Fathers enjoy morning as Kings of the Court
Approximately 80 teams of fathers, sons and daughters participated in the 5th annual Father’s Day Volleyball Tournament held by the City of Manhattan Beach. Photo
They could have slept in or enjoyed a brunch on their special day, but dozens of dads spent their Father’s Day morning bonding with their children on the beach where approximately 80 teams of fathers, sons, daughters – and a few moms – participated in the 5th annual Father’s Day Volleyball Tournament held by the City of Manhattan Beach.
Dads could be seen embracing their daughters and high-fiving their sons in the relaxed tournament that featured pool play matches with no playoffs or champions crowned.
Some of the kids frowned after hitting the ball into the net or a bump attempt went awry, feeling they had let their fathers down. The dads just smiled, yelling “That’s okay” or “Great effort,” knowing that the long-term memories being created were much more valuable than scoring one point in a recreational volleyball game.
“This is our first time playing in event,” said Paul Taylor before he and his 11-year-old son Jason took to the courts. “We’ve been playing together for about a year now and play every Friday night in the north beach area. We’re new to Manhattan Beach and wanted to come out and get a little competitive action going.”
“I love the game of volleyball,” said Jason, a Pacific Elementary School who also plays soccer. “It’s super fun and I like playing with my dad.”
Offspring went all out to help their fathers enjoy a winning day. Photo
Eleven-year-old Natalie Berty was all smiles as she prepared to warm up with her father Zoltan.
“My daughter is the reason we’re here,” Zoltan said. “We just moved to Manhattan Beach last year so this is our first time doing this and it’s a neat event.”
Tiffany Morales, 18, gathered enough energy to compete after celebrating her graduation from Redondo Union High School on Friday. Sunday’s event marked the third consecutive year she and father Louis have played in the Father’s Day Tournament.
Tiffany was a four-year starter on the Sea Hawks varsity volleyball team and will leave in August to attend the University of Michigan where she earned a full athletic scholarship. She is also no stranger to the beach game, being named the Amateur Athletic Union Beach Volleyball Female Player of the Year in 2009.
“Last year I won the embarrassing Sherpa Award where your child carries you through the tournament,” Louis joked. “But I’m better this year so I don’t expect to win it again, although Tiffany takes about two thirds of the court and I have a little strip to cover.”
Sunday marked the third Manhattan Beach Father’s Day Tournament for Tiffany Morales and her father Louis. photo
Tiffany vowed it would not be that last time she and her father played together.
“I’ll come back and play in more tournaments with my dad,’ Tiffany said. “He’s the one who fueled my passion for volleyball.”
Tournament Director J.P Saikley was bombarded with late sign-ups, delaying the start of the tournament as he scrambled to create pools for 10-and-under, 11-14, 15-18, 19-and-up and four-person divisions.
“The late additions do make it hectic,” Saikley said while drawing a deep breath as teams went to their respective courts. “But the more teams we have, the more we can give to charity.”
Proceeds from the event benefitted Project Fatherhood, an organization that helps fathers be better parents through individual and family counseling and group support.