Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Calls for more emphasis on women
Ever since the first nets were raised 26 summers ago, Pottstown has become a volleyball mecca.
The annual Pottstown Rumble has gained a reputation among athletes of the sport as one of the best competitions in the country and thousands flock to Memorial Park each year to participate and watch some of the best square off in the four-day tournament.
This year’s competition was no different, as athletes praised the successful event on Sunday, saying they had a lot of fun and enjoyed the beautiful weather.
Yet the event wasn’t without some criticism from a few who’d like to see more emphasis on female participation in the future.
Mackenzie Kleespies and her sister Cassie, of West Grove, both agreed the tournament as a whole was very well run, but wished the event wasn’t so heavily focused on men.
“I think that’s not something that I agree with,” she said. “And I think the women’s open, the talent here is very legitimate and I’m very proud to be a part of the group of women that come to play.”
“Last year was the most women that had ever turned out,” said Cassie. “We beat that record by having 45 teams. The prize money is growing and growing and the amount of women that are playing the sport of volleyball is growing. The competition is getting a lot stronger. I think that’s awesome. We want to play the best women around. And it would be great if each year we got more and more and more so we could compete for the spectators like the men do.”
Rumble organizer Seth Kaas said there were 40 women’s teams competing this year, compared to about 130 mens teams. “I’d challenge them to find a nonpro event that pays this well for women at $3,000,” he said. “And not comparable teams. We don’t cap both at 30 or 40 teams entry. As many players can register as they want. When you get 130 men’s teams and only 40 women’s teams, you have to respect that ratio.”
At the same time, The Rumble, RUMBLE » PAGE 4