Spring Grove Challenges Eitzen to Defend Their Title in Chair Volleyball

During the 2024 Syttende Mai celebration in Spring Grove, a new event took center stage; a chair volleyball tournament. Spring Grove fielded two teams with Donna Myhre organizing another, and Eitzen sending a team of their own. In the end, the Eitzen team claimed the championship title.

Now, Spring Grove is gearing up to host another tournament this fall, challenging Eitzen and inviting two additional teams to join in the competition. The upcoming tournament will take place during Spring Grove’s annual Uff Da Fest on October 5, from 1-3 p.m. at the American Legion Post 249 in downtown Spring Grove. Teams are limited to eight players each, and the entry fee is $1 per person or $8 per team.

Former Spring Grove mayor Don Vesterse emphasized, “We would like more teams to participate.” As it stands, Eitzen remains the only other town with a team, and Vesterse hopes to see more nearby communities, like Mabel and Caledonia, join in the fun. 

Chair volleyball, a variation of sitting volleyball, originated in the Netherlands in 1956 as a rehabilitation sport for injured soldiers. The game became a Paralympic sport in 1980, where athletes play while seated on the floor. However, chair volleyball, has evolved into a fun, social activity for older adults.

Chair volleyball truly embodies the phrase, “laughter is the best medicine” with players and spectators constantly sharing smiles and laughter throughout the game.

The game uses a beach ball, a five-foot net, and rules similar to traditional volleyball – with one key difference: players must remain seated in their chairs. Vesterse explained that they rotate positions but players can stay in the same seat if they prefer. A unique aspect of the Spring Grove games is the installation of an additional net below the main one, tailored to local preferences. Players can hit the ball as many times as needed and even kick it if they can’t reach it with their hands. The winning team must score 10 points. The hardest part is keeping track of the points. The losing team always serves first.

Vesterse added, “We have people in wheelchairs and they stay in one place. Some people like to stay in the back row because it is not so much action.” 

While Vesterse is now a key promoter of the sport in Spring Grove, the original idea came from Sanford and Doris Morken, former owners of Spring Grove Bottling Works. After retiring to Florida and discovering the game there, the Morkens returned to Spring Grove and introduced chair volleyball to the community, even purchasing the first net.

Since its introduction is 2016, chair volleyball has grown in popularity in Spring Grove, with games taking place twice a week at the Legion. What started as a Thursday-only event now extends to Tuesdays due to increased interest. “The most we’ve had on one day is 24 people,” Vesterse said with a laugh, adding, “You can hardly miss the ball with that many players!”

Participation ranges from about 15 to 24 people. Anyone over 55 is welcome to join, and Vesterse encourages those interested to come on Tuesdays when the court is less crowded, adding that it does not cost anything to play on Tuesday and Thursday.

The benefits of chair volleyball go beyond just physical exercise. “You’re getting exercise, you’re getting laugher, you’re getting communication,” Vesterse explained. “I’m their cheerleader.” The atmosphere is lighthearted, with participants enjoying the camaraderie and the chance to stay active in a fun, social setting.

The games are played after Senior Dining meals, although there’s no official connection between the two events – just that many participants stick around for a lively game of chair volleyball. They start around 11:45 a.m. and end between 1:00 and 1:15 p.m. Vesterse expressed his thanks to the Legion for providing the space. 

For anyone interested in starting their own volleyball team, Vesterse offers simple advice, “Just start.” He’s available to answer any questions about forming a team or participating in the upcoming tournament and can be reached at (507) 961-9618. 

So, as Spring Grove prepares for its fall tournament, the challenge is on. Will Eitzen defend their title, or will a new champion emerge? There’s only one way to find out – grab some friends, a beach ball, and take a seat!