By THOMAS ST. MYER
tstmyer@muncie.gannett.com

YORKTOWN — Euphoria swept through Munciana Volleyball Club co-director Wes Lyon last week as he unlocked the doors and took a gander inside the new facility.

“When I first walked in last week I was amazed,” Lyon said. “I was so excited about the possibility and that it happened.”

For 10-plus years, Lyon researched the possibility of a Munciana volleyball facility. His once elusive dream turned into reality through his persistent effort and those of Tim Kuzma, Mike Lingenfelter, Steve Shondell and countless others associated with the club.

Located at the Yorktown Sports Park, the Munciana volleyball facility opened its doors for hundreds of youths during the weekend as the club held its tryouts there. Girls ages 10 to 18 wore hot pink T-shirts as they displayed their talents for Don and Steve Shondell, Jim Craig, Lingenfelter, Lyon and other area coaches synonymous with the volleyball tradition in this community.

Munciana stuck with its blue and gray colors for the indoor decor. The six blue courts bustled with activity on Saturday as coaches put hundreds of girls through drills.

“It’s controlled chaos,” co-director Mike Lingenfelter said.

The $4-million dollar facility consists of 50,000 square feet with six volleyball courts, space for the Yorktown Y and a front reception area.

“It’s big,” said 10-year-old Kyndall Pursley, with an emphasis on big.

The 5,000-square foot front reception area is scheduled to open in mid-December. The area offers seating, tables, a fireplace and big screen televisions. Spiker’s Grill, a dining establishment run by Rib Cage owner Steve Schroeder, and Gear Munciana Pro Shop will operate in the reception area.

The 10,000-square foot Y exercise center is set to open Jan. 2. The Y staff will train Munciana players twice a week for fitness purposes.

Munciana controls the rest of the facility, though the Delaware County Futbol Club will take up one of the courts in the winter for training purposes and for a futsal league.

Founded in 1974, Munciana previously relied on access to school gyms for practices and tournaments. The new facility eliminates the hassle of scheduling around school events and allows the club better flexibility in hosting tournaments and clinics.

“This is one of the best things to ever happen to our community,” Lingenfelter said. “The growth is going to be outlandish now that we don’t have to fight for gym space.”