NCAA.com's Volleyball Blog had a chance to sit down with Championship Committee Chair Terry Gawlik, the Associate Athletic Director at Wisconsin to talk about the upcoming Championship selection:
Q. Comment on the parity you've seen within Division I Volleyball this year.
A. From a general perspective, the committee has noticed an extended amount of parity this year across the country which will make for a challenging selection weekend. It is fun to watch and follow teams that go unbeaten, which at this point we currently have two. However, it is also interesting to watch upsets that have occurred as teams perform better and acquire quicker, stronger athletes. If you are a fan of volleyball, you would have noticed an increase in athleticism throughout the country. It is one of the most exciting spectator sports to watch as it truly is a team effort, yet having a dominant player can really rock the house.
Q. At what point of the year does the RPI become relevant and when does it start factoring into the selections process?
A. The RPI provides detailed information to track teams that might be considered for selection and to help the committee members gauge the strength of teams in different regions and conferences. The further you get into the season, the more relevant it becomes as more factors are taken into consideration. It is only one tool used for selection, seeding and bracketing.
Q. When are the selections this year and where can have fans view/access the bracket once it has been released?
A. We are happy to inform you that this year's selection announcement will take place earlier in the day on Sunday November 29 between 3 and 3:30 PM Eastern Time. The announcement will be on ESPNEWS which is located on the following networks: Direct TV channel 207, Dish Network channel 142 or check local listings for available coverage.
Q. Comment on the parity you've seen within Division I Volleyball this year.
A. From a general perspective, the committee has noticed an extended amount of parity this year across the country which will make for a challenging selection weekend. It is fun to watch and follow teams that go unbeaten, which at this point we currently have two. However, it is also interesting to watch upsets that have occurred as teams perform better and acquire quicker, stronger athletes. If you are a fan of volleyball, you would have noticed an increase in athleticism throughout the country. It is one of the most exciting spectator sports to watch as it truly is a team effort, yet having a dominant player can really rock the house.
Q. At what point of the year does the RPI become relevant and when does it start factoring into the selections process?
A. The RPI provides detailed information to track teams that might be considered for selection and to help the committee members gauge the strength of teams in different regions and conferences. The further you get into the season, the more relevant it becomes as more factors are taken into consideration. It is only one tool used for selection, seeding and bracketing.
Q. When are the selections this year and where can have fans view/access the bracket once it has been released?
A. We are happy to inform you that this year's selection announcement will take place earlier in the day on Sunday November 29 between 3 and 3:30 PM Eastern Time. The announcement will be on ESPNEWS which is located on the following networks: Direct TV channel 207, Dish Network channel 142 or check local listings for available coverage.
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