AUGUST 10, 2017 // 11
this year, the youth division will
be guaranteed to play at least
two days in a row, according to
Seaside Chamber of Commerce
Executive Director Brian Owen.
“These divisions used to be
single eliminations, but we wanted
to make sure that we were creat-
ing a positive traveling experience
for these families who are coming
from all over the country to partic-
ipate,” Owen said.
‘So much magic’
While the minutiae of game
logistics varies from year to year,
what has remained constant over
three decades is the feeling of
excitement that builds throughout
the weekend, culminating Satur-
day when open players battle for
first place.
“I thrive on that environment
myself as an extrovert,” Maag
said. “There’s so much magic
involved with meeting new people
and playing alongside such talent-
ed players.”
Maag didn’t start playing vol-
leyball until college. At University
of Portland, he joined a club team
and immediately fell in love with
the sport, he said.
In that circuit he heard about
Seaside’s tournament, and, after
attending one, decided he “didn’t
want to be missing any of these.”
Maag started playing in the
eight-player division, eventually
worked up to the open division,
and now competes in what he
calls the “dinosaur division” —
more cordially known as “golden
masters” for people over 45.
But as his volleyball career
has progressed, competition is bal-
anced with making memories with
his kids and friends.
“For me, it’s a vacation. I’m
still competitive and want to do
well, but a lot of the people we’re
playing with and against have
been playing for 20 years. We get
to carry on that relationship,” he
said.
While Maag has found many
reasons to return each year, Owen
said what makes this event special
for some is just the opportunity to
get to play beach volleyball in the
first place.
“I enjoy watching the kids get
an opportunity to play. Not all
players get to have regular beach
access, so that is an opportunity,
too,” Owen said. CW
PHOTO BY ALEX PEJUNAS
At a previous tournament, Craig Barrow, of Mill Creek, Washington, dives to keep a rally alive during quad, or four on four, action on the main court.
PHOTO BY ALEX PEJUNAS
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Joel Maag, center, with his sons, Quin, 11, and Sullivan, 14
David Vorobets, of Portland, is tossed into the air by a hoard of friends and volleyball fans
after winning the Double A division championship with teammate Ivan Paulenko, middle
right, at the 2014 Seaside Beach Volleyball Tournament.