Wet gym floor dogs Whitefish spikers

Whitefish volleyball coach Jackie Fuller calls it a minor inconvenience.

Nothing more, nothing less.

Matter of fact, she says it will probably help the defending Class A state champions in the long run.

The Whitefish Bulldogs have had to do all their preseason drilling at Flathead High School this fall because of gymnasium floor problems at WHS.

"Water underground coming up has warped the floor," said Fuller.

"They finally found out the source (of the problem). Right now, trying to dry it out. Get it down to a level where we can sand it again and repaint it."

Then hopefully practice on it again.

In the meantime, the Bulldogs are calling FHS their temporary home and open the season with the Whitefish Tip-Off Tournament at the Flathead gym today. Twelve teams, including Flathead, are competing in pool play with action starting at 9 a.m.

"My appreciation and Whitefish High School's appreciation goes out to (FHS activities director) Mark Dennehy and (volleyball coach) Christy Harkins," said Fuller.

"They have been just unbelievable in helping us out. Arranging for us to go there and practice. Taking this tournament over. It's still our tournament, just hosting it at their house."

Fuller said she noticed a problem with the WHS gym floor the Saturday before preseason drills were scheduled to begin.

"As the first week progressed, we saw things getting worse," she said.

That's when she sent out a call to FHS.

Fuller said the Bulldogs have followed the Bravettes' volleyball practice schedule.

"Get on the bus at noon, get at (FHS) at 12:30 when she's (Harkin's) finishing up," said Fuller.

"Go (from) 1-4 (p.m.)."

Then get back on the bus and head back to Whitefish.

So far, it hasn't caused any problems in getting ready for the season.

"I don't see it as a problem," said Fuller.

"We're not looking at it that way. We look at it as an opportunity to get even closer and bond even more.

"It's all gonna work out. It will make us a better team and a better group of people because of it. That's what's important. They (players) learn how to handle different situations, adversity. This group of girls will build off of that."

Whitefish's next action is a Tip-Off Tournament Sept. 2-3 in Hamilton.

The Bulldogs' home opener is Sept. 13 versus Columbia Falls.

"Still don't know," said Fuller of where that contest will be played.

"(WHS activities director) Megan Olson and Jeff Peck, our assistant principle, are doing everything to figure it out and give us a timeline."

Fuller said either WHS would play at FHS, "if they have the time and space, or play everybody away. We are not really sure."

Today's final pool play matches will begin at 7:30 p.m.

Each match will be two games to 21.

"A tune-up," said Fuller.

"An opportunity to play different people. Just pool play. Nothing after that. A great icebreaker. A chance to get the jitters out."

Eureka is holding a volleyball tournament today featuring mainly Class B teams, beginning at 9 a.m.

A junior varsity and freshman Tip-Off Tournament is also behind held in Columbia Falls today.

Whitefish Tip-Off Tourney

At Flathead High School

9 a.m.

Gold Pool - Columbia Falls, Bigfork, Flathead, Browning, Ronan, Stevensville

Green Pool - Livingston, Whitefish, Polson, Libby, Corvallis, Hamilton.