International Volleyball Association (1976)
Tombstone
Born: 1976 – IVA expansion franchise
Re-branded: 1977 (Tucson Sky)
First Game: June 2, 1976 (L 12-7, 4-12, 12-7, 0-12, 0-6 vs. Phoenix Heat)
Last Game: August 31, 1976 (L 5-12, 3-12, 12-7, 6-12 vs. Los Angeles Stars)
IVA Championships: None
Arena
Tucson Community Center
Opened: 1971
Marketing
Team Colors:
Ownership
Owners: Wayne Vandenburg & Les Patrick
Background
The Tucson Turquoise were an expansion franchise that debuted during the second season of the co-ed International Volleyball Association in 1976. The team lasted for only one tumultuous season, constantly shuffling its roster and finishing in last place with an 11-29 record.
The Turquoise’s opening day roster consisted of:
- Player-coach Byron Shewman out of San Diego State University and the U.S. National Team
- Duncan McFarland, another San Diego State and U.S. National Team veteran
- Spiker Giorgio Barbieri of Italy
- 5′ 7″ setter Toshi Toyoda of Japan
- Tom Chamales
- Craig Thompson
- Rose Duncan
- Nina Grouwinkle out of UCLA
- Teri Shott of San Diego State
A number of the original Turquoise players had played together the previous season for the IVA’s defunct Southern California Bangers franchise, alongside former NBA great Wilt Chamberlain. But the roster turned over frequently and personnel problems plagued the Turquoise all season. 6′ 9″ Giorgio Barbieri, counted upon as the team’s big man, got hurt early and returned to Italy without ever playing a game. The Turquoise never adequately replaced him and put the league’s smallest team on the floor each night. Ultimately the team cycled through 17 players en route to its last place record.1Kemp, Bob. “Turquoise coach raps club owner”. The Daily Citizen (Tucson, AZ). September 1, 1976
Demise
Following the 1976 season, the Turquoise were sold off to new local owners and re-branded as the Tucson Sky. The Sky lasted four seasons and enjoyed competitive success during the late 1970’s, appearing in back-to-back IVA championship series in 1978 and 1979. The Sky folded along with the rest of the IVA midway through the 1980 season.
Voices
“Our GM was definitely working the co-ed angle. If you noticed, all the female players wore very tight shorts on court, however, the women did not mind as they also liked them because of the flexibility. Our first year, we had two players, Duncan McFarland and Teri Shott. We were half way through the season before I found out they were actually married, but I was told not to let anyone know to help sell the co-ed package.”
– Doug Vance, Business Manager 1976 (2020 FWiL Interview)
Downloads
1976 Tucson Turquoise Roster
1976 Tucson Turquoise Roster
Links
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