Steve Aird will play his last regular season game tomorrow night at 7:30 in Rec Hall on Senior Night against Lewis.

Aird, the only senior on the team, has not set any records here in his career for the Nittany Lions, but his contributions as a leader are immeasurable. The 6-foot-2 libero has brought something to the team that many other athletes in sports often forget about, theteam concept.

"I think through his career here Steve has been someone that has been really good as a total teamguy," Penn State men's volleyball coach Mark Pavlik said. "He recognizes how to bring out the best in some of the other guys."

Aird has overcome a somewhat small stature in a sport where size dominates. But, size was the least of his concerns at a younger age. When Aird was six or seven he was diagnosed with severe asthma and doctors thought he would be relegated to a wheelchair. Aird was told to forget about sports, especially heavily cardiovascular sports.

"I did a lot of swimming to improve my breathing and I had to be patient," Aird said. "I couldn't have overcame it without the support of my parents I owe100 percent of everything to them."

By the time he reached high school he had built up his breathing and endurance to become a three-sport star. He captained his volleyball team and basketball team for three years. During his three years as volleyball captain the team posted a 122-2 record. He also was the two-time MVP of his basketball team, and was the three-time conference champ in the triple jump.

Aird's career has seen him play many different positions for the Lions: outside hitter, libero, and he also has come in and been a serve specialist. Last season, Aird played libero in 30 of the 34 matches, but this year that role has been filled by freshman Ricky Mattei. Some players would let that disrupt the team atmosphere, but Aird has supported Mattei.

"I think Ricky is a gifted volleyball player and a great kid," Aird said. "There are too many people concerned in sports about themselves. I don't carewhere I play or if I play, I care about winning the national championship."

Aird is experienced at many positions and offers all the advice he can to his teammates. He gives out so much advice that the guys on the team call him "Splinter", the wise old mentor of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

"I think my role this year more than any other year is to help others get better," Aird said. "I have played all the positions so I can help almost any guy on the team."

Aird hails from London, Ontario, Canada, but had always dreamed of attending college in the states. He played for the Canadian Junior National Team and got to play against some of the best talent in the world. After playing in Nationals he realized that he wanted to compete against the highest level of competition.

Aird received letters from Pacific, IPFW, and Ball State to play volleyball, but chose the Lions after visiting the campus and feeling the most comfortable here.

Aird has adjusted to life in the states through the relationships he has created here, setter Jose Quinones and he came in the same recruiting class and has been one of his better friends.

"Jose has been my man for four years," Aird said. "It's hard to think about life without volleyball or Jose."

Aird also has become good friends with sophomore Kevin Hodge, junior Jason Hawkins, and sophomore Zach Slenker. Aird says that their personalities are so conflicting that when they are all together crazy times are sure to follow.

"He is the life of the team," Hodge said. "He holds this team together, you will be able to hear him talking no matter if he is on the court or off. He will do something totally embarrassing to himself just to get us to laugh."

Aird's final regular season home game will come against Lewis. Ironically, his younger brother Mike had played there as a freshman before transferring to the University of Manitoba, and winning the Canadian National Title this year.

The match tomorrow may take on even more meaning for Aird, as he recently lost his grandfather and his parents are just getting back from Scotland from his funeral.

"I wish my grandfather could have seen me play for Penn State, but I know he will be watching," Airdsaid.

Aird's career has seen two EIVA Championships, two NCAA Championship appearances, and a .629 win percentage. This season is his last and perhaps best chance to win a national championship. The team has gone 19-5 overall and 11-0 in EIVA play. Aird' reduced role in matches, though, has not reduced his role in the team's great success.

"He has been so good for this team this year," Pavlik said. "His leadership equals success. He has a lot of heart, he wants to work hard to be successful. He has matured into being a player who works as hard as he can. If every player had the heart Steve Aird did we'd be damn near unstoppable."