2010 USA Volleyball Medallion of Merit - L.R. "Rod" Schall
2010 USA Volleyball Medallion of Merit
L.R. “Rod” Schall
L.R. “Rod” Schall, a pioneer in implementing computer uses to volleyball sport strategy, is this year’s recipient of the USA Volleyball Medallion of Merit. This honor recognizes individuals whose contributions are significant, but not necessarily covered by the criteria and provision of other corporate USA Volleyball awards.
After graduating from Sacramento High School in 1946, Rod was a photographer in the U.S. Army Signal Corp while also furthering his education at Graceland College in Iowa. He earned his associates degree from Graceland in 1950, then moved back to his native California where he earned his bachelor’s degree in social science from Sacramento State in 1954. He rounded out his education with master’s and doctorate degrees in audiovisual communications from Indiana University in 1961 and 1970, respectively.
Rod returned to Graceland after completing his undergraduate degree. From 1967 to 1993, he served as the school’s head men’s volleyball coach and established a career record of 895-412. Rod coached the Yellowjackets to NAIA Men’s Nationals Championships in 1973, 1976 and 1979. During both 1976 and 1979, he was honored as NAIA Coach of the Year. Rod also was NCIVAC Coach of the Year in 1977 and every year between 1979 and 1983.
As a young coach at Graceland, Rod started a revolutionary concept of computer-based statistics. Yet, it was not until after a conversation early in his career with the late Jim Coleman that he found out what other coaches were writing on their clipboards during matches and his thoughts behind statistics. Rod began to formulate a plan to capture volleyball statistics through the use of computers. The rest became history.
After developing a computerized statistical analysis program to run on a main frame computer, Rod wrote an article on “Volleyball Statistics” for Volleyball Review in its January 1976 issue. After reading the article, Doug Beal called Rod asking if he could develop a computerized program to chart live statistics during play. During a 1977 Team USA match versus Mexico held in Moscow, a new era was born as Rod sat courtside to do live stats. In fact, it was the first time a computer was used live in any sport for the purpose of generating in-game statistics.
Much like Ed Lauten's scorekeeping system, Rod’s pioneering efforts initially developed a Volleyball Box Score and standardized a statistical reporting system never before known.
In 1978, Rod developed the “Comprehensive Volleyball Statistics Program” software program through his fledgling Sportistics company. A year later, Sportistics launched a basketball statistical software program. Since then, he has authored many articles on volleyball statistics and created follow-up software for Sportistics. Rod has given presentations on statistics at various collegiate and international events.
Through Rod’s efforts, volleyball became the leader in live sports statistical analysis. Each year as the micro-computers improved particularly with increased memory, Rod was able to expand the program to increase the number of skills and rating scales for evaluation.
Rod’s statistical abilities certified him as a USA National Volleyball Scorekeeper in 1986. Rod’s efforts opened opportunities for him to travel abroad with volleyball. He has participated in volleyball activities in Bulgaria, Japan, and Italy and other countries. He also participated in the Goodwill Games, the Pan American Games and U.S. Olympic Festivals. He was often invited to serve as the Team Statistician for several USA Men's and Women's National Team's tours.
Rod, a 1977 George J. Fisher Leader in Volleyball recipient, was inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame for Meritorious Service in 1995. Graceland admitted him into its Athletic Hall of Fame in 1992.
USA Volleyball is proud to recognize R.L. “Rod” Schall as its 2010 Medallion of Merit honoree.
