Dave to Step Down, RAGE to Disband 7/12/24
Some of you may know and some of you may not know that in September 2023, I had open heart surgery. I had a long recovery, and I am still recovering, somewhat today. I took time off from work and when I felt a little better prepared for the Fall and Winter Season of RAGE Volleyball. Being the Director, Owner and General Manager of the club, it is a full-time job. It's stressful and it’s all volunteer too. In November, I lost my primary job, after 23 years working there, and a hunt for a new job began. Meanwhile, I continued to devote my time to the club.
The pressure of finding a new job, keeping things up to date with the club, finding practice facilities, ordering uniforms, setting tryouts and placing players on teams, and then ultimately, going through two seasons of volleyball, my health was impacted. My family encouraged me to slow down, and that is not in my DNA. I went to my heart doctor, and I was told to slow down, and refocus my life’s priorities and here lies the decision that I have made to disband the RAGE Volleyball Club.
I have learned that life is too short. There are still things on my list that I need to accomplish to feel that I have made attempts on all my personal goals. It’s a long list, but it’s all fun, relaxing things that I want to do. It is now MY time, and I must be selfish about it.
Where does that leave volleyball? The RAGE Volleyball Club will disband. We are not going to continue. I own the rights to the club’s name and logo. I am not going to sell it and no one is going to just take it over. Toledo Volleyball Club, our partner, has been told. I have a meeting with the Director to handle any player transfers and some expectations from those that left and came to RAGE. I encourage all players and their families to continue playing. Whether you go and play for TVC, TDV, Premier, Legacy or Latitude, please, continue to play.
As I step down, I am not going away from volleyball. I’ve come to enjoy the game and will continue to follow all the players that have played for the club. I will show up to your school, and your future club, to watch you play. I will also continue to recruit for Terra State University as they have asked me to help bring in new talent. I am also available to all of you. If you need volleyball advice, need me to review your game, talk about your next level, what you’re doing wrong, or just an ear; I am available to all of you.
There are too many to thank. I appreciate all of you, more than you know. I would like to thank my wife, Candie. It was her idea from the start. You made me believe I could do this. I’d like to thank all the coaches who dedicated their time. You’re all amazing people and the honor was mine to have you coach with me. To the players, without you, your hard work and dedication, the club would never have succeeded. To the Parents, thank you for believing in me to make your daughter better. My daughters, Grace and Abigail, I appreciate your understanding, and the lost time we need to make up for, I love you both. Finally, to Allie, we did this for you. You were the drive to keep going. I love to watch you play. We made your dream come true, mission accomplished! I love you, Fish!
We started with one team and nine girls. We ended with 11 teams, and over 120 players. We were the fastest growing club in Northwest Ohio, and I am proud of all of our accomplishments. I am here if you need me. Call me, write me, come see me; the RAGE Family is forever.
Thank you!
-=DAVE=-