Slamwich wins title sans CHS's Johnson

COLUMBUS - As the Slamwich club volleyball team was celebrating winning the USA Volleyball Adult Open national championship, its libero was busy shutting his phone off.

While the team was enjoying the moment in Austin, Texas, June 2, Jared Johnson was standing in the back of a church where he was serving as an usher in his best friend's wedding.

“They had called to tell me they had won, and my phone is vibrating during the ceremony,” Johnson said. “I figured the one year I couldn't make it they'd win it, and of course they do.”

Slamwich won the A division championship after finishing fifth last year. It topped the defending champion, Las Vegas VBC, in the finals for the championship. The A division is the third highest level offered. Slamwich also competes at AA, - the next highest level - where it placed second at three tournaments this year.

The national tournament was just the second tournament Johnson has missed during the past three years.

Johnson, who was named the Columbus High volleyball coach in April, said he usually plays in tournament three weekends a month during the season. This year the team has traveled to tournaments in Chicago, Kansas City and Minneapolis.

“It's a lot of fun to play, and it is a good way to get the competitive juices going,” Johnson said. “We have so much fun when we play.”

The Omaha-based team consists of a group of former collegiate volleyball players. Most live in Lincoln or Omaha, but a few, like Johnson, live outstate.

Johnson played volleyball at Peru State during college and played either with or against most of the Slamwich members.

Even though he missed this year's tournament, Johnson is already planning to attend next year's event, which will be in Atlanta or Salt Lake City.

“We're looking to defending our title next year,” he said.