Fam + 2 Win it All in Third Annual Timmy Klein Volleyball Tournament
By Sean McVeigh
Saturday morning, July 13, was forecasted to be a washout. Rain was expected for the entire morning with a chance of clearing up in the afternoon. With 112 teams signed up to participate in the third annual Timmy Klein Beach Volleyball Tournament, the decision was made to power through — this tournament would be held rain or shine. When those first serves went up at 10 a.m., it was dry and for the rest of the day, there was nothing more than a refreshing sprinkle. This amazing new Rockaway tradition, honoring Timmy Klein, a hero who gave his life fighting a fire almost two and a half years ago, was underway without a hitch.
The competition this year was fierce. There were 16 courts strewn out across the beach between Beach 127th Street and Beach 132nd Street. Each court consisted of seven teams facing off in a pool-play round, all vying for two spots to advance deeper into the tournament.
Around 3 p.m., after five hours of competitive volleyball, the bracket had been set and the round of 32 was underway. This is when things really started to heat up. Now, these were the best of the best, battling in a single elimination bracket. The hype was lived up to and spectators were treated to some amazing games filled with impressive play.
Before the final game, the Klein family took a moment to speak. Timmy’s mother, Dee, speaking on behalf of the family, thanked everyone for coming out and supporting the event. She thanked the numerous sponsors and all the volunteers who helped make the wonderful day possible. Finally, Dee spoke about how Timmy’s memory lives on, not just through this amazing day and all the other tremendous events held throughout the year in Timmy’s honor, but through all the good that is able to be done with the money raised. This was met with a rousing cheer from the crowd. It was time to crown a champion.
When the sand had finally settled, two teams remained: Fam + 2 and the OddFellows. All other nets had been taken down prior to the final four and center court had been established. Getting to the front of this court for a view of the action was no small feat. A massive crowd formed to watch the final game. Even the dunes rising above the court were filled with spectators, giving the game, which was being played a few feet from the ocean, a stadium style feel. The tension in the air was palpable and after hours of volleyball, these two undefeated teams remained. However, only one would leave with the trophy.
Fam + 2 captain, Craig Carey, got things started by riling up the crowd before his opening serve. That might have set the tone for the match. This was a back-and-forth battle throughout … until it wasn’t. Fam + 2 went on a dominating run and just as it looked like it might be lights out for the OddFellows, they hit back and went on a run of their own. A straight 25 finish did not look out of the question as these heavyweight hitters, big time blockers, and sophisticated setters put on an outstanding performance for the onlooking throng.
In the end, Fam + 2 held off the onslaught and beat the OddFellows 25 to 23.
With that, another great day, in honor of a great man, was wrapped up! Congratulations to the champions: Fam + 2! (Owner/player Craig Carey, Manager/player Marty Erhard, Coach/player Luke Erhard, Team MVP Dylan Carey, CJ Carey, Kevin Erhard, Noelle Carey, Kelly Erhard, Kyle Hoffman, Sean O’Hara and Tom Collins)
Photos courtesy of Timmy Klein Volleyball Tournament and Fam + 2
