Mens Volleyball | Michigan State University

Welcome to the official site of Michigan State Men's Volleyball. Please feel free to contact the club with any questions you may have. Whether you are a prospect, current player, or alumni, we would love to hear from you.

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April 22, 2010:

2010 Spartans Have a Golden Season

MSU Green had one of its strongest seasons in a decade, entering the season ending NCVF National Championship tournament as the overall 6^th ranked team in Men’s Division 1 and making to the Gold Division of every tournament it played in this season. The Spartans marched into the finals of the MIVA and Big Ten championship tournaments and moved up from 24^th in the Mizuno top 25 Division 1 Preseason Poll to 15^th in the Midseason Poll, entering the national championship as the 6^th seeded team in nation.

MSU Green defeated 10 top 25 ranked opponents this season, including 4 victories over teams ranked in the top 10. Head Coach Sante Perrelli (22^nd season) praised the 2010 Spartan efforts saying “this squad played through a great deal of adversity all year and got stronger and stronger as the season progressed. I think that solid leadership, intense practices, personal discipline and a resolve to work hard and play hard all year long helped make this a tremendously successful season – and a very special Spartan team. I also think that MSU White and MSU Posse are to be congratulated for fine seasons. These mostly underclassmen teams are the fire that keeps things cooking with the club and this year, they paid tribute to our traditions and the best of what college sports are about, both on and off the court.”

The Club bid farewell to 6 graduating seniors by hosting a fiesty MSU Alumni squad for a match on Friday, April 16 at the IM West Arena. The club honored the following club members who will be writing checks and harassing underclassmen as alumni next year: Karl Adams (Marketing, Spring Lake, Michigan), Eric Cecchi (Mathematics, Iverness, Illinois), Jon Crepeau (Marketing, Hollister, California), Erik Schreefel (Marketing, Waterford, Michigan), Patrick Slotman (Kinesiology, Zeeland, Michigan), Eriks Zusevis (Kinesiology, Arlington Hieghts, Illinois).

NCVF – USA Volleyball National Championships – Gold Division

Louisville, Kentucky, April 1 – 3

As the 6^th overall seed, MSU held seed by finishing in the Gold Division. tied for 9^th as one of four Big Ten club teams advancing to the Sweet Sixteen in the 48 team Men’s Division 1 championship tournament. MSU defeated Pittsburg, Northeastern, UC San Diego and Central Florida before losing to James Madison and San Diego State. The Spartan’s were honored by having Jon Crepeau named as an Honorable Mention All-American, joining Travis Wilson (’07), Mark Yuhas (02) and Dan Habeck (’96) as previously selected All Americans at the Opposite position. MSU enjoyed the hospitality of the Louisville area and were proud participants in the first-ever tournament sponsored by the NCVF and USA Volleyball. Following two decades of tradition, Spartan tonsorial artists identified first year players (except one) by giving them great hair cuts, commemorating their first season of participation in the club.

2011 Club President elect Kriss Petrovskis says “the event totally outclassed previous championship tournaments I attended – the teams were awesome, the facilities and layout were first rate and we had a great time representing MSU, the Big Ten and MIVA. Our underclassmen learned a ton about tradition, hard work and team work, and I know we will be fired up to maintain our momentum right into the 2011 season.”

MSU White snagged wins against Miami B, Purdue B, UW Madison B and Rutgers, and finished tied for 3^rd in the Silver Bracket of Division III. Freshmen Setter Sam Lee said “being organized on and off the court and having the right line up can really make a difference – we had a great time in Louisville and are excited for next year.”

The MSU Men’s Volleyball Club has been a long-standing and central participant in the movement to bring greater respectability and support for collegiate club volleyball nationwide. And this year, was no exception

MIVA Championship Tournament – Gold Division Finalists

Oshkosh, Wisconsin, March 24, 25

The 15^th ranked MSU Green team travelled around Lake Michigan to Lake Winnebago and Oshkosh Wisconsin to play in the 2010 MIVA Championship tournament, making it to the finals for the first time since winning the MIVA title in 2006. The Spartans entered as the #3 seed overall, earning a hard fought 1^st place pool finish by upsetting then #1 ranked Oshkosh on their home court. On the second day of the event, the Spartans defeated #20 ranked Grand Valley State, 17^th ranked Indiana, and a surging Notre Dame (HM) squad, before falling to the revenge minded UW-Oshkosh Titans in the title match. Serving ace and Senior Opposite Hiiter Patrick Slotman said “we had some really strong team play throughout the event, and just got better and better as the tournament went along. We have a lot of people who can contribute and I think that balance is making us stronger every time we play.” MSU’s 2^nd place MIVA finish and wins over top ranked opponents throughout the month of March propelled earned them a #1 seed in the national championship tournament. Coach Perrelli said “the wins we had against some really great teams should help solidify our resolve going into the NCVF tournament. Our entire club did a marvelous job representing the Green and White this weekend.

MSU White finished its regular season by earning a 3^rd place finish in the Gold Division 2 bracket of the touenament. White advanced to the semi-finals by defeating Earlham, Purdue B and Illinois State 2. Sophomore OH Jeff Kohlsaat said “We saw a number of opportunities this season and learned a great deal about what it takes to compete in our league. White’s Gold Division finish this weekend only means good things for the club.”

Las Vegas Open – Gold Division

Las Vegas, Nevada March 19, 20

Following the BTMVA Championships, MSU Green traveled to Las Vegas, Nevada to participate in the 7^th Annual Las Vegas Open. The event was hosted at the University of Nevada Las Vegas Cox Pavilion. MSU has participated in 5 of the 7 events, finishing 2^nd in 2006.

MSU Green opened play by defeated Sacramento State and Southern California and then won its pool by defeating #7 ranked San Diego State. “We worked pretty hard to overcome the long trip and get better as the tournament moved along. I think we accomplished a great deal by beating three solid west coast teams – and we had a great time too,” said Senior Middle Hitter Karl Adams. MSU’s strong pool play advanced the team into the single elimination Gold Division bracket on the second day of the event where they lost to Colorado, finishing in 9^th place out of 39 teams. Following the event, the players enjoyed the strip and surrounding attractions before returning to prepare for the MIVA Championships the following weekend. Paris France native, Middle Hitter Jerome Araoui commented “this is why we will are going to have a strong finish to our season – and the strip was awesome.”

BTMVA Club Championship Tournament – Gold Division Finalist

March 13, 2010, East Lansing, Michigan

The club hosted the 20^th anniversary of the Big Ten club championships on March 13^th at the IM West Arena, followed festivities celebrating two decades of organized club volleyball play among Big Ten men’s club teams. MSU is a founding member of the BTMVA and hosted the first organizational meeting and league competitions in 1990.

The third seeded Spartans opened championship play a little shaky, having just returned from spring break. Fighting hard, and getting a big lift from Sophomore OH Adam Rykse, the Spartans upset eventual NCVF Division 1 National Champions and then ranked #3 Ohio State in the semi-finals before dropping a hotly contested match to then #1 ranked Illinois. The Spartans were ranked 15^th at the time.

MSU Green had several of its players selected for regular-season and all-tournament honors, including seniors, steady Jon Crepeau (OP), Karl Adams (MH), Jerome Araoui (MH) and freshmen sensation Matthew Vandemeer (OH). Jon Crepeau, MSU Club President, was selected as co-recipient of the conference’s 2010 BTMVA Sportsman of the Year award. “The Big Ten had the strongest conference in the country this year, and I think all our teams, including the Spartans, proved it on the court all year long,” Crepeau said. He added, “the competitive club traditions of the Big Ten and MIVA are second to none and have helped advance real opportunities for club players all over the country. It is an honor to play in the BTMVA and graduate from a Big Ten university.”

Hoosier – Illini Classic – Gold Division

February 27, 28, Bloomington, Indiana

MSU Green fought its way into the Gold Division of the Hoosier Illini tournament by winning its pool matches against Indiana B, Iowa State and #19th ranked U.S. Naval Academy,. MSU won a challenge the seed match against by upsetting #10 ranked Penn State. Penn State had won 2^nd place at the 20^th annual Back to the Hardwood and are one of the strongest teams from the EIVA club conference.

The Spartans were eliminated by a feisty Marquette squad first thing Sunday morning, finishing tied for 9^th in this 40 team event. The Gold Division bracket finish was the best for MSU Green at this tournament since it won the inaugural Hoosier Illini tournament in 2002.

MSU White (MIVA, Division 2) had an exceptional tournament experience by beating a number of Division 1 ranked opponents, making it to the semi-finals of the Silver Division. The Hoosier Illini is widely recognized as one of the strongest in-season non-conference championship tournaments in the nation, attracting a majority of Top 25 ranked division 1 teams. MSU White’s performance, along with the other second squads from BTMVA teams demonstrates the strength of the league this year and bodes well for the future.

February 13, 14:

MIVA-BTMVA Division 1 Qualifier – Purdue

MSU Green battled its way to a 6-3 conference record against other Big Ten university opponents at the annual BTMVA play-date held in West Lafayette (http://www.miva-vball.org/files/btmva.html). The Spartans fought through adversity, earning a respectable 3^rd place conference finish by defeating 14^th ranked Indiana, 12^th ranked Iowa and 17^th ranked Wisconsin losing tiebreaker third games to HM and conference co-champion Ohio State, 4^th ranked conference co-champion Illinois and the home-team, Purdue Boilermakers. MSU Green used various lineups throughout the two-day event, playing more games (24) then any of the other participating teams.

Spartan Club President and Senior Opposite Jon Crepeau said “this was a strong test for our team, given our roster changes and the difficult challenges we all faced over the past week. I think we played with a lot of heart and represented our school and club admirably.” Senior Outside Hitter Eriks Zusevis added, “the BTMVA is an awesome conference with some great competitors. I know that the underclassmen, especially the new players, learned a lot about our club traditions.”

Both MSU Green and MSU White next play at the prestigious Hoosier-Illini tournament (http://www.indiana.edu/~imvbc/pages/hiclassic.html) on February 28, 28 in Bloomington, Indiana.

February 5, 2010:

MSU Men Mourn Tragic Loss of Teammate Mark Reedy

RIP Mark Adams Reedy

January 30, 2010:

MIVA Division 2 Qualifier – Indiana University

MSU White travelled to Bloomington, Indiana to participate in its first MIVA qualifier. White went 3-2, defeating Michigan B, Miami Ohio, and Purdue before dropping matches to perennial favorites, Illinois 2 and Oshkosh 2

Two MSU starters were not able to participate due to injuries. Sophomore Ross Klein is out for the season due to an ugly arm injury sustained in a snowboarding accident over winter break, while Jeff Kohlsaat sprained his ankle at the UM Classic Tournament.

January 23, 2010:

University of Michigan Classic- MSU White and MSU Posse

MSU Posse and MSU white travelled to Ann Arbor to participate in the Michigan Classic Tournament this weekend. MSU Posse snagged its first win of the season by defeating Central Michigan B. The Posse will participate in the Midwest Collegiate Volleyball Association, a Division 2 league within the Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association.

MSU White advanced to Gold at the tournament by defeating Michigan’s first unit. The White win over Michigan’s #1 squad was a strong impetus for MSU’s mostly undergraduate intermediate level team. White plays at its first MIVA qualifier on January 30 at Bloomington, Indiana.

January 23, 2010:

Benton Harbor/Saint Joseph Day Camp and Battle at the House of Noise vs. Notre Dame

The MSU Green team traveled to the shores of Lake Michigan to run three volleyball day camps for the Benton Harbor /Saint Joseph community. The team ran camps for adults, middle school and elementary school players before facing Notre Dame at 7pm in the 6^th annual Battle at the House of Noise match. Notre Dame came out victorious this year, with the Spartans still holding an overall 4-2 advantage in the series. Both MSU and Notre Dame hope to promote volleyball by engaging in this friendly, but fierce event between two great intercollegiate rivals.

Special thanks to Phil Hegg who originated and has organized the event each year. Coach Hegg played volleyball at Ferris State in the 90’s and has long been a supporter of intercollegiate men’s volleyball.

December 12, 2010:

20^th Annual Holiday Classic – Greater Lansing Food Bank

The MSU Men’s Volleyball Club sponsored its annual Holiday Classic at the IM West, raising funds and dry goods to support the Greater Lansing Food Bank. All of the Spartan club teams participated in the event, with MSU Green 1 advancing to the finals. This event marked the end of a very successful pre-season for the club. Now, on to more important finals, i.e. final exams.

December 5, 2009:

Green Captures “W” at Buckeye Classic

MSU Green defeated Ohio State in the finals of the Buckeye Classic by storming back from a 20-24 deficit in the first set, and winning the second set against a ex-varsity peppered OSU squad in Columbus Ohio. MSU defeated Write State in the semi-finals. The tournament win was the second for MSU Green, who won the Central Michigan University Tournament earlier in the pre-season. Based on this win and a split over NCAA Lewis at the Loyola Mizuno Invitational in late November, MSU is anticipated to move into the Top 25 pre-season NCVF poll.

November 16, 2009:

Hardwood

Thank you to all participants, fans, referees and volunteers who made this years 20th Annual Spartan Back to the Hardwood Classic another memorable one. There was great play in every division that went late into the night on Saturday and on through Sunday afternoon. Congratulations to Virginia Tech for taking this years Division 1 crown followed by Penn State in the runners-up spot. Division 2 was won by Indiana-B, followed by Ohio State B.

The Michigan State team were highlighted by the White teams performance, who won their pool on Saturday before being eliminated by runner-up Ohio State. The Green team made it to the finals of the Silver bracket only to be knocked down by Ohio State. Posse had a good showing by beating some teams they had previously lost to at the CMU tournament.

We hope everyone made it home safely and we look forward to hosting everyone next year.

November 3, 2009:

USA Volleyball

The 20th Annual Back to the Hardwood Classic is less than two weeks away and is shaping up to be a historic event. Both divisions will field very competitive teams to show our honorary guest the great competition being played at the club level. Doug Beal, CEO of USA Volleyball, will be this years honorary guest. With his roots being in the Midwest and his involvement in creating the NCVF club volleyball national tournament, the Hardwood Classic will be the perfect place to demonstrate what can be expected in Louisville. We thank everyone who has registered for the tournament and look forward to seeing all teams here in East Lansing for a great event.

Head Coach: Sante Perrelli

BIG TEN CHAMPIONS: '91,'92,'95,'96,'97,'98,'01,'05,'06

MIVA CHAMPIONS: '89,'90,'91,'95,'96,'97,'06
STATE OF MICHIGAN CHAMPIONS: '04,'05,'06,'07
National Coach of the Year: '06
Top 25 Ranking since 1989