It was a hot summer afternoon in the Desert Southwest, much like any other day in July, but that would soon change.  They began to gather, gangs with a purpose, a purpose to conquer.  The first to arrive, known far and wide as Redliners, Get Spiked and Holben's Mental Ward, had prepared themselves psychologically for the contest.  It was all innocent enough at first, but once the Desert Swaim Spikers swarmed in, the Acorns cracked under pressure and Repro Ducks were all around, dive bombing a motley crew of Stragglers.  When the last whistle was blown, the dust settled, and the bodies were counted, Guys With Beer Bellies were barely breathing after being assaulted by the Brew Killin' Spikers, and the Woodheads had pounded the finishing blows on the ominous Dirty Dozen....and the crowd went wild.

Two things helped the SACSDA Volleyball Tournament get started on the right foot.  We picked an event that the A/E/C industry in Tucson was familiar with and enthusiastic about, and we had the support of the local AIA Chapter and other A/E organizations.

In 1993 and 1994, a sales representative with USG Interiors in Tempe, Arizona, sponsored a volleyball league for A/E firms in Tucson during the months of March, April and May.  At the end of league play, a tournament was held for all participating teams.  A seed was planted.

Marie Bourland was the instigator of the first SACSDA Volleyball Tournament.  Along with other SACSDA members who had participated in the league mentioned above, Marie put together the tournament.   Starting out with five original members, this committee has been joined each year by other members enthusiastic about putting on a fun and successful event for the A/E community.

Each year the Southern Arizona AIA Chapter has supported the tournament.  The tournament is always held the first Friday in June and is listed on the AIA calendar as their chapter meeting for June.  The AIA chapter also issues a certificate of insurance to cover the event as a requirement by the City of Tucson Parks and Recreation.  Articles on the tournament are published in the AIA newsletter, "Perspective".  The Executive Director helps out by issuing faxes and/or emails pertaining to the event to all AIA members.  In addition, AIA member firms assemble teams and actively participate.

The main objective of the SACSDA Volleyball Tournament is to hold a fun event that brings together the various disciplines in the A/E/C industry.  At the same time, the chapter is promoting SDA and providing funds to support chapter scholarships and the general fund.  In Arizona, we are lucky to be blessed with a temperate climate and lots of sunshine.

Thank you to everyone who has participated in this event over the years and for making it such a successful endeavor for SACSDA!