Weekends in Muncie, especially for the under-21 crowd, provide ample time to sit at home watching movies. This weekend, however, a rather exhilarating entertainment opportunity is presenting itself.
The No. 14 Ball State University men's volleyball team has won three consecutive matches against nationally ranked teams and is currently in first place in the Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association. Not bad for a team predicted in the preseason coaches poll to finish the season in fifth place.
Friday and Saturday the team will play the No. 7 UCLA Bruins.
However, the importance of this game goes far beyond rankings.
West coast teams consistently win the national championship - winning all but one since 1970, including the Bruins' 19 NCAA titles. UCLA rarely even travels off the West Coast to play.
For the first time since 1994, the Bruins will play a road match during the regular season against a team from the MIVA. To put that in perspective, The Might Ducks 2 and Angels in the Outfield were making millions at the box offices the last time UCLA played matches like this.
This is the ultimate volleyball showdown, and it's happening right here.
Many students moaned and groaned about how the International Bowl was in Canada. Now there is a team from Ball State that is doing well and is playing a rather crucial match less than 10 minutes away from any given location on campus.
Not only is the match close to home, but there are numerous bribes and freebies being given away at the game to encourage student attendance.
Scholarships, T-shirts and a poster-signing with the team are all incentives to being students out to the game.
They have even used Facebook to try and generate attention.
If that's not enough, one of the most influential men of then men's volleyball, UCLA coach Al Scates, will receive a Volleyball lifetime achievement award.
Anyone who cares the least bit about men's volleyball or about Ball State sports needs to be attendance. This match is the football equivalent Ohio State University playing Ball State at Scheumann Stadium.
Sit on the sidelines, see the sweat drip from the players as they run around and throw themselves onto the ground. Volleyball is the hidden gem of Muncie; if you don't believe us go to a match.
Go support your team and your school.
Besides, the boys aren't too hard on the eyes.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
