Wisconsin Volleyball Conference

Hall of Fame
The WVC Hall of Fame was founded on the 10th anniversary of the Wisconsin Volleyball Conference in April of 2002. It was started to recognize former conference standouts and contributors. The annual class will be determined from a two-part vote from current Hall members (50%) and the WVC Hall of Fame committee (50%), which is comprised of former WVC players and coaches.

	Class of 2010
	Jeff Thomas - Left Side Hitter - UW-Oshkosh - 2001-2006
	Jeff Thomas, who wore a UW-Oshkosh uniform for six seasons, made an immediate impact for the Titans. In 2001, he was named the Wisconsin Volleyball Conference Freshman of the Year, as well as a member of the WVC All-star team. Starting his career as a high-flying middle blocker, Jeff helped the Titans to a 25th-place showing at the NIRSA Division I national championship. In 2002, Jeff was instrumental in making UW-Oshkosh a nationally recognized name when he moved to the left-side hitter position and helped the Titans to a 21st-place mark at the NIRSA Division I national championship. In 2003, Jeff was named to the All-WVC first team as UW-Oshkosh captured the WVC North Division crown. At the NIRSA Division I national championship, Jeff helped the Titans to a fifth-place showing, their best since the 1998 season. The following year, Jeff was honored for the second consecutive year as an All-WVC first team selection, as well as picking up the WVC State Championship Most Valuable Player award for leading the Titans to the 2004 title. One week later, Jeff was assisting the Titans to another fifth-place performance at the NIRSA Division I national championship. Racking up his third consecutive All-WVC first team honor in 2005, Jeff helped put UW-Oshkosh in the national spotlight as they went 61-7 overall and reached the title match of the NIRSA Division I national championship. His efforts did not go unnoticed as he was acknowledged as an All-American first team member. His final season was one that most athletes only dream of as the Titans capped off the 2006 campaign with one of the most dominating seasons in the history of NIRSA. UW-Oshkosh first won the WVC regular season and WVC state championship without losing a match and then went on to win it's first ever NIRSA Division I national championship. Jeff was named to the All-WVC first team for a fourth straight season and was placed on the All-WVC state championship team. The Titans finished the season with an incredible 56-1 record. After graduating from UW-Oshkosh, Jeff had the privilege of getting the opportunity to train in Anaheim, California with the USA national team for a brief period.

	Class of 2009
	Steve Austin - Middle Blocker - Marquette University - 2002-2005
	Austin, a 6'9" Middle Blocker from Saint Louis, MO (St. John Vianney), forever etched his name into the Marquette program when he arrived on campus in 2002. As an inexperienced player, he had the raw ability to make people believe he was going to be special, and the sheer determination to make believers out of everyone he came into contact with. Steve, in the course of four years, re-wrote the record books for middles, and grew from a shy freshman, to an outspoken leader of our 2005 National Championship Team. Steve's accomplishments are almost too numerous to list as a two-time All-Conference Team Member, a State Championship Tournament MVP, a two-time State Tournament Team Member, and collected two State Championships in his time, and was NIRSA All-American, and ultimately a National Champion. However, Steve could have cared less about the individual awards associated with his play. His ultimate goal was to be the best, and would strive to get nothing less than that from his teammates. His tireless work on the court, resulted in the ultimate respect in his eyes, and that was being the best at his craft for a given time- as he, and his team were awarded the National Championship in Kansas City, MO. While others may have had gaudier stats in the Championship season, Steve was the glue that held that team together. He hit an astounding .585 his senior season, while only deciding to play at the semester break. Always a showman, Steve's most recognizable moment may have been his serving run at the State Championships. While drawing the ire of the crowd for his unique serve, Steve rattled off 6 straight points to put the match on ice against a Lakeland team they would face a week later for the right to go the National Championship game. Now, Steve can be known for one greater accomplishment, a 2009 WVC Hall of Fame Inductee.

	Chris Gornik - Middle Blocker - Lakeland College -
	Chris Gornik came to Lakeland with an appetite to be good and ended up great. Famous for the slide attack, he set up the entire Lakeland offense when we was in the front row. The best outside hitters in the conference found thenselves helpless tryig to slow Chris down. But no puzzled look was more pricelss than the look on the faces of Arizona players in 2005 as Lakeland knocked the then-national power Wildcats out of the national tournament. Prior to and during the match, Arizona players ridiculed Chris for running a "girls" play. Well not only did his "girls" play launch Lakeland to win that day, but the slide has become an acceptable and expanding form of attacking the men's game. And he took pride in his blocking that still has him ranked second in the program history for toal blocks. Chris possesses the rare ability to dominate an opponent and still have the guy shake his hand with a smile after it's over. He worked extremely hard to improve his overall game each and every season and every season to become a complete volleyball player. The awards for Chris racked up early and continued to follow him annually. He was a three-time WVC All-Conference performer, two-time NIRSA All-American and twice played on Team WVC. His .504 hitting percentage led the WVC his senior season. Chris becomes the second Lakeland player to be inducted into the WVC Hall of Fame. This is a deserving award for a player who combined consistency, competitiveness, leadership and sportsmanship. In 2003, Lakeland played in its first national championship match at the Div. II leel. A year later the move to Div. I captured a 21st place finish. Chris' final year in 2005 was capped by a thrid place finish in Kansas City setting a standard to where the team now competes today. Chris Gornik was the pillar of strength in th emiddle for Lakeland College and is now recognized for his place in WVC history.

	Tom Liszka - RIght Side Hitter - Marquette University - 2003-2006
	Tom Liszka, a 6'10" outside hitter from Chicago, IL (St. Patrick High School), defined Marquette men's volleyball from 2003-2006. He was a key component for the 2005 national championship team, but even more impressive, was his imitation of Superman en route to third place finish the following year in Salt Lake City, Utah. Liszka, a trained middle, gave up that position after his freshman season on the JV team. From there, the ascension to the upper echelon of a very talented WVC began and never looked back. His achievements followed directly with that position switch, as Tom was a member of Team WVC, a three-time All-Conference member, three-time All-Tournament team, two-time All-American, and perhaps his greatest individual achievement — a National Championship followed by a third pace finish the following. While Tom was vital to our national championship success, his best year was the following year, in which he was the team leader and was forced to be the focal point of everyone's defense. Tom would see double and triple blocks consistently throughout the year and at one point, due to injuries was the only real attacker Marquette had. Through it all, Tom was the vocal and emotional leader, and refused to allow Marquette to be just another program. In that 2006 National Tournament, Tom along with his other outside, single-handedly brought Marquette through the tournament. Against an undefeated Arizona team, Tom strapped Marquette on his back and beat a team that featured two former varsity players and host of other who could have played varsity. Even though Marquette's run ended the following match, Tom left his indelible mark on the Marquette program. Now he can take his rightful place amongst the other legends in WVC history as a 2009 WVC Hall of Fame inductee.

	Justin Oeth - Middle Blocker - UW-Milwaukee - 1998-2000
	Justin Oeth, a native of Madison, WI, started his collegiate career as a member of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, men's varsity team. The varsity program at UWM was disbanded following the 1997 season. Justin and three other members of the Men's team decided to give this club thing a try. Three years later, Justin had accumulated an impressive WVC career. Despite dislocating his shoulder in 3 of his collegiate seasons - Justin ended his career the following awards: Three-time First team all-conference Two-time WVC All-Star (the all star game wasn't founded until 1999) One all Midwest 10 selection One state championship appearance Two regular season titles. Although Justin probably lead the WVC in hitting efficiency throughout his career, the official stat was not kept until Justin's final year in the league 2000. However in 2000, he did win the hitting award with a .500 hitting percentage. The 6'5" Oeth dominated as a blocker as well. In fact, he probably would have led the WVC in that category as well - but he was stuck next to a short pudgy setter for 2 rotations.

	Jason Smith - Left Side Hitter/Setter - UW-Stevens Point - 1989-1993
	Jason Smith played for the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point between 1989 and 1993. During his tenure in the Wisconsin Volleyball Conference, he achieved All-Conference honors in 1992 and conference MVP in 1993. Initially starting out as a high-flying left side hitter, his leadership skills made him into a natural setter. Jason's play and vision had a tremendous impact on shaping not only the UW-Stevens Point program, but competitive volleyball in Wisconsin. Ever the promoter, he relished the growing attendance and interest in a club program that achieved greater match attendance than many varsity programs. Although reserved on the outside, he had the internal competitive fire to make everyone a better player around him. Jason had a remarkable knack for identifying athletic talent with little, or no volleyball experience, and consistently developing high achieving players. During his final playing years, Jason saw there had to be a better way to organize the Wisconsin club volleyball program. It was this foresight that lead to the creation of the Wisconsin Volleyball Conference. Since becoming the commissioner in 1993, WVC teams have won 4 Division I and two Division II championships. Those who have played in the WVC, and those who will in the future, should thank Jason for his service and commitment to the sport of volleyball.

	Ryan Theis - Setter - UW-Milwaukee - 1997-2000
	As a setter for the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee from 1997-2000, Ryan garnered numerous accomplishments on the court including: Three-time WVC first-team all-conference selection A two-time Midwest 10 all-conference member WVC leader in assists and aces per game in 1999 and 2000 Two WVC All-Star Game appearances WVC regular season champion from 1997-2000 Three Top 20 finishes at nationals A record number of yellow cards in a career Ryan's accomplishments obviously qualify him as an excellent setter. However, the attributes his teammates most remember about him are as a great leader and teammate. Ryan has always been a tough competitor, outstanding leader, great teammate, excellent setter and defender, horrible blocker and had the willingness to bicker with the refs at any opportunity. Ryan also served as the head coach at UW-Milwaukee during his career. He successfully ran every practice, implemented game strategies and otherwise coordinated all other aspects of game preparation. This was the valuable experience he acquired to propel him into the women's college volleyball coaching profession. After college, Ryan went on to become an assistant coach at Eastern Illinois, Indiana, Northwestern and Florida. He is currently the head coach at Ohio University, where he just completed a successful first season by leading his team to the NCAA tournament.

	Class of 2008
	Rocky Koenig - Libero - Lakeland College - 2003-2005
	During the evolution of the libero in men's club volleyball, Rocky Koenig was the name most associated with that position. His fearless approach to defense, creative saves in hopeless situations, and sidestepping the 10 foot line to legally set a teammate has often been copied but never duplicated. Rocky came to Lakeland College as a self taught player seasoned by years dedicated to the armed forces. He embraced the fact that he was not like the traditional college aged player. Whether it was taking studies abroad in Japan, coaching club in his spare time, or racing bikes for cash...Rocky took pride in doing what he loved to the best of his ability. This passion for life made those around him better and just happier because he was around. This trait was recognized with the WVC's Leif Storvik award his senior season. While a libero has trouble racking up the kind of stats that puts him in the record books, Rocky's contributions on the court did not go unnoticed when it came to awards. He was a 3-time WVC All-Conference performer, 2-time All-MIVA Selection, and twice was the NIRSA Libero of the Year. What kind of difference did he make on the court? Rocky is the first Lakeland player to be inducted into the WVC Hall of Fame. He is deserving of this honor because he was an elite player helping a good program enter a period of greatness. In 2003 Lakeland played in its first National Championship match at the Division 2 Level. A year later the move to Division 1 captured a 21st place finish. Rocky's final year in 2005 was capped by a 3rd place finish in Kansas City setting a standard to where the team now competes today. Rocky Koenig, "the first Libero", now has a permanent place in WVC history.

	Chuck Warner - Left Side Hitter - Marquette University - 2002-2005
	Chuck Warner was a member of the Marquette University men's volleyball program from 2002-2005. During that time frame, it's tough to argue that there was a better player in the country. Many watched in awe, as Chuck could take over any game, at any time, in any facet of the match. Up to that point in WVC history, no other player had achieved as much as Chuck had. During his four seasons (2002-2005), Chuck led them to two WVC State Tournament Championships, and three Regular Season Conference Titles. Chuck was a regular season MVP, a State Tournament MVP, and was a member of Team WVC three times. Also, Chuck, in the historic run to the WVC's first National Championship in Division I, was named the Nation's Most Valuable Player, following the previous year where he had been 2nd team All-American. Chuck's presence always shone brightest on the biggest stage. Looking back, Chuck greatest single performance might have come in 2004, when he officially strapped Marquette on his back, and led them to resounding victories over national powers, Indiana and Arizona in consecutive matches in Charlotte. The opposing coach of Arizona, after drawing a yellow card, pulled me aside and stated that they should change the name to the "Chuck Warner Memorial Convention Center," because at that point he owned everything in the place. Chuck's legacy will not be the amount of awards he won, which were many, but rather how he was able to get the best out of his teammates, no matter what the score was. Chuck demanded only what he gave — which was 100% all the time — and that is his lasting legacy at Marquette. Always humble, he would speak of our Championship and our wins, versus his accomplishments, which speaks volumes to the character and person that he is. Many a moment was shared at this tournament watching and admiring Chuck as a player — but now we can recognize him for what he truly is — a unanimous member of the 2008 WVC Hall of Fame.

	1996 University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Titans
	UW-Oshkosh made Wisconsin Volleyball Conference history when it became the first team in league history to win a collegiate club national title in 1996. Competing at the NIRSA Division II level, the Titans did not lose a match at the championship in route to a 9-0 record during the three-day event in Toledo, Ohio. This championship not only propelled UW-Oshkosh into the national spotlight as a quality team, but also the WVC as a formidable conference. In only its fifth-year in existence, the WVC had already produced a national championship team, paving the way for numerous top ten national finishes in many different divisions, as well as other national championships. The team consisted of 15 individuals, three of which are currently in the WVC Hall of Fame - Dave Boos, Jim Boos and Paul Hammen. The team was player-coached by Dave Boos, recording a 26-6 overall record and a second-place finish at the WVC State Championship. Dave Boos and Jim Boos received WVC first-team honors, Hammen second-team laurels and Ryan Heller honorable mention status for their efforts during the regular season. After beating Washington State University in the finals in two-sets, Hammen became the first Titan player to gain All-American honors as he was placed on the first team for his play during the NIRSA Division II Championship. This lack of recognition may have been frustrating for some teams, but not for UW-Oshkosh. The team was a tight group, relying on different people at different times to lead them to victory. Dave Boos ran the offense, Jim Boos supplied the leadership, passing and defense, Hamman and Heller the firepower in the middle, Nick Curran a solid right side attack and Cory Schmitt and Brian Schaefer consistent play in the front row and back row. Steve Garrigan supplied the sparkplug in the backcourt. Mix in key play from Cohan Anderson, Jeff Craig, Jim Dembosky, Mat Duffy, Scott Meineke, Jeff Ottaway and Anthony Palma and you had a recipe for team unity and dedication. The team got along plain and simple. Egos aside, nobody had a national championship in mind as the season began. The Titans just practiced hard, believed in each other and got a ton better as the year progressed. After winning their opening pool and then their power pool during the first two days of competition the team started believing they could be something special. As the team continued to win in the gold bracket on Saturday, one fact was certain, the Titans superior ball control and court awareness were leading them to the national championship. After the 1996 season, UW-Oshkosh made the step to the Division I collegiate club level and has never looked back. Since the 1996 Division II title, the Titans have been a household name on the collegiate club scene.

	Class of 2006
	Dave Boos - Setter - UW-Oshkosh - 1994-1999
	Need Write Up

	Hugh Hernesman - Setter - UW-Whitewater -
	Need Write Up

	Jeff Hink - Left Side Hitter - UW-Whitewater - 1998-2002
	Jeff Hink was a member of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater men's volleyball team from 1998-2002. During the course of his career Jeff quickly became one of the most recognizable player's in conference history. Jeff was the type of player that teams always had to make a game plan for, but rarely had success stopping him. Throughout his career Jeff was the face of UW-Whitewater volleyball. Jeff's teams won a regular season title in 2002 and finished as runner up in the 2000 and 2002 WVC state championships. Hink was an excellent all around player at the outside hitter position. He routinely led his team in kills and digs while putting up impressive blocking and serving numbers as well. His exceptional talent did not go unnoticed by the WVC, Midwest 10, or NIRSA. He earned WVC 1st team honors three consecutive years (2000-2002) while becoming the first player in conference history to win back to back Conference MVP awards in 2001 and 2002. Hink also was an all-conference performer in the Midwest 10 conference while UW-Whitewater competed in the MIVA division from 2000-2002. Jeff went out on top by earning All-American honors and leading UW-Whitewater to a then conference best 5th place finish at NIRSA nationals in Dallas, TX in 2002. Jeff's contributions helped keep UW-Whitewater in the limelight and near the top of the conference during is career. His competitive fire was second to none, yet he let his play speak for itself. Jeff was never the most outspoken member of his team, but was always looked up to by his teammates for his ability and desire to win. Respected by opposing players and coaches alike Jeff Hink will go down as one of the best players of his era.

	Brian Sharkey - Setter - Marquette University - 1998-2003
	Brian Sharkey, a setter for Marquette University (1998-2003), was one of the premier setters in the country during his six-year stay in the Wisconsin Volleyball Conference. Sharkey's excellence not only showed through in his play, but it fostered a growth in his teammates unparalleled by others that came before him. He left his indelible mark on the Marquette program, bringing them from a program happy to be at nationals, to a team that expects to excel at the national level. Sharkey was a four-time WVC All-Conference player, three time Midwest 10 All-Conference player, a MIVA All-Tournament team honoree, a member of the Wisconsin Volleyball Conference Advisory Board, and a Leif Storvik award winner in 2003. He also led the Golden Eagles to a Conference Championship, a second place finish in conference, three Top-10 finishes nationally and a Silver Championship at Nationals (2003). Also, Sharkey led the Golden Eagles as a coach for one year, in which they finished fifth, and had a hand in the 2005 National Championship team. To solely look at the accolades on the court would not do justice to the full resume that Sharkey produces. His desire to make others around him better can only be beaten by his desire to win. His mental toughness shined through when he was the leader of the two matches that truly placed Marquette on the map. In his second year, Sharkey led the fourth-seeded Golden Eagles to a victory over the University of California-Berkely. Down 14-11, Sharkey led a furious comeback to guide Marquette back into the game. Then, in his fourth year, Sharkey led the Eagles to a victory over Virginia Tech in which they fought off injuries and a fifth seed overall to win the match and vault them to their second Top 10 finish in three years. His performance in those matches was a microcosm of how he played: calm, collected and with a passion unmatched by others. It is with great pleasure that I am able to introduce Brian Sharkey, a 2006 member of the Wisconsin Volleyball Conference Hall of Fame.

	Class of 2005
	Rob Eifler - Left Side Hitter - Marquette University - 1997-2000
	Rob Eifler may only have been a member of the Marquette men's volleyball team from 1997-2000, but his impact has carried on at the university and the Wisconsin Volleyball Conference every year since his departure. In his four years at Marquette, Eifler helped lead the Golden Eagles to a pair of regular season conference championships and a second place finish at the state tournament. In 1999, he was named the conference MVP and was given statistical awards for hitting percentage and kills per game that year. He also took Marquette to its first Top 10 national finish in 1999 and a second place finish in the Midwest 10 in 2000. He was also a three-time WVC All-Conference member and three-time WVC All-Star. At 6'2", Eifler was never the biggest man on the court, but his ability to put the ball on the floor, pick balls up on defense and shut down big hitters at the net, made the Case High School graduate a force in the WVC. He became the face of Marquette volleyball as soon as he stepped on the court his freshman year when he was even taunted at the state tournament for being so good, so young. He never took credit for much of the team's success. His game did the talking for him, hitting through the usual triple block, even when he was injured in his final year. Since Rob's arrival at Marquette, the program has taken giant steps forward. Eifler was pivitol in forming the foundation of the Midwest10 Conference and the foundation from which many later president's of Marquette's volleyball program have built their team's on. Through hard work, dedication, and a lot of good times, Rob earned the respect that he earned on and off the volleyball court and is hearby inducted in the Wisconsin Volleyball Conference as a member of the Class of 2005.

	Class of 2004
	Josh Wagner - Middle Blocker - UW-Oshkosh - 1997-2000
	Josh Wagner was a member of the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh men's volleyball team from 1997-2000. In his four years, UW-Oshkosh captured four Wisconsin Volleyball Conference state championships and competed for four consecutive years at the NIRSA Division I national tournament, highlighted with a 5th place finish in 1998. Individual accolades also piled up during his career. Never playing organized volleyball before his freshmen year, Wagner was named the WVC Division II most-valuable-player before moving up to varsity in 1997. In 1998, he was sidelined for most of the season battling a thumb injury before helping the Titans to their best finish ever at the Division I NIRSA championship. 1999 began Wagner's dominance. He was named both WVC and Midwest 10 Conference First-Team. In 2000, Wagner capped his career leading the Titans to an unprecedented fourth straight WVC championship. Entering the tournament as the fourth seed, UW-Oshkosh surprised everybody by going undefeated in the tournament. He was named Midwest 10 First-Team and the WVC most-valuable-player. Currently Wagner sits in the top ten at UW-Oshkosh in career kill attempts (1,678 - 8th), kills (953 - 7th), blocks (387 - 2nd) and is the leader with a .406 hitting percentage. He led the Titans with 436 kills and 192 blocks in 2000. Through hard work and dedication Wagner became one of the best middle blockers in the history of the WVC and Midwest 10 Conference. Learning the game as freshmen, Wagner became one of the best all around players ever at UW-Oshkosh, playing both front and back row. He was well liked by his teammates because of his unselfishness and ability to bring the best out of everyone around him — both on and off the court.

	Mike Ebbert - Middle Blocker - UW-Whitewater
	Mike Ebbert was a member of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater men's volleyball team from 1993-1994. He became known not only for his offense but his overall presence at the net. Ebbert helped establish UWW as a team that would be a force to be reckoned with in the WVC.

	Class of 2003
	Greg DeJong - Right Side Hitter - UW-La Crosse - 1991-1994
	Greg DeJong was a member of the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse men's team from 1991-1994 as a 4-year starter on the rightside in addition to serving his team as a captain for the 1993 & 1994 seasons. In 1991 & 1992 UW-LaCrosse competed in the Northern Intercollegiate Volleyball Conference (NIVC). While in the NIVC, Greg helped lead the Eagles to an undefeated regular season in 1992 and a 3rd Place finish at the season ending Conference Tournament. Greg competed in the WVC during the 1993 & 1994 seasons. He was in integral part in the team's 2nd place finish in the WVC inaugural season. In 1994, Greg helped UW-La Crosse to a regular season 1st Place finish and a 2nd Place finish in the WVC State Championships. During three of Greg's four seasons UW-LaCrosse competed at the NIRSA Championships. He culminated his career with a 5th place National finish at Arizona State. Greg was the ultimate teammate. He always placed team accomplishments ahead of individual achievements. In 1994, Greg won the WVC's MVP Award. He was a go-to player in all respects of the game. Greg's serve receive passing allowed his team to sideout at a very proficient rate. His ability to terminate on offense from the right side was as effective out of the front-row as well as the back-row. His jump serve lead to many easy points, and his defensive play was second to none in the conference.

	Paul Hammen - Middle Blocker - UW-Oshkosh - 1994-1998
	As a member of the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh men's volleyball team from 1994 - 1998, Paul Hammen established himself as one of the premier middle blockers in WVC history. During this time, Paul was a key figure in the team's rise to prominence on the national collegiate volleyball scene. While dominating the middle for Oshkosh, the Titans collected 2 WVC State Championships (1997-98) and a NIRSA Division II National Championship (1996). In his final season, Paul amassed 471 kills and a .478 hitting percentage to help the Titans to a 5th place finish in the 1998 NIRSA Division I Championship. Along the way, Paul was named WVC 1st-Team All-Conference twice (1997-98), 2nd-Team once (1996), WVC Conference Tournament MVP twice (1997-98) and NIRSA Division II All-American once (1996). Aside from all of the accolades, Paul defined what it meant to be a teammate. He only knows one level of effort — 110%. Whether it was at the national tournament or practice, you could count on Paul to give you his all every time. He's a man of few words, but his lead-by-example style made him popular with his teammates and opponents alike. What's more important, his presence on the court made those around him better players and better people.

	Class of 2002
	Jim Boos - Left Side Hitter/Setter/Middle Blocker - UW-Oshkosh - 1993-1994, 1996-1998
	Jim Boos, a co-founder of the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh men's volleyball program, participated in the Wisconsin Volleyball Conference from 1993-1994 and from 1996-1998 at the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh. During the years that Jim competed at UW-Oshkosh, he took the Titans to the top of the WVC and established them as a national powerhouse. Jim was a member of the Titan's first WVC State Championship team in 1997, and repeated the feat in 1998. Jim led UW-Oshkosh to the 1996 NIRSA Division II National Championship, the only national title ever won by a WVC team. In 1998, he led the Titans to a fifth place finish in the Division I NIRSA National Championships, one of only two WVC teams to ever finish this high. Jim was named WVC First-Team All-Conference four times in three different positions. Jim received the nod as a setter, a leftside hitter and as a middle blocker. In 1997 he was named the WVC's Most Valuable Player, and was also selected to the very first WVC State Championships "All Tournament Team" in 1992. Jim was an important contributor to the WVC off the court as well, as the Titan's joined the WVC in 1993, the first year a full conference schedule was played. Jim served on the original committees that established the WVC, and was instrumental in the conference's rise to national prominence.

	Scott Halbleib - Middle Blocker - UW-Whitewater - 1992-1994
	As one of the first members to be inducted into the Wisconsin Volleyball Conference Hall of Fame, Scott Halbleib (Middle Blocker - Middleton, WI) played at UW-Whitewater from 1992 to 1994. One of the original WVC standouts, Halbleib was a first-team All-WVC selection in 1993 and 1994, and was also selected to the 1992 All-Tournament team at the first ever Wisconsin State Championships held in Stevens Point. While Halbleib was at UW-Whitewater, he was a key component of a Warhawk squad that won the first two Regular Season WVC Championships as well as finishing first in the WVC Conference Tournament in 1993 and 1994. In 1993, UW-Whitewater finished 26th in Division I in it's first trip ever to the Collegiate Club Volleyball Championships at the University of Texas, defeating Texas and Maryland on their way to a second place finish in the DI consolation bracket. In 1994, UW-Whitewater finished a then school-best 9th place in Division I at the Collegiate Club Volleyball Championships at Arizona State University, defeating Illinois and Baylor on it's way to the gold bracket before losing to Sacramento State in the Sweet Sixteen round of the National tournament. Halbleib was an intense competitor known for his intimidating block, deadly floater serve, his ability to step up in pressure situations and his incomparability as a middle hitter in transition. In addition to his playing acumen, Halbleib is regarded as one of the principal figures in the elevation of the club volleyball program at UW-Whitewater due to his initial membership and subsequent recruitment of the core group of volleyball athletes that dominated the early years of the WVC.

	Mike Radtke - Left Side Hitter - UW-Platteville - 1993-1996, UW-Oshkosh - 1997-1999
	Mike Radtke, a member of University of Wisconsin-Platteville men's volleyball team from 1993-1996 and University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh from 1997-1999, was one of the most dominant players ever in the WVC. In 1995 and 1996 he was named the WVC's Most Valuable Player, and is one of only two players to earn the WVC Most Valuable Player award twice. In 1997 and 1998 he garnered WVC First Team honors as well. Mike was a product of a solid program at UW-Platteville, and as he developed, the Pioneers began their run as the best team in the WVC. Mike was unblockable from the left side, played with emotion and confidence, and earned the respect of every player he ever completed against. He led UW-Platteville to the WVC State Championship in 1995 and helped UW-Oshkosh capture two of their four consecutive titles in 1997 and 1998. In 1998, he led the Titans to a fifth place finish in the Division I NIRSA National Championships. This is tied for the highest Division I finish ever by a WVC team.