Burger Barbecue Basics audio story

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A study conducted by the NCAA found that non-athletes had significantly higher levels of occupational engagement than student-athletes.
The study infers that the average student athlete who may not havethe time to explore alternative roles during college will be susceptible to identity foreclosure upon graduation.


Intercollegiate Athlete's Career Development At Risk

Sounds of defeat, passion, victory, fun and physicality echo way past what is known as the court for a new sport trending in San Luis Obispo called spike ball.

 “Huge day at the beach, everyone’s out. We were down 9-2 and we went on a 9 point win streak to win the set and then the crowd went wild.”

Gannon Daynes, Cal Poly business major, has been playing spikeball for 5 years and has noticed its popularity increase among the Cal Poly community.

“I’ve been here 3 years and I’ve seen more and more of it as time has grown.”

The components include 2 teams of 2, an official spikeball net about the size of a miniature trampoline, and an inflatable yellow ball that can be grasped with the average hand. 

“Anytime you can grab 4 people or maybe 8 people and have little tournaments of teams.”

Andrew Walsh, communications major, says that its convenience and competitive aspect are some of the sport’s best qualities. 
 
 “I played one time, a couple rounds and I’m hooked.”

Influenced by volleyball, Daynes says that spikeball is unique in the fact that it can be played almost anywhere.

“Down in Avila beach here in SLO, you’re able to dive which adds another element to the game. Also there’s typically 3 to 4 spikeballs out there, so we’re all kind of friends playing the sport together.”

As for Cal Poly, there is currently no official spikeball club on campus. However, it is not uncommon during spring quarter to see games being played all around San Luis Obispo.

Gannon Daynes says, “I mean you can just see that by going to the beach on Saturday, going out behind the tennis courts and the Rec pool even. I can only see it growing from here even to the scale of being an Olympic sport, which would be pretty cool.”


Hannah Stone 2