The unofficial online home for fans of the Western Michigan University Broncos. Part of Collegiate Sports Nation (CSN).

Great article by Paul Morgan....

Western Michigan's 1983 volleyball team shook up college sports scene

WMU won all 30 regular season matches and then beat Nebraska at Read in the first round of the NCAAs. Packed the house and set a then record crowd.

Quote:Western never should have received the home bid for that match, either, because it was ranked nationally below the Cornhuskers but the NCAA loved the fact that Kalamazoo had supported the team throughout the season.

It was because of that support that the NCAA awarded Western the 1985 volleyball Division 1 National Championship, where more than 15,000 came to the two-day event.

''And that's why we had teams like Hawaii and Pacific want to play Western in 1984, because they wanted to check out the venue if they got here for the nationals in 1985,'' Carol said.

Quote:''Looking back at the Nebraska match, there was a buzz in this community that I don't think I've ever seen in my 35 years of being around here,'' Jeff said.

I would say the only comparable buzz might be that around Eldon Miller's #10 ranked 1975-76 basketball team.

Sold out Read was money that year.

Best season ever, for basketball.

Missed teaching Powers by a year or two in HS. Knew of her family growing up in town.

In 83-84 Glenbard West won the state tournament in VB. From that team I believe another gal, Jennifer Aubichon (sp? Aub-a-shon) played at WMU.

Saw the pic of a packed Read on Mlive of VB. Real cool. Missed it myself but can relate to those who mentioned '76. Crazy cool.

Very similar in atmosphere and buzz.