Welcome ot the Fall 2008 volleyball season to coaches, fans, players, officials and aficionados. This is the first poll which is limited to just a top ten in each classification. The polls are not an official ranking, that is handled on the court in November. This poll is open to comments, criticisms and input from all. The poll is an attempt to stimulate conversation about the sport and is edited to promote the participants, coaches, schools and officials. Please feel me to email me as often as you would like on input. The pre-season poll is top ten, after one week the poll is expanded to top 15 then initially to a top 25 per classification.
Thanks and looking forward to a great season
Butch Hart
ejhartvb@yahoo.com
TGCA Pollster

Three of the five defending state champions (Amarillo, Bushland and Windthorst) made it back to San Marcos in quest for a repeat performance. Four of the five teams started the season at number one in the polls (Amarillo, Hereford, Bushland and Wimberley) and managed to fight tough schedules, injuries and improved competition to make their bid a reality.
Conference 1A- Windthorst has the tradition but the Trojanettes are younger and less experienced than past versions and all three competitions are talent strong and tardyon rich as Albany, Iola and shiner all the ability to claim the crown.
Conference 2A- Bushland led whistle to horn and their quest seems almost within grasp but Centerville, Pottsboro and powerful., Wallis Brazos should provide the competition. White Oak, a 3A state semifinalist a year ago was second all season but lost to a very talented Centerville team which might be the sternest test for Bushland.
Conference 3A- the anticipated re-match of defending champion Wimberley and contender Lovejoy was derailed by Brownwood. Long time power Bellville is back along with former two time champion Caldwell in a history rich team.
Conference 4A- Hard to bet against the Herford, West Texas power but Highland Park, Magnolia and very tall Lake Travis pose a strong case for any body winning.
Conference 5A- almost impossible, tow time champion Amarillo lost all world setter Brianne Barker while Westlake had only three returnees but managed to beat Clark, Churchill and Reagan to return a return berth. Lake Highlands beat a very talented Round Rock team while Clear Creek has been solid all year and hopes to be the first Region III team in a decade to claim a 5A title End