This year's champion of the Putzulu Invitational Volleyball Tournament held at Tyler Consolidated High School was Robert C. Byrd. RCB defeated Philip Barbour, Tyler Consolidated, and Morgantown in an exciting championship match.

On June 21, 12 volleyball teams and fans from West Virginia and Ohio converged on the campus of Tyler Consolidated to take part in the annual Putzulu Invitational Tournament. This tournament honors Ms. Linda Putzulu, who coached for many years and has been a long-time advocate of scholastic sports at Tyler Consolidated and Sistersville High Schools.

Robert C. Byrd was crowned tournament champion, with Morgantown High School runners-up. Host team Tyler Consolidated finished third and Williamstown ended up in fourth place. Other teams participating included included Hedgesville, Philip Barbour, Parkersburg South, Warren, Ravenswood, Frontier, and Paden City.

The teams competed in three pools utilizing the high school and middle school gyms. Large crowds witnessed exciting pool play with all teams advancing to the single elimination tournament which followed. Tyler Consolidated finished pool play undefeated with wins over Frontier, Hedgesville, and Robert. C. Byrd. In tournament play the Knights defeated Warren before losing to RCB in the semi-finals.

This year’s champion, Robert C. Byrd from Clarksburg, defeated Philip Barbour, Tyler, and Morgantown in an exciting championship match.

According to coach Richard Summers, the tournament was a big success. “There was a lot of competitive volleyball and great sportsmanship from the players and fans. Congratulations to RCB on a deserving championship,” he said.

Summers also wanted to thank the parents, Boosters, and area officials who helped make the tournament a success.