Aug. 19, 2009
COLUMBIA, Mo. -- After practicing twice a day for the last week and a half, the Mizzou volleyball team took a break from practice on Tuesday (Aug. 18) to participate in a team building exercise at the Alpine Tower on the Missouri Campus. In conjunction with the `Venture Out' program, the Tigers participated in activities that stressed teamwork and camaraderie for nearly five hours in lieu of the usual afternoon practice.
In hopes of strengthening the team's chemistry, the first activity was a simple task that stressed strategic thinking. All 14 student-athletes had to cross three wooden platforms by using a pair of two-by-fours, neither of which would bridge the gap individually. Another requirement was that no more than three people could be on either the first or second platform at one time, forcing critical thinking. The main challenge was that nothing could touch the ground at any point. If anyone or either of the two-by-fours touched the grass, the team would have to start all over. After several failed attempts, the Tigers finished the course in less than 30 minutes, an impressive feat for a roster of 14.
The next activity involved a rope course where the team had to scale a 10-foot tall wall, much like a soldier would do during a physical training activity. The student-athletes were once again asked to help each other, strengthening the team bonds.
The afternoon culminated with the scaling and repelling of the alpine tower. Once again, with the emphasis on team chemistry, each student-athlete that climbed relied on her teammates to hold her rope as she scaled the tower.
In all, the day was a fun break from the preseason practice schedule and the student-athletes strengthened their bonds with each other. The team shared laughs and enjoyed themselves, but most importantly they learned how to work with each other, an attribute that will most likely help the Tigers on the volleyball court this fall.
Fans can get their first look at the Tigers this Friday at the annual Black & Gold scrimmage, scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. A free youth clinic will also be held prior to the Black & Gold match as well, open to all children from kindergarten through eighth grade. Click here for complete details on the youth clinic and for more preseason volleyball updates, stay tuned to www.mutigers.com.