from NBCOlympics.com & Mike
Dodd<br><br><br><br>Stoklos/Smith? Don't hold your breath … <br> <br>Things have
been rather slow in the beach volleyball world, but
get ready for things to heat up real fast.
<br><br>During this time of winter reflection, I often thought
about Randy Stoklos. Three years ago, when he left the
AVP Tour, I thought he was still playing awesome. I
fully expected Randy to end up back with Sinjin (Smith)
to finish off his career on the FIVB Tour & maybe
earn a well-deserved appearance in Sydney. I finally
caught up with Randy the other day. It was so nice to
talk with him. <br><br>Great memories of the many
battles & great times we shared still fill my mind. I
remember the Hawaii Open, in 1987, when Tim Hovland & I
found ourselves in yet another final with
Smith-Stoklos. It had been a rough year for Hov & I, but that
weekend -- thanks to (Brent) Frohoff-(Scott) Ayakatubby,
who upset Smith/Stokie in the semis -- we looked
good. <br><br>We won the winners bracket, & the only
obstacle in the way of the title was the ever-present
Smith-Stoklos, who battled their way back into the final. I'll
never forget during a critical part of the 1st game,
around 12-12, Hov gave me a perfect set -- a ball that
for the previous 10 years I had buried without
thinking twice. Only this time, I hit the ball & before I
could even react, the ball was jammed back into my
hand, dislocating my little finger.