Photo by Madi D’Ostuni
The SHS Volleyball Marathon’s winning team poses in the school’s rotunda. The team’s name, displayed on their shirts, is “Splash on You Like Water.” Do they usually play in a pool?
On Friday, March 24 at 7 p.m., the annual Volleyball Marathon (VBM) at Suffield High School began as over three hundred students poured into the Commons, carrying snacks, blankets, air mattresses, and even TV’s, Wii’s, and speakers. One of SHS’s favorite events, VBM is a fun night for students to compete in volleyball games and spend time with their friends. After being checked in by volunteer chaperones, the 32 co-ed teams of 8-10 students that were chosen by lottery to participate in the event located their respective sections and settled in for the all-nighter. After a message from the National Honor Society (NHS) president, Amelia Picard, at 8:30 p.m., the teams practiced for the first games at 9 p.m.
Four teams played at a time and every intense game lasted for about 20 minutes. Each team played five times throughout the night and between matches students relaxed with their friends. Card and board games were particularly popular amongst the students but others attempted to sleep before their next game. NHS members served pizza at 11:30 p.m. and then ice cream and breakfast throughout the following morning. Each team received raffle tickets for gift certificates and items from local businesses.
After each team competed in five games, the top 16 proceeded to the playoffs at 4:20 a.m. after the qualified teams were announced on the bracket posted on the Commons wall. The other teams spent the remainder of the night relaxing and watching the playoff games. Music rang through the Commons and some students danced and sang along.
The final game commenced at 5:30 a.m. between Aqua Bump and Water, with the Water team winning the tournament. The members of Water received VBM t-shirts printed with “Champions” on the back and reveled in their victory at school on Monday. Once the champions were announced, students packed their belongings and cleaned up their areas before leaving at 6 a.m. on Saturday morning. After being at SHS for 11 hours, students were eager to return home and finally catch up on much-needed sleep.
VBM 2017 was a major success and a memorable event thanks to the support of Smashburger, Suffield Country Club, DK’s Hockey Shop, Cracker Barrel Pub, Friendly’s, Rave Cinemas, Barnes and Noble, Mrs. Murphy’s Donuts, the Booster Club, Land Warrior Crossfit, Summer House, Bobby V’s, Grassroots Ice Cream, Ivy Nails & Spa, Big Y, Geissler’s, Stop & Shop, ShopRite, Lulu’s Pizza, Hood, Dunkin’ Donuts, and Highland Park Market as well as volunteer chaperones and referees. Next year’s VBM is eagerly awaited already!