Photo by Mickey Barron
The Gym Class Heroes team is pictured at the Suffield High School Volley Ball Marathon. Victorious in the all-night event, they still look fresh.
Organized by Suffield High School’s chapter of the National Honor Society, the Volleyball Marathon (VBM) was held again this year from Friday, March 23 until Saturday, March 24. The annual event is a tradition at SHS and students look forward to a night of competitive volleyball games with their classmates. Each of the 31 co-ed teams that participated was composed of between eight and ten members. Beginning at 7 p.m., almost 300 students entered the Commons wearing team shirts and carrying snacks, games, blankets and other possessions for the long night. Volunteer chaperones, teachers and administrators checked the students in and NHS members led teams to their designated spaces. Before the competition commenced, Mr. Casolari, a faculty advisor for NHS, and Rylee Harfouche, the Society’s president, emphasized the rules to be adhered to throughout the night.
Games began at 9 p.m. and continued until 6 the next morning. Four games were played simultaneously, and each lasted approximately 20 minutes. Each team played five games, or more if they qualified for the playoffs. While they were not competing or practicing, teams relaxed in the Commons, playing board and video games, listening to music, chatting or simply attempting to sleep. Pizza was served at 11:30 p.m. followed by ice cream and breakfast in the morning. Winners of the many enticing raffle items were announced periodically throughout the night; prizes included gift baskets, Yard Goats tickets, school apparel and gift cards to local establishments.
The top 16 teams competed in the playoffs, which began at 4:20 a.m. The final game between the two remaining teams concluded with Gym Class Heroes taking the victory. The event ended at 6 a.m., and, after collecting their belongings, students returned home to finally catch up on sleep after yet another exciting VBM.
This year’s event was a success due to the support of our administrators, teachers, chaperones and referees as well as numerous generous businesses: Lulu’s Pizzeria, Mrs. Murphy’s Donuts, Hood, Highland Park, Starbucks, Dunkin’ Donuts, Staples, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Olive Garden, Hair Unlimited, Moes, the Ninety-Nine Restaurant, Target, the Yoga Nook, SHS school store, Airport Auto Wash, and the Hartford Yard Goats. We are already looking forward to next year’s VBM!