Spiking with a West Coast flavor

Besides bikinis, surfers and the sunshine, California is known for its superior men's volleyball circuit.

This year, the club men's volleyball team is out to prove that a group of West Coast imports -- five of the team's six starters hail from the Sunshine State -- can get the job done even if they live in enemy territory.

So far, these Quakers are showing that a squad competeing on the opposite side of the country can hang with the best.

Funded by the Sports Club Council, the Red and Blue manage their own finances, set their own schedule, make their own travel arrangements and even coach themselves.

"We're self-sufficient," club men's volleyball treasurer and Penn junior Dean Tallant said. "We can do whatever we want with the money we get."

And so, the squad has travelled up and down the eastern seaboard, going head-to-head with the top teams in the region.

"I have Enterprises number on speed dial," Tallant said. "We travel almost every weekend, so they know us personally now."

This weekend, the Quakers head to Columbia to take on the rest of the Ivy League in the Ivy Championships.

"We are no doubt the favorites," Penn senior Scott Mooney, the club's president, said.

Although a league title is flattering, the volleyball team's eyes are set on much higher goals -- the National Tournament, which will be held April 17-20 in Dallas, Texas.

"There's no doubt in my mind that we can win it," Penn junior Seneca Price Kern said. "We're not the most talented, or the tallest, but its out hearts out there."

The Quakers are confident that if they have any chance at a national title, this will be the year to stake their claim.

The Red and Blue have been steadily climbing the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Assocation rankings this season after recording solid victories over many top teams this side of the Mississippi.

The men's club volleyball team, which competes in Division I of the national intramural league, was not originally projected as one of the top-10 teams in the country.

However, after winning the esteemed James Madison Tournament in November and sweeping the the Drexel Tournament in January, the Quakers skyrocketed to the seventh position -- their highest ranking ever.

After finishing last season in 21st place -- an average finish for the Quakers -- this season's turnaround is an impressive feat.

The difference? Experience.

In the Quakers' lineup, only one freshman starts and few other rookies get substantial playing time.

In addition, juniors Jordan Wadsworth, Tallant, and Price Kern, have been honing their skills together for almost three years.

Sophomore Brent Wagner, a defensive specialist, and rookie outside hitter Ryan McKenna are the younger members of the squad. The duo -- who are California natives -- has a solid volleyball background.

"We're more of a mature team this year," Wadsworth said. "We picked up one good freshman talent. Plus, we've all been in a lot of game situations together."

After transferring to Penn after a year at Rutgers, Mooney -- the club's president and captain -- became the backbone of the squad.

As president, Mooney acts as the team's coordinator and coach.

"We haven't had a coach all this year," Mooney said. "We get in as much practice time as we can, guys lift on their own. Its all about a positive mental attitude."

The only time the Quakers are really in need of a traditional coach is during matches. Often, its difficult for Mooney to play, direct, substitute and encourage all at the same time. Luckily, he has the help and support of the entire team -- players who have all had years of experience in the sport.

"We all yell at each other, then come up with an idea and that's what happens," Wadsworth said.

"I bring height and jumping ability, but I also try to get the team motivated," Price Kern added. " I feel like I'm a leader... and I talk shit every once in a while."

Although the team cites its height, athletic ability and volleyball prowess as the main factors for success, it has one advantage that many other teams can not claim -- regardless of geographic location.

"Our biggest strength is our unity," Price Kern said. "On and off the court we're friends."

During the Red and Blue's practice sessions, it's impossible to ignore the laid-back attitude of the squad.

After all, these athletes may be highly-ranked, nationally-acclaimed and confident, but they are also just a bunch of students that can't get enough of the game.

Any serious, structured talk clearly remains on the court. When the Red and Blue step off, it's free reign.

"Our greatest attribute," Tallant explained, "is our ability to drink and play.

"If we win, but we don't go out, we're not successful."

So when the Red and Blue suit up and head to Dallas in three weeks, volleyball won't be the only thing on the squad's mind.

"We want to do our best. I think we can place in the top-eight," Tallant said. "I know we can do it, and this year is definitely our best chance.

"But we also want to try and pick up some Dallas women and party as much as possible."

It appears that the party-oriented spirit of the West Coast lives on -- even in Pennsylvania.

When the Quakers get to Dallas their easy-going mentality may be just what it takes to mismantle the monopoly that California and her sister-states hold over the national volleyball trophies.

But if a national title isn't in the men's club volleyball team's future, there is always next year.

As long as they're having fun, that's all that really matters.

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