Mike Nelson and Jared Starling compete in Huntington Beach AVP Qualifier

Mike Nelson (pictured at right at the Qualifier) has enjoyed great success so far this year at Wasatch Beach, winning all of the Men's Open events held to date. Last week, Mike partnered with Jared Starling to compete in the AVP Qualifier in Huntington Beach. I asked Mike to share his thoughts about their experience.

My interest in playing in an AVP Qualifier increased during the last couple of years as I observed the success that other Utah players were having on the AVP Tour. After solving some logistical challenges, Jared Starling (pictured below at the Qualifier) and I decided to play in the Huntington Beach Qualifier on Thursday, May 21, 2009.

We traveled to Southern California on Tuesday to make sure that we were able to play a few games before the qualifier. We played at Huntington Beach on Tuesday evening against a team that was also competing in the qualifier. The wind was ridiculously strong, so we all received a crash course in wind volleyball. Although the conditions were rough, it was fun to get out, hit a few balls, and hang out with our families on the beach. It was also fun because Jake Gibb, who was at the beach watching his wife play, came down and gave us a few pointers.

On the day of the qualifier, we arrived at the beach at 7:00 am to register and warm up for our match, which started promptly at 8:00 am. Our court was located right next to the tournament bracket and registration booth, so we quickly had a large crowd surrounding the court, including a number of Utah fans and players.

We were matched against Esteban Escobar and Sean Mackin. We got out to a quick lead in game 1 with some ace serves and defensive plays. We won game one 21-9. Game two was more of a battle. Esteban and Sean came out strong and made some great defensive plays, which proved to be the difference. We lost game two 18-21. In game 3 they made some great defensive plays once again and we were not able to get enough “real” points to make up the difference. We lost game three 12-15. Although we didn’t do as well as we had hoped, Jared and I had a lot of fun playing in the qualifier and competing against players who we had not played against before.

The remainder of the qualifier and main draw was also a lot of fun to experience. We watched a number of matches in which former Utah open players competed, including Jake Gibb, Casey Patterson, Ed Lunnon, Daniel Dalanhese, and Brian Stewart. We saw several of Jake Gibb’s matches over the course of the weekend and watched Phil Dalhauser and Todd Rogers play against Ty Loomis and Casey Patterson (former Utah open player) on center court in the winner’s semifinal match.

The environment around the entire event was electric. Even some of my family members who were there commented on how they had never experienced such an engaging atmosphere.

Overall, I'm really glad we decided to go down to Huntington Beach and I look forward to playing in many more AVP events.

Congrats to Jared and Mike on their play in the Qualifier - nicely done guys. Thanks to Mike, Men's Player Representative at Wasatch Beach, for the post, including the update on other Utah AVP players.

Catching up on happenings at the Beach

My apologies for getting behind with regard to posting on the Wasatch Beach Volleyball blog of late - lots to do around the Beach as well as away from the Beach. First, a quick look back:

Weather contributed to a couple of soggy courts for the Season Opener, yielded water falling from the sky during the afternoon portion of the King and Queen of Wasatch Beach, and caused the cancellation of the Tune it Up and Serve it Up Spring Clinic and Tourney. We really appreciate the understanding and great attitudes that were displayed by both participants and fans. Congrats to everyone who played in the initial events. The results are posted on the Tournament page and we've started a Gallery for event images. If you have pics to share from any event, please email them to me: Mark at wasatchbeachvolleyball.com.

This weekend we have an event for women's and men's A and Open Players that celebrates the season sponsorship at Wasatch Beach by Bajio Mexican Grill. The weather looks promising so come out and enjoy the beach whether you are playing or not.

You've probably noticed not only the Bajio logos on our site and around the Beach, but also those of our beverage sponsor. General Distributing handles Bud Light and Bud Light Lime, both AVP national tour sponsors. In addition, General Distributing's NA Division provides non-alcohol beverages, four of which are featured at the Beach: 180 Energy Drink, Mix1, xingtea, and ActivWater. These beverages have already been featured as event prizes and will continue to be sold at the Beach throughout the season. Thanks to General Distributing NA for being our Associate Season Title Sponsor and for providing beverages for every taste at the Beach.

Next week marks the start of the Barefoot Wine AVPNext Championship Cup. If you haven't already heard, we are one of 16 sites around the US chosen to host this league. Winners in the women's and men's open divisions at Wasatch Beach will earn cash prizes and a trip to San Francisco in August to play in the national Cup tourney against the winners from the other 15 sites.

The national Cup tourney is played on the AVP Tour stop courts set up on the Embarcadero. The winners of the national Cup earn cash and get to stick around and play on those same courts in the AVP's San Francisco Tour Stop. Thanks to Barefoot Wine for sponsoring this league and creating these playing opportunities. By the way, if you are a wine drinker, Barefoot will be hosting tastings at Wasatch Beach on three occasions during the league. A division of Gallo, they are known for producing and selling award-winning value-priced wine.

So, come out to the Beach on Tuesday and Wednesday nights to cheer for your favorite team, and this weekend for the Bajio Open.