Program director David Bricka referees a game of flyswatter volleyball at Country Meadow Village. Aiming for the balloon is Bob Benham.
Flyswatter volleyball is not merely a recreational activity at the Country Meadow Village retirement home in Sedro-Woolley. Far from it.
By Vince Richardson, Photos by Frank Varga
Skagit Valley Herald
SEDRO-WOOLLEY-It was a game with plenty at stake-bragging rights for a pair of competitive avians, the Falcons and the Meadowlarks.
Bragging rights are big at Country Meadow Village. When the two squads took to the carpeted court inside the retirement community and sat down for the first of three high-stakes games of flyswatter volleyball, all bets were off.
How serious is this series? Well, the Falcons, coached by Janet Monk, donned black headbands and instituted a “take-no-prisoners” style of play. The Meadowlarks, under the direction of Carl “Bob” Faulconer, chose a more laid-back approach in an apparent attempt to lull the Falcons into a false sense of security.
“These types of activities keep things interesting,” Faulconer said.
The rules were read. Bright, yellow flyswatters were handed out. Then a balloon was served by way of said flyswatter, up and over the net.
Game on.
“That’s the tool of the trade,” Country Meadow Village Program Director David Bricka said of the plastic flyswatters. “And of course, we have a water station complete with premium H2O. This group is going to work up a thirst.”
Once the balloon went up, the trash-talking came to a stop momentarily as members of both squads narrowed their eyes to focus on the floating object. Both teams were rallied on by a boisterous, sitting-room-only crowd.
Pinky Holcomb was supposed to be suited up for the Falcons. Instead, following doctor’s orders, she was on the sidelines, though cheering through a small megaphone.
“My doctor just put me on some antibiotic and said I couldn’t play,” she said. “Well, I can certainly cheer. I hope to be able to play in the next game.
“It’s amazing. There’s still life in those old bones. This is so much fun. It all comes down to attitude at this age. That is so important.”
This was the second time the two teams had clashed on the carpeted confines.
“They played an exhibition game earlier,” said Bricka, who served as a referee. “Now it’s time to get down to business. They have really been looking forward to it.”
Jolane Stave returns the balloon during a game of flyswatter volleyball. Stave’s team, the Falcons, wore black headbands and had a take-no-prisoners approach to the game.
Bricka explained the history of this rather unique sport.
“They have been doing this here for about 10 years. It went on hiatus for several years. Then Janet, coach of the Falcons, she brought it back and gave it a real shot in the arm. It was reborn a couple of years ago and has been going strong every since.”
Each team has more than six players on its roster, since the injured reserve as well as the disabled and unable-to-perform lists can get a bit lengthy. The average age of the players is about 85 years old.
The rules are much like those in regular volleyball except players must remain seated.
The net stands 5 feet off the floor. Players rotate serve among two rows of three players.
The serving team scores a point if the balloon hits the opponent’s floor. Games are to 11 or one hour, whichever comes first.
“There was actually some controversy in the exhibition game,” Bricka said. “We looked seriously at instituting instant replay.”
Game strategy, including subs and where players sit, is left to team captains. Both are flyswatter volleyball veterans.
“We held practices, and that made a big difference,” Monk said. “Honestly, this gives you quite a workout.”
Getting a workout is what really matters, for those on a team and in the crowd.
“This is all about having fun and staying active,” said Tracy Willis, Country Meadow Village executive director. “This is really a very active group. They do a lot.”
Added Bricka, “We want people to keep moving and of course have fun. That’s what this is all about. Our mantra is ‘bringing retirement to life.’ And this group certainly does that.”
And what did Monk think about the opposition’s coach?
“Carl is a big man,” she said. “When he sits down, he’s even with the net. It’s sort of like David and Goliath.”
The first rally showed just how fierce the competition can be. A Falcon made a play for the balloon, stretched a bit too far and nearly fell out of his motorized wheelchair. He managed to make a frantic play for the balloon but came up empty. That bit of excitement didn’t hinder the Falcon’s efforts, as they stormed out to a 6-0 lead.
“It’s a tricky game,” Monk said. “You have to play the downdrafts and the wind currents. This game isn’t for rookies.”
Flyswatter volleyball has enjoyed a resurgence at the Country Meadow Village retirement community. The rules are similar to those of regular volleyball, except that players must remain seated.
Flyswatter volleyball has enjoyed a resurgence at the Country Meadow Village retirement community. The rules are similar to those of regular volleyball, except that players must remain seated.
Indeed, the ventilation did make the balloon dance.
The Meadowlarks, however, were unfazed as they battled air currents and a game Falcon squad. They flew back to tie the score, 8-8. Faulconer made the Falcons pay for hitting the balloon his way.
“Now it’s war!” proclaimed Monk. “Keep it away from Bob, for goodness sakes!”
With Monk serving, the Meadowlarks’ comeback bid was squashed. The Falcons posted an 11-8 victory and a 1-0 lead in the series.
“What a great game. I definitely think we can win the whole thing,” Holcomb said, already gearing up for the second game.
Faulconer had a different take.
“Our team just frittered away,” he said. “Next time, we’ll have a different strategy.”
He didn’t expect the loss to fade from memory any time soon.
“Monk and I sit at the same table. I’m sure I am going to hear about this for awhile,” Faulconer said. “Hey, we won it last year. Next time, it’s going to be payback.”
Ah, you are never too old for bragging rights.
