Rick Pierce MIT Fall Invitational USAVB Tournament

The Rick Pierce, or MIT Fall Invitational Tournament, was first held in 1974. It changed to the Rick Pierce tournament later, around 1988. The MIT Graduate Club Men's team hosts these events to prepare for its MAA and MA seasons.

The Rick Pierce includes the following divisions: Men's AA, Men's A (formerly BB) , and Women's AA (formerly A) . The tournament has openings for a total of 40 teams, usually including 10-20 men's open teams, 10-20 men's A teams, and 10-20 women's AA (formerly A) teams.

Steve Webster was kind enough to share a few words about Rick Pierce:

Who was Rick Pierce? Rick was one of the greatest individuals that New England volleyball ever produced. Even though he was one of the greatest competitors on the court while playing volleyball at its highest level, players on both side of the court would consider Rick their friend. He exemplified the meaning of sportsmanship by always playing hard, but with a smile on his face.

But that was enough for Rick when it came to volleyball. Rick dedicated countless hours to the promotion of the sport he loved. Coaching, organizing, and volunteering were a way of life for Rick.

Unfortunately, while driving home from the NE Regionals in April, 1987, Rick's car was struck by a drunk driver. In a split second, new England volleyball lost one of its greatest assets.

In addition to the tournament, the Rick Pierce Award goes annually to one man and one woman who exemplify the characteristics that made Rick so special:

• Great sportsmanship
  
• Respected player
  
• Volunteerisms time to the sport without need for compensation or recognition
  
• Past winners of the Rick Pierce Award are:
  • 1987: Scott Reid; Helen Taylor
  • 1988: Gene Crouch; Jan Wilson
  • 1989: Rich Barton; Patty DesMaisons
  • 1990: Jack Grosslein/Ken Duarte; Chris Stearns
  • 1991: Steve McIntyre; Lois Petty
  • 1992: Donna Ferreira; Al Kumpey
  • 1993: Mark Robarts; Kathy Federline
  • 1994: Matt Jassen; Pam Hall-Grady
  • 1995: Dorothy Hert; Wendy Miranda
  • 1996: Chris Pecina; Tom Wilson
  • 1997: Pauline DeRosiers; Tom Sweeney
  • 1998: Pat Ryan; Sue Wilson
  • 1999: Candice Berger, Glenn Corwin
  • 2000: Ray Labbe, Ann Reidl

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