UC Irvine campus cheers men's volleyball team

The UC Irvine campus community celebrated the men’s volleyball national championship with a rally attended by several hundred people outside Aldrich Hall Wednesday. Chancellor Michael Drake, who donned an NCAA championship T-shirt and cap, congratulated the team as did Executive Vice Chancellor Michael Gottfredson and Athletic Director Bob Chichester. Head coach John Speraw addressed the crowd saying, “From the reception at the airport (Sunday) to this celebration, everything has been absolutely incredible. I have been a part of national championships before and this is the greatest gathering I have been to.” Team captain Brian Thornton presented Drake and Gottfredson with volleyballs signed by the team members prior to the unveiling of the NCAA-championship trophy. UCI defeated IPFW 3-1 in the NCAA final last Saturday in Columbus, Ohio. The Anteater volleyball team finished the season with a 29-5 overall record, setting a school record for single-season victories.