38
(3 votes, average 5.00 out of 5)
Written by Paul Masterson WiG, Contributing Writer
Nov 18, 2009
Milwaukee Gay Volleyball Association: Players meet Sunday evenings at Beulah Brinton Community Center. – Photo: Max Thomsen
MGVA players go to the net. – Photo: Max Thomsen
MILWAUKEE — A shrill whistle blast, the slap of the serve and the rally begins. A “thunk” punctuates each hit of the ball.
It’s opening night of the newly organized Milwaukee Gay Volleyball Association, which plays Sunday evenings at the Beulah Brinton Community Center in Bay View. The group’s 12-week season began Nov. 1.
“Madison had a volleyball league, so I decided to start one here,” said MGVA director Eric Euting. In less than a month, he created a board and began searching for players.
“Then it just ballooned,” Euting said. “We expected 30 people and got an overwhelming response. One hundred and twenty people registered online.”
According to PR director Justin Wilder, the original intent was to foster community camaraderie and provide another social activity and network. “We already have so many great sports teams in Milwaukee, why not volleyball?” Wilder asked.
Todd Wellman, sponsorship director, approached bars, businesses and organizations. Club Icon, Mona’s, Fi-Med, Boom/Room, Nut Hut, M’s, PrideFest and Kruz immediately responded.
“The response was absolutely incredible, beyond expectations,” Wellman said. “It’s great to see the community coming together. People are even coming from Kenosha and Oshkosh.”
The players are a diverse mix of students, professionals and representatives from community organizations, including the Milwaukee Gay Arts Center, Diverse & Resilient, PrideFest and others.
“There’s not a lot to do in winter so we sponsored a team,” said Nut Hut owner Michelle Murphy, who attended the league’s opening. “We thought it would be fun to get together outside the bar. My son, Nick, is playing as well. We have at least one straight guy — it’s quite an array. My partner is the cheerleader with the pom-poms.”
Billy Jack Houston, a UWM student, joined the unaffiliated “Team 4.” Houston moved to Milwaukee from South Dakota a year ago. “I wanted to get involved with the community outside of the bar scene,” he said. “I’m a kinda wanna-be jock. Softball teams weren’t looking for new players, so I joined volleyball.”
Deon Young, PrideFest’s volunteer director, played with the PrideFest Stars, whose members include PrideFest board and production members. “It’s a way to continue PrideFest team spirit and promoting PrideFest in a different way,” Young said.
Marie Molter joined as a challenge. “I played in high school and college,” she said. “I need to do some exercise, and I don’t know a lot of people in the community. My cousin told me about the volleyball league, and I said, ‘If you play, I’ll play.’”
Molter and her cousin played for M’s team on opening night while her partner sat in the bleachers and enjoyed the game.
Although the teams are full, fans are encouraged to attend. There are opportunities to sub for absent players for a $5 fee. After subbing six times, players can join in the pool for free.
Games begin Sundays at 5:45 p.m. at the Beulah Brinton Community Center, 2555 S. Bay St. After the games, players, friends and fans socialize at a “volley-bar” selected from among the bar sponsors.
Open play is held Fridays from 8-10 p.m. Players can practice, hone their skills or, if a novice, learn the basics. The cost is $1.50 per hour.
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