Last year’s HST was held on 20 October 2012 on the University’s Sport Campus, known as LC de Villiers Sports Grounds. The club members had completed weeks of preparations, obtaining many sponsors and creating enthusiasm amongst schools all over Pretoria. Finally, the Saturday of the event arrived, but with it another forecast of a heavy summer storm. Club members however decided not to let all the preparations go to waste and welcomed 35 teams to the volleyball courts for the opening of the HST.

Teams had travelled from as far as Mafikeng to participate and spirits were flying high as the first games began. The Coca-Cola-sponsored Road Show Van blasted out music to keep the atmosphere going, while players enjoyed their free Coca-Cola-sponsored Powerade, as well as the many delicious offerings of the club-run tuck shop.

The games continued as planned, with coaches and varsity players appreciating the many talents high school teams had to offer. The school teams supported each other with energetic cheering and kept the friendly competition up while, of course, mingling with some new faces.

As the matches were nearing the end of the group stages, which would decide who would progress to the finals, the storm clouds made their dreaded appearance. Teams continued playing as long as possible, even bravely playing in the rain in order to finish their matches. Ultimately, coaches and hosts had to call off the remaining matches due to the dangerous playing conditions. Nonetheless, the winning teams had their prizes, being trophies, Coca-Cola-sponsored Powerade and high-quality volleyballs sponsored by Sportsmans Warehouse, personally delivered to them by TuksVolleyball.

Even with the weather putting a damper on proceedings, the tournament was a great success for both the participating schools and the recruiting that TuksVolleyball and the University of Pretoria were able to do at the event.

In 2013, TuksVolleyball will be expanding the HST to a triannual event, hoping to make it a regular opportunity for school-level volleyball competitions. Any and all high school teams are invited to participate, while the event is open to the public.

The first event on 11 May 2013 will take place on numerous outdoor courts on the Groenkloof Campus and on three excellent indoor courts, which will definitely make the event immune against any future weather mishaps.