The start of the Vollerama volleyball tournament was just a few minutes away and Arlington High School Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) adviser Shawna Kroger had a minor problem.
“We do have a ball issue going on,” she said Friday afternoon. “The carts are locked and nobody has a key. I've called numerous people that don't have keys.”
The only volleyballs available seemed to be low on air.
“We're going to have to get that resolved,” Kroger said.
Altogether, though, the annual FBLA event was already a success. Team registration fees had already accounted for $450 raised for two benefactors — the March of Dimes, a nonprofit organization which works toward better health of mothers and infants, and the Nebraska FBLA Foundation. After concessions and entry fees, Kroger expected the day's tally to reach more than $600.
“We should be able to hit that easily,” she said.
Twelve teams of junior high, high school and school staff participants signed up to compete in the 2023 edition of the Vollerama competition.
“We have well over a hundred students participating,” Kroger said, noting the staff team's talk of winning the whole thing.
Teams dressed up for the event, too, picking themes for themselves.
“They're getting a little more creative in their costuming this year,” the FBLA advisor said. “There's been a lot of time spent on the costumes.”
All-in-all, the long-running tournament appeared to again be a good time for all involved. Kroger said she enjoys seeing the kids' excitement for the matches each year.
“It's fun to see them do something where they are competitive, but, yet, they're more here to have fun,” she said. “It's a good brain-break between sports seasons.”
