OCR Text |
Show Poge 8 September o. 199 SporTstacular In their first year as a Pro Volleyball franchise in the International Volleyball Association, the Salt Lake City Stingers had the third highest attendance in the league. Only the Denver Comets and Tucson Sky drew more fans to see Pro Volleyball during the 1979 season. The Stingers were the best first year franchise attendance-wise in the six year history of the I.V.A., says Nick Curran, Executive Director of the International Volleyball Association. Were very pleased with what Salt Lake City has done in its very firet year in the league." In 20 home matches in the Salt Palace, the Stingers averaged 2,293 people per match, only 511 fans less than the Tucson Skys league leading 2,804 per match. Here are the International Volleyball Association 1979 league attendance figures: The Stingers attracted as many volleyball fans as the other two first year franchises put together. (Albuquerque and San Jose were the other first year I.V.A. teams). Stinger attendance exceeded that of the Santa Barbara Spikers, last years I.V.A. champions, and the powerful Seattle Smashers. The Stingers also registered the highest single match attendance in the league in 1979. 6,817 people thrilled to a Stinger come from behind win over the TVcson Sky on July 14 to set the league mark. Opening night, May 19, 5,044 fans watched Wilt Chamberlain and the Albuquerque Lasers fall to the Stingers, and established the third highest attendance in the league during the season and a new Teague record for an opening night. All in all, it was a great first year for Pro Volleyball in General Salt Lake City," said Steve Bieri, Stingers Manager, It was a pioneering effort for us. We were very pleased with the support from the community, especially the business community. Were looking forward to next year and expect the crowds to be even better next season as more and more people discover the excitement and entertainment of Pro Volleyball." Salt Palace fans saw incredibly talented play as the Stinger squad boasted some of the best players in the league. Final International Volleyball Association statistics show Fernando De Avila ranking in the top ten players in all net play categories, including 5th place in attacking average, attacking attempts and kills per match. Hilary Johnson recorded the lowest number of errors on service receptions in the league, and Robin Irvin, her partner in.the back court, was 5th in service receiving and provided fans with some of the most spectacular digs of the year. Jon Roberts was 9th in the league in service aces with 28 for the season. The Stingers placed three players on the I.V.A. All Star team; Fernando De Avila, Hilary Johnson and setter Stan Gosciniak. Owner Don Sammis sums uprthe season this way, I believed all along that Salt Lake City and the people of Utah would support Pro Volleyball. Were pleased with both the turnout and the enthusiastic support. Well be looking to strengthen our player roster next season in order to keep on moving toward our goal of the playoffs and a league title. The 1979 season for the International Volleyball Association will end August 30th in Santa Barbara as the Tucson Sky will battle the Spikers for the league championship. O V : Salt Lake City Pro Volleyball Nt |