Skip to content

BCHS Alumni take on current Gryphons in a battle of the generations

The Lou Rondeau Alumni Volleyball tournament means different things to different people. For the alumni, it’s a chance to catch up, reminisce and swap stories of their youth.
Alumni Volleyball_DSC_0018
Cameron Piers of the BCHS Grade 11 squads attempts to power the ball past a block from the Meinema/Gelderman alumni team.

The Lou Rondeau Alumni Volleyball tournament means different things to different people.

For the alumni, it’s a chance to catch up, reminisce and swap stories of their youth. For current Gryphons, it gives them a chance to hone their skills against seasoned veterans.

Either way the result is volleyball, players and fans, were treated to some very competitive volleyball.

On the Labour Day long weekend, about 100 volleyball players, on 18 teams made up of current Barrhead Composite High School (BCHS) players to those pushing 50, competed for bragging rights in a battle of the generations in the 36th annual Lou Rondeau Alumni Volleyball Tournament at BCHS. The event is named after long time Barrhead area teacher and volleyball coach Lou Rondeau.

BCHS senior boy’s coach Rod Callihoo said originally the tournament started as a fundraiser for the school’s volleyball program.

“It really has become a tradition that the alumni really look forward to,” he said.

Callihoo, who is a former Gryphon, said as a coach he appreciates his players being able to play the more experienced alumni players.

Although the majority of the teams will be composed of players who played their last competitive high school game 10 to 15 years ago, some are comprised of players who have recently played or are currently playing for university or college teams.

“There is some very high level volleyball at this tournament, especially on the boys side where more of the alumni have played at that collegiate level,” he said, adding the tournament gives the current Gryphons a leg up on their competition as they are just starting to practice.

Callihoo said the tournament is a source of pride for the school.

“It is one of the jewels of our school and it [tournament] just continues to grow every year.”


Barry Kerton

About the Author: Barry Kerton

Barry Kerton is the managing editor of the Barrhead Leader, joining the paper in 2014. He covers news, municipal politics and sports.
Read more



push icon
Be the first to read breaking stories. Enable push notifications on your device. Disable anytime.
No thanks