Spikers' efforts go largely unseen

In the world of men's collegiate volleyball, Penn State has become an oasis for high-caliber teams in an otherwise desert-like East Coast.

Men's volleyball generally is dominated by teams from the West Coast, but the Nittany Lions have been able to break from the mediocrity of the East and build one of the most respected and consistent programs in the country.

This season has the makings of being one of the school's best. Penn State, ranked No. 2 with a 22-1 mark, has been pummeling opponents all season. But few have taken notice -- at least at University Park.

While Penn State is perennially at the top of national rankings, it also has lingered consistently near the bottom of attendance statistics. According to the American Volleyball Coaches Association, the organization that tracks attendance, the Lions averaged only 329 fans per match during the 1996 season. That's the second-lowest attendance average among top 10 teams.

Why can't one of the best teams in the country draw bigger crowds? The primary reason is Penn State's competition.

"I'm sure the average sports fan looks at who we play and compares them to the rest of the athletic department and who they play," Lion coach Mark Pavlik said. "They sit there and see it will be an hour and a half match at the most.

"The fans expect a Penn State volleyball win," he added, "and they expect the match to be fairly short in duration."

Penn State plays in the Eastern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association. Although a strong league by most standards, the overall talent level is a far cry from what is found in the West's Mountain Pacific Sports Federation.

The MPSF has eight of the nation's top 10 teams, making almost every league match a major event -- something that can not be said of most EIVA matches.

The clear leader in attendance in the MPSF is Hawaii, which averages 7,630 fans a game.

"Our attendance is off the chart," Rainbow coach Mike Wilton said. "There is nothing else that compares to it."

The Hawaii fan base is unparalleled. The Rainbows pack their gym for every match and have a television contract that gives them exposure throughout Hawaii.

"A large part of the population not only knows the game, but they like it," Wilton said. "Our players are like rock stars. They are absolute celebrities across the state."

Meanwhile, Penn State players live their lives in virtual anonymity on campus, as their consistent play and achievements go unseen by much of the student body.

"I think the situation has a lot to do with the name recognition of our competition," Pavlik said. "You look at the crowds the Lady Lions get, and those people are sophisticated, knowledgeable volleyball fans. And I'd be willing to bet, that if we were to play better teams, we'd have similar crowds."

Basically, the Lions need to play competition that can provide exciting matches and attract fan interest. One possible option would be for other Big Ten schools to provide the funding to elevate club teams to varsity status, thus creating an environment similar to what the women's teams have in the conference.

"I think the Big Ten is just waiting for that to happen," Pavlik said. "You look at the crowds the women's game gets, and you see there is already a volleyball crowd there."

Before men's volleyball can draw fans from the women's game, other Big Ten universities have to emphasize the sport. With Title IX and other budget-limiting factors, it could be a long time before an atmosphere is created in which Penn State men's volleyball receives recognition and fan support equivalent to its level of play.

"If we can take advantage of what the women's team has, that would be great," Pavlik said. "Rec Hall would be a fun place to be. I'm just hoping that it happens while I'm still here."