On November 1, 2012, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) selected Juniata College as the site for the 2014 men’s volleyball championships. Kennedy Sports and Recreation Center will be responsible for hosting the nation’s top teams from April 25 through April 27 of 2014. Juniata became only the third host in the history of the NCAA Division III championship series. Eagle students and volleyball players expressed their opinion about the news.

Ben Krouse ‘14, Holland, Pa.:

As a junior on the team, I was actually shocked that we were selected to host the event. It is usually held in a much bigger venue, like it was in Springfield last year. Regardless, It will be an awesome environment for the campus. Kennedy Sports and Recreation Center will be rocking.

Dane Azeles ’13, Hollidaysburg, Pa.:

That sounds like it’s going to be crazy. I’m on the soccer team, and if we were ever selected to host games like that, I would be more than overjoyed. I will, for sure, be in attendance, even if Juniata isn’t playing.

Rob Strauss ’13, Penn Hills, Pa.:

I’m currently a senior on the volleyball team. So, while this news is definitely exciting, I’m upset that I’m going to miss it. Since, we host the event, Juniata gets an automatic bid to play, so we’ll be back on campus to watch those games for sure.

Sarah McMichael ’13, Norristown, Pa.:

That would be totally awesome if I was part of a team and knew I could compete for a championship at home. It’s usually at a bigger school or in a city, so I’m a little surprised we were chosen. Either way, it’s going to bring a ton of people to campus and energize Juniata. Plus, we’ll make a good deal of money, I’m assuming.

Paul Ejups ’14, Bay Shore, N.Y.:

I’m really excited that we were picked to host the championship. It’ll be my senior year and it would be awesome to close it out on our home court.

-Seth Ruggiero ’14 Juniata Online Journalist