Greg Vernovage is a volleyball player and coach who is traveling as the Team Leader with the U.S. Men’s National Team that is competing at the FIVB World Championships in Italy.

Oct. 2, 2010

USA took the floor again last night against Cameroon.  In case you did not know, when the Red, White and Blue take the floor, the opponent is going to give them everything they have.  ALWAYS!

Cameroon is no different.  They came out swinging and did their best.

The difference for Team USA: Clay Stanley, #13.  Clay was simply awesome to watch. He was teeing off from everywhere, and if you didn't catch the match on the Internet, I will say that in Set 5, Clay decided that he would end it from the service line. I sit behind the barrier on the end line, which is a great vantage point by the way. In Set 5, Clay walked back to receive the ball before serving.  He wiped the sweat off his forehead, looked to the ball, took a deep breath and turned around.

When teaching young players to hit, we sometimes use a term, "do not sacrifice speed for accuracy" (Thanks Marv). When you are Clay Stanley, you can combine speed and accuracy. Clay blasted the final 4 points of the night. It is nice to sit, listen and feel the detonation of that serve. 

A side note that the team is not concerned with until we take it all; Clay is second for point scoring in the tournament by 1.

Photo: Greg Vernovage Reid Priddy celebrates his birthday with the team. . Paul Lotman came in and helped out with passing and serving.

If that isn't enough, Clay stayed in the arena until everyone who wanted a photo or signature from him received it. 

Returning to the hotel for dinner and a surprise for the Captain, Reid celebrated a birthday yesterday.  Thank you for the ake!

Go USA!