The annual Charlie Saikle 6-Man Tournament took place in Manhattan Beach from Aug. 3-5. The long-lasting tradition celebrated its 48th year this summer, and the Jr. 6-man celebrated its 9th.
Teams play to 15 points with side-out scoring in a pool play bracket. This means that teams can only get points while their side is serving, and they must be in the top two in order to continue on the first day, progressing to double elimination on day two.
“For the second year in a row, Team Lyon Stahl has proved victorious in the tourney,” said senior Zach Chapin. “They consist mainly of UCSB men’s volleyball graduates that have some of the best team chemistry the event has seen in a long time.”
Popular teams that participated in this year’s 6-man were Lyon Stahl, Wrestlers, Fletch, Goodstuff, Soho, and OK. These teams have rosters from 10-50 people, and may register as all boys, all girls, or co-ed.
“Team OK in particular has many D1 commits from Costa and other high schools in the sport,” said Chapin. “They are looking to cement themselves in the coming years of the tournament after already making the second round of the playoffs last year.”
As a part of the tradition, teams will dress up in various costumes. These costumes are put together by the players, and most teams either wear a matching or collective theme. In the South Bay community, this well-known tradition is the celebration of volleyball and beach culture. During the tournament, everyone comes down to the beach to spectate, play, or just have a good time.
“The 6-man tournament is one of the most fun days for volleyball players and lovers who call Manhattan Beach home,” said Chapin.
The 6-man tournament was founded in 1974 by Charlie Saikley, often lauded as the “godfather of beach volleyball.” With the event, Saikley aimed to foster a sense of inclusivity and camaraderie, according to manhattanbeach.gov. Saikley’s family has worked with the Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Department. In this vein, the youth competition will embrace the tradition of wearing costumes and matching gear.
“The teams’ costumes get more creative every year of the 6-Man,” senior volleyball player Chloe Hynes said. “Some teams even wear a certain color for a good cause or to raise awareness.”
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