A Look Into State Tourney Preparations

OHSAA Commissioner Dr. Deborah Moore opens up about the Final Four

Some things at the state volleyball final four remain the same, whether it be certain coaches, officials, teams, media personnel, or even certain fans. Interestingly, there is one staple to the Nutter Center on the campus of Wright State University in Dayton that many know this time of year. Dr. Deborah Moore has been the OHSAA commissioner in attendance for as long as one can remember. Just how long?
“I have attended for a total of 24 years, the last 20 continuously during my tenure with the OHSAA,” offered Dr. Moore.
Dr. Moore has taken this event very seriously during her time and really has gained a fond love of the game, especially during the state final four.
“I love this tournament. Volleyball is just such a fantastic sport – so exciting, very fan-friendly. Each year when I come to our finalists’ meeting, which takes place on the Sunday preceding the state tournament, I look forward to visiting all the coaches and their school administrators. I know what an exciting and challenging time it is for each of them, and my job is to help make the experience the very best it can be for students, coaches and the school communities,” said Dr. Moore.
Maximum Preparation
It’s no surprise each season to see Dr Moore very busy on the sidelines with media, coaches, players, Nutter Center employees, and all the behind the scenes work. In fact, most of us don’t quite understand the small details that it takes to make the final four so successful.
“We start preparing for the season at least six months ahead of the event,” adds Dr. Moore. “We prepare the tournament regulations, which are adopted by our Board of Directors in June, and then I spend the months of September and October communicating with tournament managers and revising administrative documents that assist us with the management of our regional and state tournaments. Just last week I spent the day in Dayton meeting with Mr. Max Benton our state tournament manager. I will spend the next couple weeks putting the finishing touches on our state tournament preparations.”
The Nutter Center has always provided fans with such a great venue to watch volleyball up close in a spacious environment. It also provides a great facility for the players during this crucial weekend.
Dr. Moore admits, “I think the Nutter Center at WSU is a fantastic venue. The staff at the Center and the university personnel have been great friends to the OHSAA in their support of girls volleyball and in continuing to permit us to compete this tournament in a first class facility. While not one of the largest collegiate facilities in the state, it is perfect for volleyball and has the added advantage of warm-up courts for our competing schools to use prior to their matches.”
Format Changes
Also, some changes are in effect this year for the final four that some may not know. Dr Moore spoke about some of these upcoming changes.
“The major change is in the format,” she stated. “For the first time, we will conduct this tournament similar to the way state basketball is competed. Thursday’s competition will feature four matches, the two semis in Division II followed by Division I starting at Noon. Friday’s competition follows the same format with semis in Division IV and then III starting at Noon. Saturday will be the four final matches as in the past. For a fan, being able to see four matches each day for one price - $9.00 at the gate; $7.00 presale at the schools – is a great deal.”
Broadcasting the Championships
Also, this year will feature Cleveland.com broadcasting LIVE final four games on their affiliated OhioHSsports.com website. Dr. Moore couldn’t be more thrilled with this new addition.
“We feel privileged to have entered into this agreement with Cleveland.com that will enable us to broadcast this sport for the first time. It clearly says that there is a market for girls volleyball and that people who are unable to travel to the Dayton area can enjoy the competition.”
Stepping outside of the business aspect of the final four, Dr. Moore touched on some of the personal joys of this great weekend in November. When asked if she had time to do any fun social events during that time, she replied, “A little. My in-laws live in Dayton so I try to visit with them a bit, and I usually come in on Wednesday evening and spend some time with one of my best friends from high school days. But once the tournament begins, there is not much time for social events.”
She added, “This year we are moving to the new format with four matches per day, so I will see how that works out. Usually I am very tired each evening and want to get plenty of rest so that I can be at my best each day.”
Love of Athletics
Spending twenty years at the final four really speaks volumes about Dr. Moore’s commitment to the sport of volleyball. As a former athlete herself, she does remember some of her old playing days. She recalls, “I played volleyball in junior high and high school and then some club ball early in my adult life. Girls sports were not highly organized back in the 1960’s, but I enjoyed playing all positions. I am not tall, but I could jump so I enjoyed the hitting aspect.”
Witnessing State Volleyball History
During her long tenure she has had the opportunity to see so many great volleyball teams like the old Cincinnati St. Ursula teams, the Hopewell's, the Archbold's and legendary coach Char Sharp. When asked about some of the great memories she had, she stated, “I am not sure I can pick one moment. Here are some of my favorites: seeing the great match-ups in Division 1 pitting the outstanding teams from the Girls Greater Cincinnati League; the awesome teams from small schools like St. Henry and Hopewell-Loudon with their huge fan following; the tiny school from Plain City, Shekinah Christian that made it to the tournament in the mid 1990’s and brought so many folks. Of course I always loved watching Bob McFarland’s Stow-Monroe Falls teams compete – what a terrific program he developed.”
She added,” Every year is special and I have so many wonderful memories.”
Ohio---Volleyball Hotbed
Ohio should be proud of the development of girls volleyball. More and more colleges are now recruiting Ohio heavily including the powers of UCLA, Penn State, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and even Stanford. Dr. Moore stated, “I think volleyball is progressing extremely well both in terms of the development of players and the overall participation for our girls. Ohio’s volleyball coaches are well respected and do a great job in teaching the sport as well as inspiring girls to want to play this game.”


Dr. Deborah Moore Associate Commissioner for Eligibility since August 7, 2008 Assistant Commissioner since June 5, 1989 Responsibilitites: Coaching Education, Interpretation of Bylaws and Constitution, Referendum Issues and Voting, OHSAA Chemical Awareness, Healthy Lifestyles Programs and Sports Medicine Issues, Rules/Regulations for FH, GGYM, VB, SD, TF, Tournament Officials Assignments for FH, GGYM, Scholar-Athlete Scholarships, Student Eligibility Questions - including transfers and foreign exchange students