Changes all around the AVP - Commissioner and Muskegan

This last week presented several major changes within the AVP. First, the CEO and Commissioner of the last 8 years, Leonard Armato, is no longer in charge. A press release was issued which you can click here to read if interested.

It is too soon to tell what this means for the tour. We are in a very scary economic climate, but we are managing to stick around. I can only hope that things turn around quickly. There are mixed opinions about the job that Leonard Armato has done. One thing is for certain, he brought the sport back from nothing. He deserves to be recognized for his role in beach volleyball's revival in the United States. Having played with Holly last season, I got to spend time with both Holly and Leonard. They are such generous, amazing people. Their contributions to the sport have been bigger than most people are aware.

Another big announcement was made regarding the 2009 schedule. The tournament in the Hamptons has been replaced by Muskegan, Michigan. While I was very interested in a tournament in the Hamptons, I believe this is a great move. First, getting to the Hamptons in the middle of August sounds like a logistical nightmare. I believe Michigan will be easier and cheaper to get to. The date is set for August 21st-23rd, the week before the Chicago event. That means more time in the Midwest! I love that!

For you sports fans out there that are interested in things other than volleyball, check out this new blog written by my husband, Jeremy Akers. He is writing about his thoughts, expectations, and training as he prepares to play in one more game for the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame under legendary coach, Lou Holtz! The team will travel this summer to Tokyo to compete against a team of All-Stars from the Japanese Football League. You can find the blog at http://onemoregame.blogspot.com.

Tomorrow we drive to Riverside for the next tournament. I am excited to see what this new site is going to be like. We have had some serious wind at the beaches the last few days, so I am anxious to see if it is windy inland, as well. The forecast calls for some heat which will be nice!

We are scheduled to leave for Brazil on Sunday night right after the Riverside event ends. That will be our first FIVB tournament of the year. I still have lots of packing to do, so I am going to get to it! Be sure to follow our results this weekend!

Angie