The West Chester Circle K Club held their annual charity volleyball tournament last weekend in support of a local animal shelter, LaMancha Animal Rescue.
“LaMancha is an animal rescue . . . it first started out that they were rescuing racehorses from the slaughterhouse and then it grew into rescuing puppies, dogs, cats, Imus, cows, horses, chickens,” said Jen Mayo, LaMancha team member and volunteer. “The owner of the rescue rescues from across the country, so if there are dogs that aren’t able to stay at another rescue, she will take them in. We take senior dogs, sick dogs . . . as matter of fact, she has a weakness for the sick dogs, and for senior dogs.”
Five teams from West Chester University, one from the local Kiwanis Club, and one from the Drexel Circle K Club came to play for a great cause. The tournament was double elimination, bracket-style with five to seven players per team.
Between rounds players had the opportunity to make treats for LaMancha and make bookmarks for the local senior living facility.
“So glad I got to help out for such a great cause and have a lot of fun doing it!” said Haley Spangler, sophomore physical therapy student.
All teams played hard and left nothing but sweat on the gym floor. Having double elimination gave teams a second chance to win big. In the last round of the tournament it was down to Two Mediums and a Large and Team USA. Both teams fought to the finish, but ultimately Team USA came out on top.
Both teams were happy to receive a prize basket filled with candy and an assortment of shirts from events around campus.
With over $500 raised from the tournament for LaMancha the WCU Circle K Club was thrilled and so was LaMancha.
“We’re so impressed . . . like we’re just so impressed with everything you guys [Circle K] have done. We are so grateful that you thought of us,” said Mayo. “The owner wanted me to extend her gratitude also she was very impressed by the whole situation. It’s kind of amazing that we have this opportunity, so thank you very much.”
LaMancha works tirelessly to make sure each and every animal is socialized and trained in order to be matched up with a family, according to Mayo. That is one of many reasons why WCU Circle K Service Chair Gretchen Curry originally suggested having the tournament proceeds go to LaMancha.
Erin McFeeters is a fourth-year student majoring in communication studies with a minor in journalism. ✉ EM857951@wcupa.edu.