GREENEVILLE, Tenn. --- The Tusculum University men's beach volleyball team will take part in two weekend events during its second season of competition in 2024.
Taking the reins this season is Alberto Chiaparini. He has a roster of 16 at his disposal, featuring eight returners, seven freshmen, and one transfer on his squad.
SCHEDULE
The Pioneers have compacted their season into back-to-back weekend tournaments.
From September 27-28, TU will take part in the Stevenson Invitational. In Owings Mills, Maryland, Tusculum is set to square off with Erskine twice, Liberty, and the hosting Mustangs in traditional matches.
On October 4-5, Tusculum will be hosting an event at the Greeneville Beach Volleyball Complex, the new home of the NAIA Beach Volleyball Invitational. Nearly every men's beach volleyball team is scheduled to come to town: Lincoln Memorial, Erskine, Stevenson, Liberty, Reinhart, and Webber International. The tournament will consist of pool and bracket play.
MEET THE TEAM
Chiaparini retains eight from last season's roster.
Kevin Blankenship (Franklin, Tenn.) and Joel Dubinsky (University Place, Wash.) went 3-10 and 4-4 in tournaments as a freshmen duo. The pairing notched wins over foes from Liberty, McKendree, Tusculum, and Stevenson.
Morgan Makovec (Virginia Beach, Va.) went 2-9 overall (1-4 in tournaments), split between three different partners. His wins as a freshman came over George Mason in the debut and Stevenson.
Adam Svendsen (Harrison, Tenn.) will be in search of his first win during his sophomore campaign after going 0-8 (0-1 in tournaments) last season.
Taylor West (Colorado Springs, Colo.) played in the pairs competition in his lone appearance, falling to a team from Webber.
Deklan Wingo (Chester, Va.) was credited with a 3-1 (0-1 in tournaments) record, beating teams from Erskine, Stevenson, and Webber.
Nick Hale (Murfreesboro, Tenn.) and Donovan Nye (Winder, Ga.) did not see action last fall as freshmen, but will look to take to the sand in 2024.
The octet is joined by a transfer and seven freshmen.
Patrick Gresham (Chesapeake, Va.) comes to TU by way of Virginia Wesleyan. At the Division III school, he played in 46 sets across 16 matches, totaling 22 assists and 59 digs for the indoor squad. Gresham had match highs of four assists (twice) and 10 digs (twice). He attended Western Branch High School in his hometown and played club for CVVC.
Caleb Hammann (Farragut, Tenn.) was a three-sport athlete at Knoxville Christian School, where he graduated as valedictorian. He was an all-region pick in volleyball as a senior and a NACA basketball national tournament champion in 2022. Hammann also played for K2 in the club ranks.
Ty Keeble (Maryville, Tenn.) graduated from Heritage High School, where he played both basketball and volleyball. He has all-tournament (basketball) and MVP (volleyball) designations to his credit. Keeble also played for K2 with Hammann.
Reef Mathis (Saint Johns, Fla.) graduated from Bartram Trail High School, lettering in volleyball and golf. He saw action in 80 sets and totaled 247 kills. Mathis played for JJVA as well.
Tyler Morrison (Alabaster, Ala.) graduated from Thompson High School. He also played for C2 Attack. Morrison was a member of the 2022 16u USAV national championship team which went 72-2. He also claimed third place at 17u for AAU.
Aiden Roper (Acworth, Ga.) was a member of the honor roll at Allatoona High School, where he was a back-to-back state champion. He also played club volleyball for A5.
Kai Williams (Youngsville, N.C.) played three sports at Franklinton High School: tennis, football, and track. He was a two-time all-conference selection, also earning MVP and Coaches Award honors. He also competed for Triangle Volleyball Club, finishing second at nationals in 2023.
Riley Wisniakowski (Pensacola, Fla.) graduated from Booker T. Washington High School and played for C2 Attack Volleyball Club, alongside Morrison.
