TOWAMENCIN – The spikes, the dives, the digs: it’s that time of year again to serve up for a cause, and North Penn delivers. The annual ICC volleyball tournament organized by the Student Government Association was another amazing night of competition between clubs, athletic teams, and friend groups of North Penn, all for a great night dedicated to more than just volleyball.

“It’s an event that everyone enjoys. Different clubs and different friends always come out, and everyone likes a little bit of competition, and it’s all for a good cause. The goal of SGA is to put on events that benefit the entire school, and this is always a good example of that. All different clubs from all walks of life, it’s another opportunity for you to get involved here at the high school,” stated SGA adviser Kyle Berger.

24 teams among 3 brackets made up the action between the Navy and Columbia gyms of North Penn’s sports lobby. The winners of the 3 brackets and the losers of the 3 brackets went head to head, funneling out the top 9 teams who went head to head until two teams remained in the tournament bracket.  And once each team stepped up to the lines to shake hands, some friendly competition brought out some of the best action on each of the 4 courts.

“It was really fun and with a big crowd here watching us play, we just wanted to come out, have some fun and play some volleyball. It’s a really fun time playing with so many different clubs and groups. I would recommend to anyone to come out and play,” said senior Jamie Stewart.

After winning their semi-final match over SGA’s volleyball team, The Rothmen volleyball team went toe to toe with undefeated Team Spikeball in the championship match. The main event between both highly talented teams brought out the best plays and hustle on the night.

“We only had two volleyball players on our team and for the rest of our team, we were all communicating and working to keep getting the ball over the net. We came back and won it when we found ourselves losing by a lot and made it all the way to the championship in a great night of volleyball,” said senior Evan Rothmann.

A nail bitter finish saw Team Rothmen beat out Team Spikeball, 15-13, in the championship match with the incentive of the prize money going to the charity of their choosing. In addition to earning the title as 2020 ICC volleyball champions and bragging rights for years to come, Team Rothmen chose St. Jude’s Hospital as the recipient of their tournament prize money.

“St. Jude’s [Hospital] is a big non-profit organization. We know a lot of people who have gone there and with kids there. At St. Jude’s, parent’s don’t pay for food, travel, or any expenses so that it’s nice going in for help having an easy sense of mind not having to worry about paying, and instead focus 100% on getting your kid healthy,” expressed senior Carter Catanzaro.

For as long as Berger can remember, the ICC volleyball tournament has been an amazing experience for everyone involved, and one that exemplifies the amazing ways a high school can come together with a bit of teamwork, hustle and the once in awhile volleyball to the face, to contribute to local foundations doing amazing work in our communities.

“It’s another opportunity for you do do something that you will remember for a long time. 20 years from now you can look back and say ‘Aye I was in that volleyball tournament, it was a great time.’ You don’t say that about your math class, so get involved, join clubs and have some fun,” concluded Berger.

Get your squad together and start training juniors, sophomores, and freshmen, as next year’s ICC volleyball tournament will be the event you don’t want to miss as the 2021 volleyball tournament champion title will be up for grabs and the chance to earn bragging rights will be there for years to come.