Karch Kiraly.  The volleyball legend is playing his last season on the beach at age 46 - truly amazing.  This guy has played at the highest levels of the sport for more than 20 years.  Seeing him play this season is like seeing the Rolling Stones, when they finally do a farewell tour, that is.
You also have the chance at seeing the gold medalists Misty May and Kari Walsh.  They've won eight tournaments in a row and have already reached legend status.  You may even see them play the team with my personal favorite, the beautiful Rachel Wacholder.  I mean beautiful, athletic, strong, she's perfect.  Please pass her my #.
See you on the beach!