Getting down and dirty for a good cause at Epilepsy Mud Volleyball tournament

By Jean Seegers

REPORTER

The annual Epilepsy Foundation Mud Volleyball tournament got underway at 8:30 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 6. This year, 220 teams on 32 mud-clogged courts were slotted to participate throughout the day. The tournament was held in Roscoe’s Riverside Park.

Spectators cheered for their favorite team as the players slipped and slid in the knee-deep muddy water.

Team members showed off their mud-caked bodies in a ritual competition to see who could get the most filthy.

Clean-up stations were available to hose off the accumulation of mud. Eight competing teams played in the elimination tournament throughout the day.

The event was free for spectators. Food and refreshments were available.

The annual tournament was conceived 34 years ago by Epilepsy Foundation Executive Director Vic Verney. The fundraiser now benefits the Epilepsy Foundation of North Central Illinois, Iowa and Nebraska.