Apr 26, 2021 3 min read

Sand volleyball isn’t just for beaches.

Thanks to the efforts of a local Boy Scout, a court is coming to Peters Township.

Ryan Deegan of Troop 1313 is working on the project to earn his Eagle Award, with plans to construct a sand volleyball court inside the stadium at the former Peters Township High School. On Monday, the school board unanimously approved his proposal.

A high school sophomore and middle hitter on the boys volleyball team, Ryan came up with the idea after Tyler Fiely, the head coach, instituted an alternative form of training.

“During quarantine in the summer of 2020, when we were unable to hold indoor practices, Coach Fiely scheduled drop-ins at a sand volleyball court in Upper St. Clair,” Ryan told the school board. “Not only was sand practice fun, but it made us work harder and become stronger, both physically and as teammates.”

He described the site for his project as near the basketball courts and a fenced-in grass field at the stadium.

“A while back, there were two sand courts in the same location,” he said. “As I understand it, as track-and-field sports grew in popularity and took up field space, these courts were abandoned. The shot put area has since been relocated, and the proposed sand court location does not interfere with any throwing sport if the net poles are removable.”

Ryan said Peters Township School District athletic director Brian Geyer “has confirmed this with the track-and-field coaches and has approved this location for my project.”

The volleyball court will be approximately 50 by 80 feet, with an excavation depth of 16 inches and northeast-to southwest-orientation

“It’s my understanding, in talking with Mr. Geyer, that either onsite contractors or the district will be able to provide excavation assistance,” Ryan said, adding he plans to discuss possibilities with firms that are working on converting the former high school to a new middle school. “I have one company interested in providing funding. The boys volleyball boosters have pledged support, and I plan to reach out to all our volleyball families to fundraise for sand, nearly 200 tons. I will also seek additional corporate sponsors.”

He estimated material costs at between $10,000 and $15,000.

“With the location being at the new middle school, I hope to generate more interest in volleyball and grow our high school team. Districts with sand courts often tend to have more participation and larger teams,” he said. “I envision this court being used also by phys ed students and the community. Truly, after this past year, we’re all looking forward to safe, outdoor fun.”

Ryan plans to enlist the help of fellow Boy Scouts and volleyball team members, and he also is receiving assistance from Fiely, a civil engineer by profession, and Josh Hickman, Troop 1313’s assistant scoutmaster and a geological consultant.

“Contingent on middle school construction activity and other timing, my plan is to finish my project during the fall of this year,” Ryan told the board.

Superintendent Jeannine French said she talked with Geyer about the court’s future after its completion.

“We had one in the past, and the district did the maintenance on it,” she said.

“So he does not find any reason why we would not be able to maintain this project.”