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It’s your top five men’s volleyball story list, but with a twist.
Every Sunday during the men’s volleyball season Off the Block will post the top five best men’s volleyball stories of the week from around the nation. The list, though, is based more on how well the reporter wrote and covered the story rather than just what happened on the court.
Off the Block will be primarily looking at a college newspapers — they provide the majority of coverage to the sport — but occasionally it will include some well written men’s volleyball articles from professional newspapers.
In many communities volleyball is a non-mainstream sport that has a niche following. One of the exciting things for reporters covering volleyball, though,is finding that interesting angle that could appeal to volleyball and non-volleyball fans.
Going beyond the boxscore and game notes to provide readers with insight on the team that they can’t got anywhere else is one of the most important skills for a sports reporter.
This list is to honor those efforts.
Penn State bonded through Mount Nittany hike
John Stuetz | The Daily Collegian
The Nittany Lions have an annual traditional before the beginning of the fall season that involves the freshman players hiking up Mount Nittany and meeting the rest of their teammates at the mountain’s summit. This news-feature story takes an in-depth look at the tradition and how it has helped bring the players closer together this season.
No. 1 UCLA seeks revenge against Long Beach State
Kevin Bowman | Daily Bruin
UCLA got its rematch against Long Beach State this week after the Bruins were upset by the 49ers in February to end their run at a perfect MPSF season. This preview story, which uses a nice anecdotal lead, discusses the importance of the Bruins being able to beat the 49ers in the rematch.
BYU down but never out
Taylor Street | The Daily Universe
BYU in a one-month span dropped from No. 1 to No. 5 in the national rankings and lost three conference home matches to fall out of first place in the MPSF. This article, though, looks at how the Cougar players don’t care about their national rankings, and how the team is confident it can excel in the second half of the regular season.
Comfort adjusts to new role with Penn State
Wynton Somerville | The Daily Collegian
Tom Comfort one year after being an all-conference outside attacker has transition to coming off the bench this season for the Nittany Lions. This article looks at how Comfort is adjusting to his new role and his emergence as a late-game blocking specialist.
Jay Paterno addresses Penn State men’s volleyball team
John Stuetz | The Daily Collegian
Jay Paterno, the son of legendary Penn State football coach Joe Paterno, made a surprise guest appearance at a Nittany Lions’ practice this week. This news story examines why coach Mark Pavlik invited Paterno to talk to his team and how his speech had a positive affect for the players.