How many people on this campus know Sacramento State has a men?s volleyball team? Of those who do know there is a team, did you know they?re ranked fifth nationally? The answer to both of these questions is probably “no” for most people ? myself included. Being an avid fan of volleyball, I wondered why it was that Sac State had such an awesome team, and why most people hadn?t heard of it.

The answer is simple. The men?s volleyball team on this campus is a club team, which apparently accounts for its relative obscurity compared to more well-known sports such as football and basketball. However, just because they are a club doesn?t mean they don?t work equally as hard as an intercollegiate team. In fact, this club team has to work harder in order to maintain itself.

The team is run by students who make sure everything runs smoothly, from paperwork to fundraising. This is a serious time commitment. Every student on the men?s volleyball team is responsible for helping raise money so the team can play in tournaments across the state and country. Some of the team?s money comes from Associated Students, Inc., and some comes out of the players? pockets, but most of the money for the team comes from fundraising done by the team itself. Luke Anderson, president of the men?s volleyball club, cites the women?s intercollegiate volleyball team as being instrumental when it comes to fundraising. The women have allowed the men?s club to work at their tournaments, thereby enabling the men to raise money for themselves.

Beyond the fact that the men?s volleyball team is awesome, why should the students support it? Volleyball is a great sport to watch for a multitude of reasons, not the least of which is that it?s a fast moving game so you?re never bored watching it. It?s also easy to understand, and even if you don?t know all the rules you can still follow the game with relative ease.

Though the men?s season doesn?t start until next semester, I would encourage every student to take the time out to watch just one match to support the team. If you?re looking for something more immediate, the women?s intercollegiate team is in the middle of its season right now. Volleyball is a great sport, and one the students of this campus should support. Good luck to both the men?s club, and the women?s intercollegiate teams this season.

Erin Kauffman majors in Government and women?s studies. She can be reached at [email protected].