Powers provides rare chance to learn from the best

~ Olympic gold medalist Pat Powers is conducting a two-day camp at Central High School.

More than 40 volleyball players are receiving instruction in Cape Girardeau this week from a man regarded as among the top performers in international history.

The way area high school coach Maile Gannon figures it, learning more about the game from Pat Powers is an opportunity that does not come along very often.

"This is something that's really great for volleyball in this area," said Gannon, Central's coach the past three years who was recently hired to take over Jackson's program. "As far as volleyball icons, for Pat Powers to come to Cape Girardeau, with his level of expertise, it's a once in a lifetime thing."

Powers, who brought his clinic to Central for a two-day run that began Monday and ends today, has certainly carved out an impressive volleyball resume.

As a player, Powers starred on the United States team that won the 1984 Olympic gold medal and captured the 1986 World Championship. He was voted co-MVP, along with the legendary Karch Kiraly, on Team USA in 1986.

Powers, a two-time MVP of USA volleyball nationals, also had a spectacular career on the outdoor professional beach circuit, winning 13 tournaments and earning more than $500,000 in prize money from 1982 to 1996.

"I was a pretty good player, but that was a long time ago, and several injuries ago," said the 6-foot-5 Powers with a laugh during a break in Monday's session. "But it was a great experience, winning an Olympic gold medal, and the beach tour was so much fun."

Now that his competitive playing days have long ended, the 48-year-old Powers -- who spent six seasons coaching at USC, his alma mater, from 1997 to 2002 -- has turned his attention to helping younger generations get all they can out of the sport he loves.

Powers, who helped lead USC to the 1980 NCAA volleyball title before finding Olympic glory, has conducted clinics around the country for the past 12 years.

"Volleyball has been such a big part of my life and I really want to see it continue to grow," said Powers, a Southern California native who still makes his home in that area. "I know the Gateway Region [based in St. Louis] is trying to expand volleyball in this area, and hopefully something like this can give it a boost."

Players from grade school to high school age -- along with two adult level males -- from Cape Girardeau, Jackson, Poplar Bluff, St. Louis and even Kentucky are taking part in the clinic.

"I think the turnout is very good, especially for the first time here," Powers said. "I've conducted clinics in St. Louis quite a few times, and it's nice to get to this area.

"I think there are great kids here with a lot of talent."

Powers tries to help players improve their basic fundamentals, and he said he utilizes an over-correction method that is similar to what is used with a golf swing.

"Hopefully I can help everybody here raise their fundamental skill level, and then they can continue to improve on that in the future," he said.

Powers' first trip to Cape Girardeau was arranged primarily by Vicki Zickfield, the mother of a Central player who said she was looking for something to improve the skill level of not only her daughter but other players in the area. She learned of Powers' clinics through the Internet and encouraged him to come here.

"I think it's great that he's here," Gannon said. "Having somebody like him here will not only help players improve, but it can really promote volleyball in the area."

Although nothing is yet official, Powers said he hopes to return to Cape Girardeau next year.

"Usually when I go some place I try to come back," he said. "Hopefully it will work out here."