Nov. 8, 2005
Normal, Ill. -
With Illinois High School Association (IHSA) State Championship practices going on Thursday at Redbird Arena, the Illinois State volleyball team has pushed its practice back to 7:30 p.m., but head coach Sharon Dingman will be wearing a live microphone connected to the Redbird Arena sound system, so anyone who happens to be in the arena will hear the Redbird head coach conduct practice. The practice is open to all.
Like a lot of things that have happened in Redbird volleyball, it's a first.
"The IHSA asked that we schedule our practice to make it possible for teams to stay or return to watch," said Dingman, who could practice earlier in the Redbirds' newly-renovated facility in Horton Field House, North Gym. "We're happy to be able to do something to add to an already-great event."
The Redbirds will be in final preparation for a key Missouri Valley Conference match Friday at 6 p.m. at Indiana State. The `Birds, 16-9 overall, 12-3 in the Valley, need the victory to retain their hold on second place in the Valley just two weeks ahead of the State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Tournament at Cedar Falls, Iowa.
Dingman also will be `miked-up' for the WJBC radio broadcast of Friday's match, which begins at 6 p.m. central time. Award-winning play-by-play announcer R.C. McBride and former Redbird volleyball player Paige White will provide the commentary with snippets of Dingman's discussions on the Redbird bench. It's the first time WJBC has tried the format.
"This will allow listeners and fans more insight into what happens before the match," said McBride, who also serves as WJBC's program director. "Plenty of fans have seen Sharon coach; now they will be able to hear her coach."
After the Indiana State match, the Redbirds return home for their final two matches of the 2005 regular season to meet Missouri State (Nov. 18) and No. 23 Wichita State (Nov. 19) in Redbird Arena.
