Eight years ago, presidential candidate Bill Clinton made a campaign stop in Des Moines the same time the Illinois State University volleyball team was playing Drake. Four years ago, Vice-President Al Gore flew into Waterloo the morning the Redbirds landed at the same airport on the way to play Northern Iowa.
This time, its President Clinton making a speech at a Louisville high school--DuPont Manual--not far from Cardinal Arena, on Tuesday just a couple of hours before the Redbirds play the Louisville Cardinals. The democrats, of course, won both the 1992 and 1996 presidential elections. And, on the days they crossed with the candidates, the Redbirds won both of those previous matches.
Both the Democratic Party and Sharon Dingmans Redbirds are hoping for three straight, but both are facing stern tests. Getting to the match could be the first one for ISU, which may have its ground transportation rerouted because of street closings for security reasons. Plans can change with the timing of the VIP visit, but Louisville officials are confident the match will go on as scheduled at 6 p.m. (central time) Tuesday.
It shouldnt have any effect on our timing and travel plans, said Dingman, whose team will fly into Louisville on Tuesday morning. Well just have to make the volleyball match as interesting as the presidents visit.
The Cardinal offense--run by setter and China native Jing Ding--concerns Dingman much more than the presidents schedule as the 13-7 Redbirds are seeking their fourth straight win and sixth in seven matches.
The films weve watched, their offense gave us plenty to think about, said Dingman. Their outside hitters are good.
Sophomore Sonja Percan and senior Kelly McClain are Jings top weapons. Louisville, 16-6, is ranked in the Top 10 nationally in blocks per game, but that doesnt worry Dingman.
Our players hit against a very good blocking team every day in practice, said Dingman, whose Redbirds lead the Missouri Valley in blocks per game.
Playing a tough non-conference match--Louisville was ranked prior to the season and is a strong contender for a Conference USA title--so late in the season doesnt concern Dingman either.
Its going to give us a chance to get better, she said. We should learn some things and get better. Competition is always a good thing. We know it will be a good crowd. Actually, were kind of excited about it.
The Redbirds return to Missouri Valley Conference action this weekend. Wichita State is Fridays guest and Southwest Missouri State, on the Redbirds heels in the Valley standings, arrives on Saturday. Both matches begin at 7 p.m. at Redbird Arena.
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