Thirty eight years ago, the transition began for CYC Volleyball. The parents and relatives of the DC Chinatown community introduced to younger, and taller members of CYC, the 9-man volleyball game. The nuances of the game were far different than any of them could have imagined from what they learned at school. In those early years, they weren't very competitive, but they stuck to it, and practiced in Chinatown and on the Ellipse under the tutelage of Coach Peter Chen. Back then, the Labor Day tournament was limited to 12 men's teams from Boston, New York and Washington (Chicago stopped in 1966). Gradually, this core group co-opted others into CYC to become more involved with the game. In the early 70s, CYC expanded to two teams and has since had continuous representation at the NACIVT tournaments.

The 1970s became the apex for CYC volleyball. In 1972 and 1975, they were tournament champions, and in 1976 - runner-ups to NY Free Masons. The team played old style 9 man, with 2 spikers, 2 hooks, middle set and a stalwart defense. CYC men's Volleyball was a consistent top four team through the early 80s, using essentially the same core of players that began in the 1960s. CYC women's volleyball also began in the late 70's and although there was a short break, womens teams are now fully represented in the tournament with multiple CYC teams.

In the 1980s, CYC volleyball began to lose its luster. Basketball was the sport du jour for the younger CYC members. Many original players encountered career issues and family expectations, causing a drop off in commitment. At the same time, powerful teams from Toronto, Montreal, and San Francisco emerged with top-flight talent that eclipsed those of the original three cities in the circuit. The lull also became an opportunity for CYC to expand beyond the Chinatown network into the Washington suburbs. From the late 80s into the early 1990s, quality young volleyball players were introduced to the 9-man game through CYC. With a broader base of players interested in playing, CYC became an entry point for these players, many who became very enamored with 9-man volleyball. This infusion of new players, many who were proficient with the 6-man game, re-energized CYC Volleyball. It was also a starting point for the children of the original CYC players, who started to add volleyball to their basketball interests. They stayed a top 8 team for many years even as the number of men's teams grew to 30-32. Of course, what happened next was a pattern found in many other cities, as the new players eventually created their own teams or branched out to other DC volleyball programs.

What has not been mentioned is that the longevity of commitment to the 9-man game is a result of the dedication of a core of CYC players who EACH has been involved for over 30 years. Although they have diminished skills, their love and passion for the game have not. Some coach, some play, some do both. The history behind CYC volleyball rests with these individuals who are still committed to DC's Chinatown and CYC itself. If you see them this year, say hello to them, and appreciate the fact they are one of the reasons that CYC has endured so long, and has been supportive of the NACIVT experience. They are:

Wally Lee - 38 years
Benny Moy - 37 years
Arthur Goon - 35 years
Harry Guey-Lee - 35 years
Walter Wong - 35 years
John Mon - 33 years
Alan Seto - 33 years
Alan Wang - 33 years
Jack Lee - 30 years

Standing Back row (from left) -- Wally Lee, Alan Seto, Al Wang, Joe, Vince Tam, Arthur Goon, Mike Chew, Sam, Benny Moy, Wylie Wong.
Front row (from left) -- Harry Guey-Lee, Jack Lee, Mike, Walter Wong, Jim, Ho, Larry Lim. (John Mon – camera shy)

CYC would also like to salute the Boston Knights and the New York Vikings for their sustained excellence and contributions to the NACIVT.

IMPORTANT DATES July, 2008: NY Mini Volleyball Tournament, New York. Labor Day Weekend, 2008: 64th Annual NACIVT, New York.

MENS TEAMS CYC "A" TEAM CYC "B" TEAM CYC "C" TEAM CYC GRASSHOPPERS CYC REBELS CYC SILVER CYC 6-MAN EAST COAST ALL-STARS CYC RETRO TEAM PICS CYC RETRO ACTION SHOTS The '72 Team. MISCELLANEOUS CYC PIX

WOMENS TEAMS CYC ANGELS CYC CHINA DOLLS CYC DIM SUM CYC DRAGONFLIES CYC PHOENIX CYC SHAKERS MISC CYC WOMENS

Click for CYC VOLLEYBALL RESULTS