Sand volleyball is catching on in the Mansfield area. There are currently eight courts spread across Richland County, and enthusiasts meet on a regular basis to play, be it recreationally or competitively.
Kerrick Franklin, community outreach director at the Mansfield YMCA, founded a sand volleyball league two years ago, and interest has grown. Seven teams signed up this year, an increase from the four teams in the first year.
“It’s competitive, yet fun. We’re trying to get some adults out to have fun and stay active,” he said.
The league meets every Wednesday and Thursday at 6 p.m. and 5:45 p.m., respectively. Wednesday teams are 4 -on-4 teams, and the 6-on-6 teams meet on Thursdays. The league has two seasons: spring and summer. Each season lasts six weeks, with one week as a playoff week.
“We love it. We just got back from Mexico and the Dominican from the past two years. I love playing in the sand more than I like playing on the floor. I’ve been playing since I was in seventh grade,” said Jillian Faudree.
The YMCA’s two outdoor sand volleyball courts were built by ADENA Corporation in Mansfield, and the nets were provided by The Old Bag of Nails Pub.
Anyone over the age of 17 can participate in the league, and individuals are not required to be members of the YMCA to join. For more information, contact Kerrick Franklin at 419-522-3511, visit their website, or inquire at the front desk for a registration form.
Recreational sand volleyball is a growing interest as well.
Ontario’s Marshall Park built two courts in 2012 which are open to the public. The courts are found on the western side of the park, near the baseball fields. The city also built a pavilion next to the sand volleyball courts, which can be reserved by calling 419-529-3925.
“The volleyball courts are first come, first served, though,” said Street Department Supervisor Evan Hellinger.
The village of Lexington has a total of five courts between Lexington Community Park and Bicentennial Park, which are open to the public as well.
A local group of friends meet regularly on Sunday afternoons during the summer months to play recreational sand volleyball. According to 23-year-old Joe Antus from Lexington, the group started playing on Sunday afternoons as a way to do something outside together before the group met for Bible study.
“It’s a fun way to interact with new people, and it’s something lighthearted we can all do together,” said Antus.
Antus said he first became interested in volleyball when attending Ashland University, where he joined an intramural league to play on indoor courts.
“I love sand volleyball though. The sand is more challenging and more rewarding because of the heroic efforts through the sand. I think it’s just about being outside for me. I love taking in the sun and trouncing around in the sand,” said Antus.
Shelby has one court in their downtown park. That court will soon be relocated to Rabold Park due to the construction of Blackfork Commons in the downtown park area. According to Community and Economic Development Coordinator Christina Thompson, Blackfork Commons’ construction will include an amphitheater and river walk.
The city of Shelby does not organize formal tournaments, but the court is always open to the public.
