Hampton celebrates volleyball tradition

Hampton’s rich program tradition and volleyball excellence was on full display Friday night. 
In between a H&H basketball doubleheader, Hampton celebrated and recognized its volleyball heritage with over 50 former players and coaches back in the land of purple and gold. 
The memories were overflowing. The smiles told every story. Every story behind the collection of trophies being carried around, that is.
Much of the following was read by Holly Herzberg during the ceremony, with most of the credit going to former legendary coaches Diane Torson and Margo LaBrie for the amount of artifacts and memorabilia saved over time.
What a trip down memory lane it was.
The first state championship volleyball team in Hampton came in 1979 under the late Ray Parsley, who coached the Hawks from 1973-1984. 
After that, Torson assumed the program in 1986 and took really, really good care of it for over 30 years -- 36 to be exact --  including three state championships as one of Nebraska high school’s all-time best. 
That’s me talking, got it?
Torson’s fingerprints are all over Hampton’s volleyball history, including a 675-282 career record with the three state championships, a 17-11 record at the state tournament, five CRC championships as well as five CRC runner-up finishes. 
In a crazy amount of loyal support, Torson has had Margo LaBrie at her side for 29 of the 36 seasons in purple and gold. 
The relationship they’ve shared over the years has meant a lot to both women as colleagues and friends.
Other assistant coaches recognized included Connie Crowder, LaVelle Hitzemann and Barb DeMers. 
“This journey, marked by perseverance and excellence, not only highlights the evolution of the program but also embodies the rich tradition and enduring pride of the Hampton community,” Herzberg told the crowd.
Okay, history lesson time.
The 1979 version of the Hawks brought home the first championship trophy, featuring a 20-1 record. That Hampton team only lost three sets all year long, defeating Alliance St. Agnes in a three-setter.
Hampton lost the opening set 15-11 before coming back to claim the title with wins, 16-14 and 15-8. 
As part of coach Parsley’s pep talk to the team, the legend goes, “Those girls put their pants on the same way you do.”
Then there’s the 2000 team that reached the mountain top, Torson’s first championship team and just celebrated its silver anniversary. 
“For me, I just knew we were going to win all season. I had that feeling,” Torson told me several years ago. “The seniors were wonderful, played hard and had fun. There was no quit in that team.”
That team was 25-1 on the year, but were challenged in the championship final against Loup County. In the winner-take-all third, Hampton trailed 13-4 and 14-8 at one point before claiming gold, 19-17.
Hampton’s first undefeated championship team came the following season in 2001, ending up 28-0. That squad also lost just three sets all season.
This run for Hampton is particularly special, including a 73-match win streak that spanned from Sept. 21, 2000 to Nov. 15, 2002. 
That 73-match win streak was the third best in Nebraska history at the time. 
Then, selfishly my personal favorite because it was the one I got to witness first-hand, the 2016 version.
That team was and still is the best volleyball team I’ve been around. The conversation about that team the day following a game wasn’t “Did Hampton win?” It was, “How much did Hampton win by?”
The 2016 Hawks were a perfect 35-0 and lost just two sets all year. Those two sets came in the CRC tournament final against Exeter-Milligan as the Hawks pulled off a reverse sweep.
That team was also named the Maxpreps national small school of the year and its 35 wins is still a Hampton record.
“This was by far the most dominating team I’ve ever had and it’s been the easiest team I’ve coached,” Torson said back in 2016. “The kids played like it was any other match this year, showing no nerves and did what they had to do to get the job done.”
Hampton’s four state championship teams have a combined record of 108-2. Pretty good.
The Hawks also recognized its state runner-up team in 2003 (23-6) as well as its third place effort in 2015 (29-6). 
Hampton was a state finalist team in 1980 (19-3), 1991 (19-4), 2002 (27-1), 2005 (25-7) and 2007 (30-3) as well as a state qualifier in 1981 (18-3), 1989 (15-4), 1990 (17-3), 1992 15-7), 2004 (25-4) and 2011 (22-10).
In the small amount I could observe Torson, LaBrie and others between basketball shots, the photogenic smiles never left their faces all night long.
Herzberg’s comments after all of Hampton’s accolades tied together the incredible history of the program while laying out the promising future of the H&H Bearcats.
“As we conclude our celebration of the Hawks championship teams, we reflect on the incredible journey that brought us to this moment -- one marked by hard work, perseverance and a steadfast commitment to teamwork,” Herzberg read. “The legacy of the Hawks not only reminds us of the triumphs achieved through collaboration but also sets the foundation for our new endeavor with the H&H Bearcats. Just as the Hawks embodied a spirit of coachability and mental toughness, we are excited to carry these principles forward, demonstrating that the team always comes above self. Together, we will foster joy and a love for the game, building a community united by shared goals and aspirations. Let us embrace this new chapter with the same passion and determination that defined our championship legacy!”
Hawks forever. Bearcats to the moon. Here’s to the next chapter.
RICHARD RHODEN can be reached at sports@hamilton.net.