For more than 10 years, Soboba Elders have taken to the courts to play fast and furious games of chair volleyball. Many have been part of the fun since the beginning and others joined as soon as they turned 55 years old. The players are not just teammates; they enjoy the socialization aspect of the sport.
Currently there are two teams that play competitively, traveling to various reservations to play for trophies and bragging rights. There are six players on the court at a time, but other team members are rotated throughout the game so all get a chance to play.
The Elders meet at the multipurpose room adjacent to the Soboba Tribal Preschool twice a week to practice and on Friday, July 24, they hosted a small, friendly competition by inviting teams from Morongo and Torres Martinez to join in. The event was also a potluck lunch with everyone bringing food and snacks for the day. There were fresh fruits and vegetables and lots of protein, making the choices perfect for the active seniors.
Francie Diaz is beginning her fifth term as President of the Elders group and always looks forward to playing and traveling with the chair volleyball teams. Also serving are Vice President Virginia Duenaz and Secretary/Treasurer Sandy Boniface.
“What I enjoy the most about it is the good social time it provides,” Diaz said. “Statistically, some of the leading contributing factors to heart disease as well as other physical ailments for elders are loneliness and isolation; this helps fill that gap. It’s both physically and mentally good for us.”
Diaz, along with Charles Resvaloso and Sandy Boniface, have been members since the team started. It was Duke John Briones who investigated the sport and obtained the rules to establish the first chair volleyball team. There were very few teams in California at that time.
Resvaloso said he enjoys getting together with other Elders for conversation and a good time. “I like meeting a whole bunch of different people at the tournaments,” he said.
Joyce Placencia said when she attends tournaments, she is pleased to see so many Elders who arrive with walkers or in motorized scooters that can put them aside and be active while seated in a chair during the games.
“Many of them are learning to walk better because this sport entails a lot of body movement,” she said. “I like to play; I always have fun and I always do my best.”
The Elders are looking forward to the “Tournament of Champions” hosted by the Fort Mojave Indian Tribe at Avi Resort & Casino in Laughlin August 11-14, which will feature 80 teams. The year-round sport will also find the Soboba teams in Arizona for the 21st annual Quechan Senior Games chair volleyball tournament Oct. 12-15 and at the Pala Seniors Chair Volleyball Tournament Oct. 19-23.
All Soboba Elders are invited to attend these tournaments as spectators and cheerleaders for the teams. Glen Placencia played for many years and now goes along to support his former teammates as they strive for another trophy to add to their collection. Several others who are taking some personal time off are Lucille Briones, Frank and Raina Maciel, Rhonda Placencia, and Ronnie and Debbie Morillo. Many of them were original team players and still support the teams in any way they can.
We are always treated so well by the other Tribes when we visit,” Diaz said. “We get to meet with members of more than 50 teams that represent their Tribes. It’s great to see all the Elders at the forefront.”
Erica Schenk is the Elders Coordinator for Soboba and said the popularity of the game has not waned over the years. She is grateful for the good rapport the group has with Soboba Preschool Director Lenora “Ponie” Mojado to schedule use of the multipurpose room.
“When we first started, I would play on one of the teams just to get the feel for it,” Schenk said. “They really enjoy it for both the social and athletic benefits.”
She pointed out that most of the Elders played multiple sports throughout their lives, on school and club teams and recreationally and this outlet gives them the opportunity to continue that sportsmanship and active lifestyle they are accustomed to having.
Schenk said the purpose of the recent laid-back invitational match was to get more experience playing against other teams as well as to scope out the competition. “It’s all about friendship and fellowship for them,” she said.
The action is fast and always requires 100 percent attention to keep the ball moving. Scorekeepers are also super attentive as they keep track of the points, with the team who had the best out of three games declared the match winner.
Frank Briones is the coach for the Morongo Go-Getters and served as one of the scorekeepers. He said the team came together about seven years ago. Assistant Coach Anthony “Bear” Vallez also kept score during the matches. Both have relatives from Soboba and were glad to help out.
“Chair volleyball is all about having fun and making everyone feel welcome,” Briones said. “We are trying to host our tournament in December; last year 35 teams came. I do all this for fun. I don’t get paid. I like doing it and it gives Elders something to look forward to.”
Torres Martinez’s Elders Coordinator Jose Rodriguez was cheering on the Fighting Quails as they played against one of the Soboba teams.
Soboba Elders practice on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4 to 6 p.m. at the multipurpose room and encourage Elders to join in the fun, regardless of skill level. They also invite any Tribal member to come as a spectator or to sit in as a player to add something new to the game.
For more information, contact Elders Coordinator Erica Schenk at 951-654-2765, Ext 5 or at [email protected].
