Volleyball Day in Nebraska inspires high schools around the country

NEWARK, Ohio (WOWT) - On August 30th, 2023, Newark Catholic Athletic Director Rob Smith says he was glued to the TV, watching Nebraska face off with UNO at Memorial Stadium.

"I am watching and I am like, this is crazy there are ninety some thousand people outside watching a game of volleyball." said Smith.

Volleyball Day in Nebraska sparked an idea, why not bring outdoor volleyball to Newark, Ohio?

"So, I go together with our Newark Catholic Athletic Association President and our principal," said Smith. "I said listen I got this idea lets see if we can do the first outdoor volleyball event, possibly in the country but you know for high school but definitely the first in Ohio."

Smith contacted Newark High School Athletic Director Jeff Quackenbush who helped coordinate finding a venue.

The two agreed that White Field, a site both schools shared was the perfect location.

Newark Catholic parent Mary Harrington was tasked with finding a court to go on top of the turf field. She contacted multiple organizations for court rentals, but concerns about liability made most hesitant to rent.

"We had gone to tournaments over in Indianapolis where they absolutely put these courts on turf," said Harrington. "So, I thought there is a way we can do this."

After searching around, Harrington finally found a court.

"We finally had a local club going out of business here in town and we finally convinced them to sell us a court."

The court was nailed down and tested giving the official green light. Four local high schools were contacted and agreed to play on August 8th. Leading up to the match, mother nature had other plans.

"I am looking, oh man its 30 percent, 40 percent, and I am thinking oh my," recalled Smith. "Then I just thought you cant change it, take a deep breath and hopefully it holds off and man did it ever."

With clear-ish skies it was time to play some volleyball. The match was packed with fans and a DJ blasted music throughout the event. Hundreds were on hand to witness history, the first ever high school outdoor volleyball match.

Quackenbush says the match has brought more fans to see Newark High play volleyball.

"I think we opened some eyes of some people to our volleyball program and now those people are coming back," said Quackenbush. "They are now coming into the gym to watch volleyball so that is a great part of it."

"It was about promoting volleyball, promoting high school girls sports," said Smith. "It would have never come to fruition without Nebraska Volleyball."

Smith is thankful for the many hands that went into coordinating and executing the match.

Their event inspired a school in Lima, Ohio to also put on their own match. A school in Iowa recently held its first ever outdoor contest this month. Both ADs say next year will be even bigger and better. They hope to keep the tradition alive for years to come.