One question that came up in the midst of all the talk of boycotts and conspiracy theories surrounding the Manhattan Beach tournament was whether or not it was fair for this year's winners to get their names on the pier. After all, if the top players aren't there, is it really such a feat to win? Maybe there should be an asterisk by the name of this year's winner.
But after seeing the event this weekend, I don't think anyone can take the win away from Wachtfogel and Rosenthal. Both local boys, they grew up watching Manhattan and longing to one day get their names immortalized there. Rosenthal's name was already there from a win with Jake Gibb in 2009. But it is doubtful a player like Wachtfogel would ever have graced the pier if guys like Phil and Todd and the rest of the AVP players had been there.
To me, that matters not at all. Some of the top teams were in Finland for an FIVB event, but the rest were absent by choice. I like that this tournament offered the chance for an unlikely duo to grace the pier.
Their names sit next to Hovland, Dodd, Kiraly, Smith, Steffes, O'Hara and Von Hagen. And there they deserve to stay.
Comments
…and congrats to Tealle Hunkus/Heather Lowe also.
Agreed. Can’t forget the women!