The Convention, in all it's glory

The weekend overall:
Standing in line for barbecue for nearly an hour is TOTALLY worth it.

The Coach of the Year banquet is in severe need of a makeover. It's painfully long, and what, was, that, food? I've seen more tender meat on a catcher's mitt.

Carl McGown has worked with a lot of big names in volleyball. In case you didn't hear me the first time, let me just repeat that Carl McGown has worked with a lot of big names in volleyball. Did I mention that Carl McGown has worked with a lot of big names in volleyball? (Yeah it wasn't that much fun in person, either)

How can anyone not love Shoji?

If Sports Imports can make it to the volleyball hall of fame, can Spike Nashbar be far behind?

IPFW's Steve Florio wins "Most Entertaining Presentation at the Convention." Winnebago enthusiast Fran Flory wins "Most Ingenious Use of Elastic Tied between Antennas." Ann Kordes wins the "What Kind of Batteries Does She Run On and Where Can I Get Some" award.


All-American Banquet:
So, no "Cecile and Sagula" this year, but Kordes added a sassy Kelly Ripa vibe. (No, I'm not saying Joe is Regis, or that Cecile is Kathie Lee. I don't even know if Cecile has a son named Cody.)

Loved Barnett's Q&A, didn't care for the lounge-esque chair setting. How many 6-foot-plus girls in mini-skirts do you want to force to sit down and stand up in front of a room full of people? It's like the most complicated yoga move ever.

Plus bonus points for asking Delano if THE ball was really in or out. I think he should finish each Q&A with a Craig Kilborn-type oddball question, though. For instance, Alex Jupiter? "Are you related to Bruno Mars?" Carli Lloyd: "When you buy your first car, will you feel obligated to get one with turbo?" Victoria Henson: "Do you personally know Cookie Monster?"

Carli Lloyd, the internet's least-favorite POY ever (honestly, I think Klineman will survive somehow, so get over it), had the world's most genuine reaction ever.

Best line at the banquet: "Rude." - Cassidy Lichtman.