The NE Volleyball Club can now add “award-winning” to its list of accomplishments after its first-place win over SE Campus in TCC’s fall volleyball tournament.

SE Campus originally was awarded the trophy after officials incorrectly counted the team’s points. The officiating crew’s mistake nearly cost NE the championship, but after a re-tallying of points, NE was crowned the winner.

“People don’t want to play for nothing,” said volleyball club president Neal Dao. “They want to compete.”

That is why TCC offers a biannual volleyball tournament open to all students and faculty, one in the fall and one in the spring.

“To me, participation is very important,” he said. “I would like to bring the volleyball level up, but at the same time, I want participation.”

Dao believes the amount of participation allows for growth among participating students.

“The club is an opportunity to develop team-building skills, sportsmanship, character in a healthy environment,” club member Andrew Petering said.

Other students also have found the club to be helpful in relieving stress, aiding relaxation and providing fun.

The NE Volleyball Club meets 2-4 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday in the NHPE gym. Dao said he will post fliers around campus to alert students of the new times and dates for the spring semester.

“My passion is to make sure the students understand that they’re here not only to [strengthen] their mind,” he said, “but to exercise their body.”

—Diamond Mitchem