Rival volleyball programs host a joint tournament for veterans charity

Oconee County and North Oconee schools are joining forces on Saturday, September 12, to host a volleyball tournament in support of veterans. This is the second year the "Volley for Vets" event has taken place between the two schools, according to North Oconee coach Taylor Brooks. The friendly rivalry between the two institutions is evident during the event, showcasing the spirit of team sports, as Brooks describes.

Sixteen schools will participate in the tournament, with sixteen teams competing across two courts at North Oconee and Oconee County, with the championship match taking place at North Oconee, also marking the school's homecoming dance night. The event will span from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the championship matches scheduled for 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Oconee County and North Oconee are located in different parts of the county, with North Oconee situated at 1081 Rocky Branch Road in Bogart, and Oconee County at 2721 Hog Mountain Road in Watkinsville. Each school will host eight teams in different colored pools.

Proceeds from the tournament will go to Hire Heroes USA, a charity dedicated to helping veterans and military-affiliated people transition into civilian careers. Several members of both Oconee County and North Oconee coaching staff have personal ties to the military, with Brooks' father serving in the military from 1987-1991 and Oglesby's grandfather being a Purple Heart and Silver Star recipient who served in the World War II D-Day invasion.