While many were taking it easy over the Thanksgiving break, enjoying some well-earned rest, Bruce Guth, the volleyball coach at Santa Fe Catholic School in Lakeland, Florida, was embarking on a personal mission that would change the landscape of high school sports in the area. Guth, an ambitious and hands-on coach, set out to create the county’s first-ever three-court beach volleyball facility. His project, which began last summer and saw its completion just in time for the Christmas break, is a testament to his dedication to the sport and his school.
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This monumental task involved a combination of strategic planning, physical labor, and community support, culminating in a state-of-the-art beach volleyball facility at Santa Fe Catholic. With no other public high school in the area boasting beach volleyball courts on campus, Guth’s creation is a significant achievement for Polk County, one that will benefit not only his school but also the local community and future generations of athletes.
The Dream Takes Shape
The idea for the beach volleyball courts at Santa Fe Catholic started to take form over the summer when Guth took the first steps in preparing the site. This was no ordinary school project; Guth knew the level of detail and commitment it would take to bring his vision to life. He staked out the space, dug the holes for the volleyball posts, and even began laying the foundation with cement. It was a labor of love, requiring a great deal of time and effort. The groundwork, literally and figuratively, had begun.
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The process continued into the fall, with further preparation around the perimeter of the site. Then, over the Thanksgiving break, Guth took on the bulk of the physical labor, working tirelessly to bring the vision to life. The final stages of the project included filling the courts with the finest sand, meticulously laying it out to ensure optimal playing conditions.
The Construction Process
The construction process was both demanding and rewarding. The area, measuring 143 feet by 83 feet, required the installation of roughly 675 tons of special sand from ER Jahna Industries in Haines City. The sand was carefully selected for its ideal texture, as Guth wanted to ensure that it would not become too compact after heavy rain. “This is actually concrete sand,” Guth explained, noting that its grainy texture would allow water to flow through easily, preventing the sand from becoming too packed and muddy.
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The sand was carefully spread across the raised courts, which were designed to avoid flooding during heavy rain. The sand depth in the courts themselves is about 18 inches, while the surrounding area has around 10 to 12 inches of sand. Guth used a tractor to smooth out the sand, ensuring a perfectly level surface for the competition. With the base in place, the next step was to install the poles and nets for the three courts.
Although Guth did much of the work himself, he had valuable assistance from community members. Eric Sheetz of Made in the Shake Landscape generously donated his time to help with digging the holes for the courts. The teamwork involved in this project highlights the sense of community and collaboration that helped turn Guth’s dream into a reality.
Cost and Challenges
The total cost of the project, according to Guth, came to between $30,000 and $40,000. The biggest expense was the sand, which cost around $18,000 to $20,000. Additionally, the volleyball equipment—such as the nets and posts—came to about $10,500. Guth estimated that if the project had gone through a formal bidding process, it would have easily cost over $100,000. This DIY approach not only saved the school a significant amount of money but also ensured that every detail was executed to Guth’s exact standards.
Despite the cost savings, the project was far from easy. “The toughest part was putting the 4x4s in the hole because I did everything by hand,” Guth said, recalling the grueling process of digging the holes and securing the boards. Aligning the poles and ensuring they were at the right angle also presented a significant challenge. However, Guth’s determination and hands-on approach ensured that the finished courts met his high expectations.
The Facility’s Impact
With the courts now completed, Santa Fe Catholic is home to a premier beach volleyball facility. Each of the three courts measures 26 feet, 3 inches by 52 feet, 6 inches, which is perfect for high school beach volleyball competition. In high school beach volleyball, each school fields five two-person teams to compete against their opponent, with the winner being determined by the best of five.
This new facility is not only a victory for Santa Fe Catholic but for the broader local community as well. Warner University, for example, plans to use the facility for its own volleyball needs. In addition, Guth hopes to host tournaments during the offseason, which could provide a valuable revenue stream for the school. As for Santa Fe Catholic, the school will play 12 of its 14 matches at home this season, giving their athletes a unique advantage.
The courts also represent a broader effort to improve the school’s athletic facilities. Recent upgrades have included a new rubber track, artificial turf on the football field, and an expanded baseball locker room. These improvements demonstrate the school’s commitment to providing its athletes with the best possible resources to succeed.
A Personal Achievement
For Guth, this project was not just about creating a state-of-the-art facility—it was also a personal accomplishment. “I’m loving it,” said Matt Franzino, the president of Santa Fe Catholic, expressing pride in Guth’s hard work and dedication. “It’s looking great. You have to give coach Guth a lot of credit. He put a lot of work into this, building it and working with people to get it up, so we’re really proud of him and excited about starting this program.”
Indeed, Guth’s hard work has paid off in ways that go beyond the physical courts. His dedication to the sport of beach volleyball has provided Santa Fe Catholic with a facility that will help cultivate the next generation of athletes. The courts will serve as a legacy for years to come, helping to elevate the sport in the local community and inspiring future coaches and athletes to dream big and work hard.
The Future of Beach Volleyball at Santa Fe Catholic
Looking forward, the future of beach volleyball at Santa Fe Catholic looks bright. The school’s new facility has already attracted attention from local universities and sports organizations, with the potential for growth and expansion. With plans to eventually add a fence around the courts for added security, Guth’s vision for the facility continues to evolve.
As Santa Fe Catholic prepares for another exciting season, the impact of this project cannot be overstated. The courts not only provide a home for the school’s volleyball teams but also serve as a symbol of what can be accomplished through hard work, community support, and a love for the sport.
In the end, Bruce Guth’s DIY beach volleyball project stands as a testament to the power of passion, determination, and community involvement in creating something truly special. It is a project that will benefit Santa Fe Catholic and the broader Lakeland area for many years to come. And for those who step onto these courts, whether for practice, competition, or simply for fun, they will know that they are standing on the foundation of a dream that became a reality—one dig at a time.
