Students meet Dalhausser and company

Saipan students had the opportunity to interact with professional beach volleyball players from the United States who arrived the other day for the 17th Marianas Cup Beach Volleyball Festival during a visit to three different schools yesterday.

U.S. pros Jennifer Snyder, Paul Baxter, and Phil Dalhausser smiled and laughed at the easiest and most difficult questions thrown them by kids half or even a quarter of their age during visits to Saipan International, Ladera International School, and Saipan Community School.

The most basic information students commonly asked was about Dalhausser’s Olympic experience.

He said the kids were very enthusiastic about his gold medal performance in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

“They usually asked how tall we are,” Dalhausser quipped after going through a long line of Saipan Community students who patiently waited their turn during the autograph signing session.

Students also wanted to know what kind of food they eat to keep their body stronger. The kids also asked what other sports they like most and who is the best player among them.

Dalhausser said that the most difficult question was how much money they make by playing beach volleyball. All three were silent.

Luckily for them, Northern Mariana Islands Volleyball Association former president Jon Cramer came to their rescue. He told the students that pro beach volleyball players have sponsorships that spend for their training and competition fees, unlike professional football, basketball, soccer, and other big name sports stars who get big contracts.

\“They really had a good time. We also need a good time in sharing our ideas,” said Dalhausser, who at 6’9” is easily the tallest among the three.

This year marks the fourth time Dalhausser will be competing in the Marianas Cup.

“I always want to come back to Saipan mainly because of Jon Cramer, who is my good friend,” said the 29-year-old behemoth.

Dalhauser will start training next year for another chance to be included in the U.S. national team for the 2012 London Olympics.

“It’s too early yet to plan for that,” he said.

After the Marianas Cup set from March 7 to 8 at the Pacific Islands Club, Dalhausser’s next stop will be the AVP championships in Panama City, Florida.

The U.S. pros, that also included returnee Jenelle Koester, will conduct the kids’ beach volleyball clinic free of charge today at the PIC courts.

They will also play in an exhibition game tomorrow against pros from Japan and Korea, serving as the side events for the tournament proper on Saturday and Sunday.