Denver Digger 2022

Online registration is now closed.  You can still register on-site and order additional swag.  💙

Included in this year's registration details, you’ll be entertained with snippets I’ve pulled from the articles of veteran Digger and poet laureate, Brent Davies, along with the addition of my own musings and memories (tho not nearly as entertaining, I will do my very best).

Digger Update...

Recently, one of your closest own passed away far too young.  This year, Digger will split donations with the proceeds going to support her two daughters. 

Tara was 41 years old, just one month shy of her 42nd birthday when she passed away after seeking care at the ER for chest pain. She leaves behind 2 daughters, Mya (20) and Aaliyah (16). Her close-knit family is devastated by their loss and has stepped in to help care for Aaliyah and Mya during this difficult time. She was in the process of starting a new job and had not secured a life insurance policy. 

Tara was kind, easy to relate to, and always had a smile for others. She was full of fun, and laughter and loved volleyball.  Her positive energy and caring nature will be missed by all who knew her.  ❤️‍🩹 ❤️‍🩹

We are sending love and light to her whole family.  

Bonedigger For NOOBS…

“The Bonedigger is an event. It is not a competition. It starts the night before and, for many, doesn’t conclude till late in the [next] evening. It is a marathon on a number of levels yet it is also a battle of skills. On some level, it is a mating ritual. On another level--- a testament to the passage of time. One thing is for certain.....it goes by quick. And the better the time had, the quicker the blink of the eye.” ~Brent Davies (aka BD)

The night before, be sure to attend the pre-event social. Where everyone will be scoping out your fellow mates, perhaps placing bets on who will make it to the finals, and reminiscing previous Digger adventures. The pre-party social is as much a part of the Digger tradition as are the day-of festivities.

You’ll enter the event solo, finding yourself paired up randomly (or not) with a new partner each game. Throughout the day you’ll battle your way to the finals, reaching for the coveted prize - your name on the Big Bone.

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If you know the Bonedigger history, feel free to scroll down to event registration details and get ‘er done. Otherwise, I hope you enjoy this walk down memory lane first.

Bonedigger history…

In a land not so far away, there began a tradition of aimless socializing, mindless imbibing, and pointless banter at the beach while running around in the sand chasing a black and white ball (actually, I couldn’t tell you the color of the ball used in that era so I’m guessing on that last bit).

The Patriarch, Mr. Joe Finley, created the event with a desire to gather some decent VB players where he would show off his perfected backhanded spike and, more importantly, hide from the dreaded corporate accounting practices.

If you’ve ever wondered why it is called “Bonedigger”, ancient folklore suggests we listen to Paul Simon’s - You Can Call Me Al.

In Chicago’s early beginnings, you would have experienced growth from 16 to well over 150. It was an event that rivaled no other with long-time Grand Maestro of colorful hair and bullhorn rap-tastic announcements, Marc Kaplanes, at the helm. I was fortunate enough to attend 2 years in a row.

"Over the years clans from greater distances joined, moved away, shaped, molded and forged the event till it became the highly sophisticated ritual it is today." ~BD

About 22 years ago, the Denver Digger expansion event was born. Chicago Exiles - Cordle, Brandies, Myrna James, and Wooga - banded together to send off the summer in style, volleyball shenanigans in the grass just before (or sometimes when) the snow began to fly.

Never shy about their desire to grow from the few to the many, they discovered virgins were plentiful allowing the “highly sophisticated ritual” to continue in this new land. It was 2003, along with a victory against Chicago’s very own Vern Hamill, that turned me into a dedicated participant.

Leadership, once again, changed hands some 12 years ago with myself and, long-time Denverite Ray J stepping in.

Over the years, a mid-day grudge match was held pitting the veteran elite Chicagoans against those Exiled to Denver, along with a few hand-selected newbies to complete their team. The Grudge-Match remained until the veteran Chicagoans became extinct. While the trophy was elusive and bounced between the two cities, I have it on good authority that the last victory belongs to Denver.

It’s an ever-evolving event that has seen the ebb and flow of pig roast after parties, pub crawls, Dive Inns, and night before house parties. Game day pairings can now be bought or won by gambling in a high-stakes game of Plinko. The finals were originally fought in one game, turned to match play when we found ourselves with plenty of daylight and far too entertained to let it end. It was a clutch decision that almost led to me being fired as host. And then there was the year, we played well into the dark having to utilize modern vehicular machinery to light the court. Every year there are new stories to tell and friendships forged.

The Bonedigger, and the volleyball community, is a catalyst for friendships that span decades. It is the tie that binds us through all the play and extracurricular outings, cocktails, weddings, funerals, birthdays, births, baptisms, and BBQ’s have created an interconnectedness that has far surpassed the simple intention of the first Bonedigger. That’s because when an idea survives the test of time, it is meaningful:  Bringing people together with similar interest(s) and sharing a healthy intention to be receptive and friendly.

It has found a way to perpetuate itself despite changes in leadership, personnel, and the negative influence of the environment. Ultimately, the collective's genetic code will re-program itself based on the founding principles: aimless socializing, mindless drinking, and pointless banter. ~BD

From the beaches of Chicago to the grasslands of Denver, what will it become and where will it go next…

Thank you all and may this be our best year yet,

Jenn

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Without further ado, let's get this year’s party started!

• Pre-Digger Social: September 23rd, 2022 @ 6:30pm @ Ray J’s
• Digger Play: September 24th, 2022 - 9 am ’til we’re done

Registration includes volleyball, as well as, some breakfast/lunch/dinner food and drinks.

• Early Bird Players registration - $55 (T-shirt included in registration now thru August 15th)  - Closed
• Additional swag available for purchase - shirts, visors, hats, etc.
• Player Registration after August 15th - $55 (Shirt/Swag not included)
• Player Registration Under 21 - $45 (Shirt/Swag not included)
• Day-of registration for Digger participants is $60 (Shirt/Swag not included)
• Hecklers/Spectators only - Registration is free and cash is king. Donations are appreciated when partaking in provided food and drink. Please register to let me know you’ll be partaking. :-)

We'll be raising money to support the USANA Foundation where 100% of every dollar donated is used to support their mission of ensuring that impoverished children and families reach their fullest potential by providing food and nutrition. More details about this great charity here.

New information will be provided as it becomes available. :-)