Official SMVC Press Release

BEACH VOLLEYBALL REVISITS THE HIGH MOUNTAIN DESERT REGION IN ALBUQUERQUE, NM

2nd Annual Sandia Mountain Volleyball Classic will draw national competition, fans.

Albuquerque, NM, May 17th & 18th 2008 – The Sandia Mountain Volleyball Classic returns for its second year to Albuquerque, attracting top level competition from around the nation and offering multiple divisions for event participants. Set at the foothills of the majestic Sandia Mountains at an elevation of more than a mile above sea level, this unique event has grown to the largest all sand two-on-two beach volleyball tournament in the region. With nationwide competitors, the SMVC offers different levels of play for men and women ranging from amateur to professional.

Last year’s inaugural Sandia Mountain Volleyball Classic was a great success with over 50 teams representing seven different states. Due to the elevated competition level, additional teams and substantial prize packages, this year’s event promises to be even more exciting. Attempting to reclaim a second year title, 2007 SMVC winner and pro Volleyball player, Ivan Mercer from California, will return with a new partner, Eyal Zimet from Hawaii. Mercer is also the reigning two-time champion of the Motherlode event in Aspen, having won last year with Zimet. As a former Miami Hurricanes tight end, Mercer considered a career in the NFL with the Redskins before pursuing beach volleyball. While at the University of Hawaii, Zimet led the Warriors to an NCAA men's volleyball championship in 2002 as the team captain. Until he landed a job on the show Lost, which is filmed in Hawaii, his only experience then was the indoor game. While majoring in Computer Science at the University of Hawaii, Zimet was Matthew Fox's stand-in and stunt double for the ABC drama's first 2 ½ seasons.

The Sandia Mountain Classic will take place in tandem at Charlie's Sand Box and Stone Face Tavern - at the corner of Paso del Norte and San Pedro in Albuquerque, NM. Competition levels for men and women are: “Pro”, “A” and “B”. Entries are limited to 16 teams per division, except men’s pro which is 24. This is a double elimination tournament played over the two day weekend, with check-in at 8:00AM on Saturday, May 17th. Entry fees are $60/ team in the amateur divisions and $80/ team in the pro division. Cash is awarded for top finishes in the pro divisions while prizes are given in the amateur divisions. Admission is free for the public. Sneakerz Sports Bar, 4100 San Mateo NE, has been selected as the 2008 Player’s Party Headquarters.

Sponsorship Opportunities are still available. For information and deadlines, contact Sonny at 505-269-6119 or sonny@plasticclothing.com

Additional details, including event registration information are available on the official event website: http://sandiavolleyball.blogspot.com/