What began as an invitation to Industry Leaders in the United Way of Lamar Annual Campaign, has grown into a highly competitive event. With teams traveling from as far as Ada, Oklahoma to Pittsburgh, Texas, for this one day competition.
Standing ankle deep in the soupy mud, teams of 3 men and 1 women faced off. The two full days of rained prepared the courts as each team fought for cash prizes, a travel trophy, and bragging rights during the 4th Annual United Way of Lamar county mud volleyball tournament.
On its face, the day is a fundraiser. Each of the 16 teams paid between $100-150 for the registration fee. Sponsors contributed (Court Sponsors: Campbell Soup Supply Company, Paris Regional Medical Center and Edward Jones Investments-Stephen Gerrald. Muddy or Dirty Sponsors: Aden Ann’s Botique, Brentwood Terrace, Tony Corso Images, Pierson & Fendley Insurance, David’s Meat Market, Coldwell Banker Regional Realty, Paris Police Officers Association, Innergyze, Rocking L Music, Turner Industries, Paris Rodeo and Horse Club and Print Works) on many levels to support the event. All of the proceeds will go toward meeting the 2015 United Way Community Campaign goal of $550,000. But on the court, it’s a battle.
Four full-sized courts were marked off, and the two straight days of rain prepared the mud. In the cool autumn air, the muddy courts taunt players and the trash talk begins. Who will be the winner of the $500 First Place cash prize?
Sixteen teams battled it out in the ankle deep mud of the Paris Rodeo Arena. The games played out in a one-to-one match-up, two out of three; double elimination tournament: The Paris Police Officer’s Association vs. The Paris Fire Department; Guaranty Bond Bank vs. Capitol One, Campbell’s Soup Supply Company vs. Paris Regional Medical Center, Anytime Fitness vs. Paris Fitness & Aquatics, and Lamar Avenue Church of Christ vs. Victory Baptist Church. All in the name of good clean Fun! And the opportunity to invest in our community.
Players were mostly barefoot and some even wearing matching team shirts. All the teams were required to be co-ed, with at least one woman playing at any time. The teams get creative, with their names “Mud Ducks,” “Pace Setters,” and “I’d Hit That.” It was a chilly day, so when players weren’t on the court they were huddled with family and friends in the stands.
Everyone is streaked with mud and dirt up to their waists. Some completely covered in mud stains thanks to a few well-placed dives to save the ball.
Not even the supporters on the sidelines will leave with clean clothes. The ball splashes mud anytime it hits the ground. Every step a player takes leaves them either stuck or slipping and sliding. After each game, players rinse off under a makeshift outdoor shower fashioned from PVC pipe and a garden hose. The showers and courts were maintained by the generosity of the Paris Fire Department, Reno Fire Department and the Powderly Volunteer Fire Department. 
The final results on the tournament: 1st Place “Sooners”, from Ada, Oklahoma; 2nd Place “Pittburgh”, Pittsburgh, Texas, and 3rd Place, “I’d Hit That”, Paris, Texas. To view photos visit: www.tonycorsoimages.com.
The event raised $5,502 to invest in our community through the United Way of Lamar County Fundraising Campaign. People who are interested in supporting United Way of Lamar County can do so in the following ways:
By Contributing to the 2015 United Way Campaign:
Give through your workplace campaign, start a workplace campaign at your organization or business, visit www.LamarCountyUW.org, call (903) 784-6642, or send contributions to United Way of Lamar County, PO Box 1, Paris, TX, 75461. We invite every member of the Lamar County community to participate!
United Way of Lamar County
United Way of Lamar County is addressing the underlying causes of community issues through strategic goals focused on three priority areas: Education, Income and Health. These priority areas have been identified as most critical to changing lives and strengthening Lamar County. Through strategic partnerships and collaborative work, we are achieving measurable results toward making our community better educated, safer, and healthier.
Pictured:
1st – Sooners: Sean Gentry, Joe Thomas, Wayne Gentry, Lori Hamilton
2nd – Pittsburgh: Rubi Yepez, Anibal Perez, Sammy Sanchez, Mateo Guerrero, Carlos Alvarado, Felipe Reyez
3rd – I’d Hit That: Trent Tisdell, Jonathon Carroll, Macy Tisdell, Chandler Hoskins, Kyle Dunmon, Chase Pasternak