12/13/2024 Fulton, MO- Westminster College has officially announced the schedule for its men's volleyball program's inaugural season, marking a historic moment for the Blue Jays as they prepare to take the court for the first time in spring 2025. Under the leadership of Head Coach Dalton Tucker, the team has built a strong foundation and is ready to embark on its journey of competitive collegiate play.
"I'm really excited about the opportunity to bring men's volleyball to campus!" said Tucker. "The past year has been about building the foundation from the ground up and finding the right guys that fit in our program. I'm extremely happy with the 18 guys that we brought in to be a part of the inaugural season here at Westminster!"
Now in his fourth year at the college, Coach Tucker is no stranger to success at Westminster. As the head coach of the Blue Jays women's volleyball team, he has led the program to four consecutive appearances in the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC) Tournament, advancing to the championship game twice. This proven record of success has instilled confidence in his ability to guide the men's program in its debut season.
The season begins at the SUNY Poly Invitational on January 11-12, where the Blue Jays will face Sage College, Nazareth College, SUNY Poly, and Misericordia University over two days of intense competition. Following this opening weekend, the team will head to Illinois for matches at the Concordia Chicago Tri-Match on January 17 and Augustana College on January 19.
Westminster's home opener is set for January 28 against Greenville University, a match that will offer fans their first opportunity to cheer on the Blue Jays at home. Other matches include participation in the Marian Tournament in Wisconsin from January 24-25 and the Wittenberg Tournament in Ohio from February 14-15, where the team will face a mix of NCAA Division III opponents.
"We have a tough schedule this season with a lot of matches, and I know the guys are just ready to get out there and battle!" Tucker said.
The Blue Jays' schedule also features key home events, including a match against St. Mary-of-the-Woods College on February 4 and a home tri-match on March 15, where they'll take on Rockford University and Simpson College. The season wraps up in April with a pair of
matches against Simpson College and Greenville University, giving the team a chance to close out its inaugural campaign on a strong note.
The 18-player roster represents months of dedicated recruiting and preparation, embodying the foundation of Westminster's inaugural men's volleyball team. With Coach Tucker's proven leadership and a determined group of players, the Blue Jays are focused on growth, teamwork, and laying the groundwork for long-term success. As Westminster embarks on this exciting new chapter, the stage is set for the program to establish itself as a competitive force in collegiate men's volleyball and make its first season one to remember.
