The game of volleyball was different. The playing conditions were different. The path to the national tournament was different. But the competitive spirit which drove the 1976 and 1977 Illinois State volleyball teams to national standing has helped Redbird volleyball continue to be nationally recognized 25 years later.
Twelve student-athletes who played on both of those teams are returning to Illinois State for a reunion this weekend as part of Varsity-I Club Winter Weekend. They will be joined by their coach Linda Herman, now the senior associate athletics director at Illinois State.
Playing a best two-of-three format similar to todays high school game, the 1976 team had a 50-8 record and finished No. 12 in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW) Tournament. The 1977 team won one less match, finishing 49-14, but finished four notches higher, eighth, in the national tournament.
Herman remembers the little things those young women did, just to be able to play.
Those kids set up their own chairs and bleachers before a match, said Herman. And, frequently, they had to grab a broom and clean up after a match. Coaches and players drove vans and cars on road trips; we would finally get to ride a bus to nationals. Many played without scholarships. I think most of our student-athletes from that time realize they were pace-setters.
The road to the tournament also was different prior to the NCAA sponsoring womens sports starting in the early 1980s.
You had to beat every team in your state to win the state and get to regionals, said Herman, whose teams were 267-112 in her seven years as Redbird coach from 1975-81. Then, there would be about 12 teams at regionals. You had to get through regionals just to get to the national tournament.
Its a wonderful opportunity for them to renew their friendships with one another and reflect on just a great time in the history of volleyball at Illinois State. Its what sports are all about: sharing relationships that lead to success on the court and later in life.
Even though it was a different era, Herman believes they were no less driven to succeed than their successors, including Redbird volleyball teams which have earned 12 post-season berths in 20 years of the NCAA era. The lives and careers of the 1976 and 1977 teams prove that.
Every one of them is what I would call a success in their daily lives, said Herman. Thats probably why that team was so successful. We had people committed to success and committed to doing what it took to be successful.
The teams will be recognized during halftime of the Illinois State mens basketball game against Drake, which begins at 7:05 p.m. They also will take part in other special events earlier in the day.
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Redbird Volleyball Reunion
Here is the roster of former Redbird volleyball players from the 1976 and 1977 teams who are returning for a special reunion Saturday, Jan. 26, at Redbird Arena as part of Varsity-I Club Winter Weekend.
Lynn Adams Pacifica, Calif.
Kim Sucher Becker Maywood, Ill.
Denise Bell Boulder, Colo.
Trish Guinee Peoria, Ill.
Angelique Mizera Chicago, Ill.
Paula Papanek Milwaukee, Wis.
Sue Piatek Arlington Hts., Ill.
Kim Edwards Piechota Batavia, Ill.
Andre Ruoti John Day, Ore.
Betsy Kinsedt Sawin New Lenox, Ill.
Peggy Russo Scholten Elk Grove, Ill.
Kim Tuttle Grayslake, Ill.
Kathy Schniedwind (athletics trainer, Illinois State)
Linda Herman (head coach, Illinois State)
