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Dave Williams, Director of Tour Operations for AVP-Machine Volleyball
Thu Apr 3, 2003
Courtesy of http://www.machinevolleyball.com/yourturnthree.htm ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The AVP was created 20 years ago to bring together the worlds best beach volleyball athletes, do you believe that the AVP of today has the best beach volleyball players in the world?Absolutely. If you look at the number of indoor and beach Olympians playing on the AVP tour, there is no question. The new AVP "international rules" have caused controversy throughout the beach game and a division among some fans. Do you believe that fans of the game will eventually support the new rules unconditionally? Fans of the AVP support the rules now. Our crowds are bigger than they have been in years. This so called controversy is an old issue which is no longer relevant to the AVP. Why the new logo? [Dave Williams] Why not? We are a new company with a new vision and a bright future. What are the major lessons learned from the AVP business collapse of a few years ago? [Dave Williams] It isn't as easy as it looks! There is a lot more competition for sponsor dollars than most people realize. Describe the strategy of incorporating both women's and men's beach volleyball under one name and tournament? [Dave Williams] It just made sense to everyone. Players, fans & sponsors love it. What effect has the women's tournament had on the AVP? [Dave Williams] This question surprises me. These are world class athletes regardless of gender and the crowds are bigger so it is clearly working. A lot of sports have major media coverage and updates in newspapers and TV shows like ESPN Sports Center. How far away is the AVP from this? Dave Williams] We have major media coverage! How many sports have had a two page photo spread in Sports Illustrated? We were on NBC live twice last year and 6 times this year. Any chance Logan Tom will be on the AVP tour in the future? [Dave Williams] We hope so. She is terrific and we would love to have her on the beach. What affect has the Olympics had on beach volleyball and the AVP? [Dave Williams] It has made our sport more relevant to fans and sponsors. Would you say that there are now "volleyball people" in control of the AVP, whereas before there were not? [Dave Williams] Actually, it is just the opposite. We have strong management from a variety of businesses including entertainment and sports marketing. Will there be a return of the grand slam events such as the "Cuervo Triple Crown" tournaments? [Dave Williams] Many of the questions we get from fans focus on returning the AVP to some past glory. I can tell you now that no one at the AVP is thinking about the past. We are looking to build bigger and never before seen events that will take everyone to a new level. With one word, describe each: [Dave Williams] One word can't do it, so I'll give you a phrase: a) Karch Kiraly.............. [Dave Williams] The greatest player of all time. b) Jerry Solomon.......... [Dave Williams] A misunderstood convenient scapegoat. c) Manhattan Beach..... [Dave Williams] The Wimbledon of Beach Volleyball d) Sinjin Smith............. [Dave Williams] The finest ambassador of any sport. We would be nowhere without him. e) Elaine Youngs.......... [Dave Williams] The most impressive person I have met in sports and perhaps anywhere. f) Holly McPeak........... [Dave Williams] The hardest working person in the game and a complete professional. g) Dr. Ruben Acosta.... [Dave Williams] Our Ally h) Leonard Armato........ [Dave Williams] He lives his vision with passion every day. i) Eric Fonoimoana....... [Dave Williams] The most tenacious competitor in the sport. Dave Williams Director of Tour Operations Association of Volleyball Professionals www.avp.com