The Benedictine University men's volleyball team will host the first Christian Staple Memorial Match when North Central College visits on February 11. Titled Christian Staple's Battle of Chicago & Maple, the contest is scheduled to begin at 3pm and a large turnout is expected so arrive early. Admission is $8, cash only.

Christian Staple, head men's volleyball coach at Benedictine, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly in July and coached at both institutions during his career.

First serve is slated for 3pm and a traveling trophy will be awarded to the winner. Memorial T-shirts will be available for sale at the match along with raffle tickets. Cash, check or venmo are accepted forms of payment for the raffle and shirts. Many more events are planned including a live DJ, a cash bar for two hours following the match along with a Billy Bricks Pizza Truck, concessions during the contest and a pregame ceremony. Banners will also be on display in the Rice Center.

The match will become an annual event rotating between the two schools. Staple served as an assistant at North Central early in his career before later becoming the head coach at Benedictine. The two schools, located just minutes apart, play regularly in the Battle of Chicago-Maple Avenue.

FULL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
1:00pm - Doors Open
1-3pm - T-Shirt Sale (Both Match specific and Love You Too along with wristbands and koozies)
2:55pm - Pregame ceremony featuring alumni from both programs, a prayer, a moment of silence and a video tribute
3:15pm - Approximate start of match
5:15pm - Approximate presentation of Traveling Trophy to Winner
5:30pm - Approximate start of post-match event with music, food and drinks