Events in their beginning years usually lack history and tradition. But the Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association's intitial Hall of Fame induction ceremony was not lacking. The accomplishments of the 10 honorees in attendance, however, filled the room with an air of achievement.

Not only have those individuals contributed a great deal to volleyball in Pennsylvania, but to the rest of the country as well. Aldis Berzins, not in attendance, was a member of the 1984 gold medal winning Olympic team.

Jay Heefner, the current vice president of the association, described the recipients by saying, "There are dream makers and there are dream takers. These people are dream reachers."

Locally, the two members inducted had a great impact on Penn State volleyball. Dr. Thomas Tait, a former coach of Penn State's mens' and womens' teams, cited the other individuals for the success of volleyball in Pennsylvania. Current Women's Volleyball Coach Russ Rose was honored as well.

"When you look at the quality of the other people who were inducted into the Hall of Fame, it's a great honor to be considered as a part of that group," Tait said. "It's something that I hope will kind of act as an inspiration to others to aspire to."

Rose credited his induction to former players and staff.

"I think it's a reflection of a lot of hard work that a lot of players and staff have put in at Penn State," Rose said. "I was a recipient because of all their hard work."

Inductees were selected when members of the association submitted names of those who deserved honoring. A committee then selected the inaugural class from the names which had been entered.