This is my fourth fifth attempt at updating the blog since the last entry. I’ve been pretty busy with NMSU soccer and volleyball, some MVCS football and of course, a ton of prep volleyball. I’ve photographed two volleyball tournaments; the Margaret Hussmann Tournament of Champions and the Sweet Sixteen, and a few matches in between.
Margaret Hussmann Tournament of Champions
Of all the events I’ve covered in the recent weeks, the Margaret Hussmann Tournament has to be the highlight–some fine volleyball and a chance to honor a very special person.
I got my first real taste of the Franklin/Coronado rivalry (wow) and saw some fantastic teams I wouldn’t normally get to see (Eastwood, Rio Rancho).
I’ve mentioned this on my volleyball site already, but the Franklin boosters really went out of their way to make me feel at home. Thanks, Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Casteñeda!
If you don’t know about Margaret Hussmann, I encourage you to read about her at the El Paso Wildfire website. I think it’s somewhat fitting that the Franklin Cougars, Margaret’s team, won the inaugural tournament named in her honor.
Amy and Harry Hussmann surrounded by the Franklin Cougars -- Margaret Hussmann Tournament Champions
NMSU Volleyball
Below is NMSU’s wünder-freshman Stephanie Ziegler making a save at the recent Alumni game. I mislabeled Saahaa Jacobsen as Stephanie a few posts back, and now I’m trying to make up for it. Sorry guys!
NMSU's Stephanie Ziegler
Shooting the Aggies has been nothing but a pleasure. There are some great people to hang out with (René, Trish and Sam) and many of the local players attend the games.
Future Mayfield Greats
I’ve also had the chance to photograph top-notch teams at the Hotel Encanto Tournament. This year’s participants were NMSU, Illinois (ranked #8 at the time), Florida State and the Italian National A2 Team. The Italians were to play four venues in the U.S. and NMSU was one of them.
NMSU head coach Mike Jordan is really spoiling the local fans by persuading nationally-ranked teams to visit–who could forget Texas last year? Add the consistently ranked Hawai’i visiting for WAC games, and you’ve got one heck of a volleyball scene happening in Cruces.
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- The Italian National A2 Team listen to the Italian National Anthem
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- An Italian National team member makes a diving save
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- Italian National team member digs the ball
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- Illinois outside hitter Laura DeBruler
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- Florida outside hitter Mira Djuric
Photographically speaking, the Illinois and Florida State teams were some of the more difficult teams I’ve shot in a while. Illinois hitters Laura DeBruler and Kylie McCulley and Florida hitter Mira Djuric were getting some incredibly powerful hits on the ball.
If I’m on the side of the court, I can usually track the ball, but I didn’t have a lot of success when they were attacking. That left me guessing where the attack was being directed and hoping for the best. It sure was fun, though!
See ya’, Sam!
Sam Wasson, the operator of Bleed Crimson, left to Alaska this week to join his wife as she takes the next step in her career. He’s assured everyone it’s only for a year, but I’m sure he’ll be back often. To put a positive spin on it; at least he has someplace to store his frozen green chile…
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