The 2009 USA Open Volleyball Championships were held in Minneapolis, Minnesota May 23rd-30th. The annual event hosts approximately 500 teams and includes open divisions for men and women, as well as AA, A, BB, B, the age divisions (40, 45, 50,55, 60, 65, 70, 75 years old), co-ed, reverse co-ed, and Special Olympics. The Championships featured teams from the U.S., Canada, Brazil, and Venezuela.
Former Gaucho Dr. Steve Zelko and Santa Barbarian, Don Bowers, won the national championship in the men’s 45 division. Bowers played 3 different positions. His solid passing and consistent play was a tremendous help to the team. He earned his first gold medal. Zelko won his 9th gold medal (in the last 13 years), previously taking the title in the 30, 35, 40, 45 year old, and A divisions. He earned an all tournament honor as well. Teammates Jim Hall from Los Angeles, California and Kerry Becker from Portland, Oregon also won all-tournament honors.
After losing their first 2 matches in pool play, they did not drop a set for the remainder of the tournament. Wins over 2008 champion Canada (including players from Canada’s 1984 Olympic team) and Venezuela highlighted the competition. In the finals, an efficient, workman-like performance sealed the straight set victory over Papakoa from the Great Lakes Region.
Former Gauchos competed in a number of divisions. In the open division, Theo Brunner won the national championship, playing for Team Paul Mitchell. Andy Tomkinson placed third, playing for OCVC. Aaron Mansfield placed fifth, playing for Balboa. In AA, Alejandro Parra and Ben Brockman placed third in the silver division.
Santa Barbarian Richard Pertsulakes competed in the A division, placing third in the bronze division.
Santa Barbara physical therapist Robert Weber competed in the men’s 60 division, placing 7th in the gold division.
