The Four Corners Volleyball Club alongside the Fort Lewis College volleyball program is set to host Diggin’ It in Durango, a USA Volleyball-sanctioned tournament, on April 5-7 across La Plata County.
Forty volleyball programs will compete from around the region and states including Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. Athletes range from under-12 years old up to age 18.
“It’s an honor to bring this event to Durango, Bayfield and Ignacio, as many teams now include the Diggin’ It as a primary event on their USA Volleyball schedules,” said Four Corners Volleyball Club director and Bayfield High School head coach Terene Foutz. “Fort Lewis College women’s volleyball is also on stage and can showcase its beautiful campus. Over 56 of participating volleyball teams will compete for their division championships in FLC Whalen and the FLC Student Life Center.”
Foutz said she estimated more than 900 families will be in town for the tournament, which was established in 2002.
Locations include FLC’s Whalen Gymnasium and the Student Life Center, Durango High School, Escalante and Miller middle schools as well as the Durango Community Recreation Center. Games will also be played at Bayfield and Ignacio high schools, middle schools and elementary schools.
The event will kick off with FLC’s volleyball ID Camp April 5 from 4 to 7:30 p.m. FLC head coach Tricia Melfy will lead a camp for high school and college athletes who hope to play in college. Play will begin Saturday at various locations beginning at 8:30 a.m., with the pool assignments being announced on Tuesday.
Sunday will also see action in various locations, with the championships being held on FLC’s campus.
AVP pro volleyball player Kimberly Smith will also make an appearance in Durango for the first time.
“I’m so excited to visit Durango for the first time for the Diggin’ It In Durango event,” Smith said in a news release.
“It’s been such an honor to represent Smack Sportswear on the AVP beach volleyball tour, but my first love is indoor volleyball, so I’m so excited to get back in the gym and hang out with all you awesome ballers.”
Gate passes are $8 for a one-day adult ticket and $15 for the entire tournament.
For more information about the event, go to www.fourcornersvolleyball.leagueapps.com/pages/diggin-it-in-durango.
bploen@durangoherald.com
