Reflecting the tremendous growth in volleyball statewide, attendance at the clinic and tryouts for DIGS's 22nd season set new records for the club.

"We are really amazed by the numbers this year," stated Bill Lee, club president, "particularly at the middle school level.  Clearly, this is driven in part by the success of our Little Spikes! clinic program for younger players ... but we never expected such a turnout."

According to clinic manager and club 1st vice president, Kathy Kurtzke, middle school attendance shattered all records.  "Last year we had about 65 kids try out from middle school.  This year we had over 100 registrations, including several grade schoolers - that's more than a 50% increase.  The energy and enthusiasm has been fantastic."

"Registration for high school players was also a record, eclipsing last year's turnout."  Kurtzke noted that total registration for both weeks was 290, well above last year's all-time count of 269.

As a result of this "youth movement", DIGS is adding a 13 Red team, a first for the club.  "I'm ecstatic," exclaimed Scott Mose, technical director.  "Even more exciting than the sheer numbers of kids turning out is the very high athletic profile of these kids.  This really sets the stage for a strong club in the future."

Also, DIGS is again able to field a full 18 Red team.  "This will be a great year for our senior teams," Mr. Lee observed.  "For example, the 17 Red and 17 White teams ... they both are very, very strong - one's a returning USA Volleyball Junior Olympic team.  The other is less finely tuned, yet it is perhaps the strongest 17 White team we've had in years, with lots of potential."

"Unfortunately, along the way, we had to turn away some excellent talent, including past club members.  The New Jersey volleyball world is simply getting more intense."