The tough part may be over...
challenge, but USA Volleyball and Interna- tional Management Group ended speculation by unveiling the Jose Cuervo Pro Beach Se- ries in Manhattan Beach, Miami and Hermosa Beach in September. With purses totaling $500,000 for the three events and a stadium atmosphere to go along with a fan fun zone, the three events set the stage for a larger tour in 2012. James Leitz, vice-president of IMG and the man in charge of the Jose Cuervo Pro Beach Series, said the 2011 season was about proof of concept.
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“There were many challenges in this environment,” Leitz said. “We knew we had to get a few first-class events on the beach and we feel pretty good about that. There is still a long way to go, but we want to bring this sport back and make this tour worthy of the tons of talent we have in this country.” The early grades were positive. Casey Jen- nings, who won the Hermosa men’s title with Brazilian partner Pedro Salgado, said the Her- mosa Beach event generated a great atmosphere. “I definitely like what I saw out here,” Jennings said. “I would like to sit down with USA Volleyball and go over what they did right and what they can improve on, but over-
etting a buzz going about a profes- sional beach volleyball tour after the collapse of the AVP in 2010 was a
HERMOSA HEAVEN: Crowds love their beach volleyball in Hermosa Beach.
all I would have to give them an A+.” Kevin Wong, who missed the event as a player so he could serve as a color analyst on the live telecast broadcast on the Versus Network, said he felt a tremor of momentum building on the beach. “I don’t think this sport has ever had a company with the marketing clout of IMG fully committed behind it,” Wong said. “We all know how great this sport can be.” Players had the opportunity to play on three domestic tours in 2011, factoring in five Corona Light Wide Open events and four National Volleyball League tournaments.
Leitz said he is working around the play-
ers’ schedules in an Olympic year, but that he was confident six full tournaments and several smaller tournament shootout formats would likely be in place for 2012. “We’re in no position to be arrogant by putting on a few successful events,” Leitz said. “We have a long way to go to bring in sponsors to make this work, but we want to dialogue with the players and make it happen. IMG is a global company and we’re going to utilize that in working with the FIVB. Ultimately, it’s about bringing the best event right back here on the beaches where it all started.”
DOMESTIC DIG: Jake Gibb returned from a long SWATCH FIVB World Beach Tour season to finish second in Hermosa.
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