This last weekend, Oct. 8 to 10, Walla Walla University had the privilege of sponsoring the annual Fall Classic soccer and volleyball tournaments. A grand total of 36 teams from 20 different Adventist academies from the North Pacific Union Conference and beyond took part in the event. Over 500 student athletes participated, as well as support staff of more than 200 coaches, assistants, and bus drivers. Spirits were high on WWU fields and gym floors as academy students from near and far demonstrated their hard work and dedication in the name of sportsmanship.
Of the 20 volleyball teams in attendance, two teams rose to the final championship game on Saturday night. Walla Walla Valley Academy (WWVA) defeated Portland Adventist Academy (PAA) after what proved to be a rousing match. In third place was Pacific Union College Preparatory.
Krista Schafer is a senior on the WWVA volleyball team. “Overall the highlight for me during the tournament was working our way up and taking first place,” Schafer said. “I remember several kills and blocks that our team had that really stand out to me, especially during the championship game.” Schafer was also chosen by her teammates as a part of this year’s All-Tournament Team.
“Every one of us has worked really hard this season to be the best we can be,” Schafer said of her fellow teammates. “They have all inspired me on and off the court. So getting that award this weekend really meant a lot to me knowing that I am appreciated and recognized by the hard work I put into my team.”
On the soccer field, 16 teams battled for victory, leading up to another high-energy championship game that same Saturday night. Livingstone Adventist Academy received third place; Puget Sound Adventist Academy placed second; and the championship title went to Portland Adventist Academy. “It’s a great opportunity to come and play the other Adventist schools and compete against some of the better schools in the Northwest,” said PAA athletic director, Lance Judd.
For the third year in a row, Paradise Adventist Academy took home the soccer Sportsmanship Award. The volleyball Sportsmanship Award went to Fraser Valley Adventist Academy.
Tournament photos and results are available at wallawalla.edu/fallclassic.
Posted October 13, 2015
