Spartans are Runners-up at the 36th Jimmy George Memorial Super Trophy
The prestigious KVLNA 36th Jimmy George Memorial Super Trophy Volleyball Tournament was hosted by the Dallas Strikers over the Memorial Day weekend, 23rd and 24th May 2026.
Kerala Volleyball League of North America (KVLNA) started soon after the tragic death of the great volleyball player, Jimmy George. He died in a car accident in Italy on November 30, 1987, at the age of 32.
The tournament was held at MAC SPORTS @200 Continental Drive, Lewisville, Texas.
Top class volleyball was in full display in the finals where California was crowned the eventual champions beating a spirited performance by the Niagara Spartans.
11 Teams participated in this year’s tournament. 10 USA teams and 1 Canadian Team. Dallas, California, New York, Philadelphia, Washington, Rockland, Chicago, Virginia, Houston, and Niagara were the qualified teams.
Niagara was in pool A for the league matches with Dallas, Chicago, Washington and Philadelphia. Niagara was placed 5th overall after the pool games and played Houston in the quarterfinals. Niagara beat Houston in straight sets to advance to the Semi-finals.
Philadelphia beat the host team Dallas in a tightly fought 3 setter to face Niagara in the Semi-final. In a repeat of the pool match, Niagara beat Philadelphia in straight sets in the first Semi.
On the other court, New York beat Chicago in the quarter finals to face California, who beat Rockland. California beat New York to advance to the finals.
Niagara Spartans has been part of KVLNA since 2007. This year team was captained by Joseph Augustine. Team Manager is Salvan Zacharias, Coach George Vadakken and Assistant Coach Togy Pulikkal. Other team members are Leander Pereira (Right side), Shibin Kunjachan (outside hitter) Libin Cherian (libero) Justin John (Middle), Sanjo Mathew (middle), Alex John (setter), Aditya Pillai (outside hitter), and Reuben Mathew (Right side).
Leander was chosen as the Best Offensive Player of the tournament.
“I am very proud of this team. They worked very hard and displayed some amazing volleyball. Great coordination in the court and played with passion and got a well-deserved Second Place finish. We will be back in Virginia better and stronger for next year’s Jimmy George” said coach George Vadakken.
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