It started 26 years ago with a group of high school alumni who wanted to show they could still compete at a high level in the sport of volleyball.

It's turned into an annual event that features former players from various WPIAL high schools competing on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

The Pittsburgh Volleyball Alumni Classic, better known as the PVAC, celebrated its 26th year with a nine-team tournament on Saturday at Fox Chapel High School.

"It all started with a few former high school players bragging about the quality players who played in the past for their high school," said Phil O'Keeffe, who, along with Salima Rockwell, created the PVAC tournament. "I suggested that we quit bragging and prove it on the court."

In 2000, the PVCA held its first tournament, with O'Keeffe serving a

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