Thank you for your support for the past 20 years.
It is with great sadness that we announce we will not be hosting the Early Bird Volleyball Tournament this next season. There are many reasons why; the major being that it has become a very difficult tournament to host due to the rules and expenses of hosting this tournament at the different sites. It is a lot of work and takes the labors of many people in order to make this tournament successful. In the end, the returns are minimal. Even though we never hosted this tournament to gain any profit, the logistics of continuing to run this tournament have almost become overwhelming and all the host schools have decided not to continue. In addition, TSSAA has changed the volleyball schedule this season (delaying the start by a week), and that presented even more challenge to host the Early Bird.
We wanted to create a tournament that would bring together great volleyball teams and grow the sport for everyone in and around this area. I think that we were successful in that regard. We have grown this tournament from 10 teams 20 years ago to 56 teams!
For those of you who still want to play that weekend, the Sunsphere Tournament, hosted by Webb, Catholic and Heritage HS, is being held at the Sevierville Convention Center in Sevierville, TN. They have successfully kept the same goal as the Early Bird: attract great teams to play and grow the sport.
We have spoken with Brent Carter (at Catholic High School, brentwcarter7189@gmail.com), who helps coordinate this tournament.
We have been most fortunate and proud in helping coordinate and grow the Early Bird Volleyball Tournament and shall miss it. We know that all the host schools, Oak Ridge HS, Farragut HS, Hardin Valley Academy and Karns High School, have enjoyed offering their facilities and playing in this tournament.
If there is any further information, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Thank you! It has been our pleasure to meet and work with all of you. We hope that your upcoming season is very successful. Keep up the great work, coaches! It is because of all of you and your devotion to your players and sport that volleyball continues to grow and thrive!