Billy Hull: Hawaii’s ride to national men’s volleyball title worth repeating
In the six days since Hawaii won its third national championship in six years in men’s volleyball, I’ve gone back and rewatched the match three times. Now I understand the decision made by thousands of University of Hawaii fans to travel to the National Collegiate Men’s Volleyball Championship at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles. There is nothing quite like winning a national championship.
Sitting courtside for last Saturday’s NCAA semifinal against Long Beach State had a different feeling than any other match this season. Not only was a national title on the line, but the rivalry between the Beach and the ’Bows was elevated when Long Beach freshman opposite hitter Wojciech Gajek of Poland celebrated a point in the Big West tournament championship by flashing a double shakas sign and then pointing it down. Never in a million years could Gajek have imagined that single celebration would ignite a team, and a fan base, as much as it did.
Hawaii volleyball fans don’t boo often. It rarely happens. The boo’s were crystal clear inside of Pauley that evening, and the emotion wasn’t just limited to the fans.
Prior to Wednesday’s national championship celebration at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center, I walked into the UH locker room as the players were eating pizza before heading inside the arena to be celebrated. I asked each player two questions. One was, what will you always remember about this season?
The other was, what does winning a national championship mean to you? You’d be surprised at how many players mentioned the win over Long Beach State before winning the national championship. That’s a rivalry that has real teeth to it.
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