When I asked Randy why he didn't get back with
Sinjin, he was his usual honest & straightforward self:
"Sinjin & I spoke a little about getting back together,
but I just don't feel the fire I used to have," he
said. "I truly enjoyed being one of the stars of the
sport, & when things started to falter on the AVP Tour &
the crowds started to diminish, it started to get a
lot less fun for me." <br><br>We agreed that during
our last few years, the player's tent had gone from a
familiar refuge to a strange place where we didn't know
three-quarters of the players in the tent. <br><br>One incident
of disrespect had a lasting effect. A young player
took Stokie's shoes to go on a hike while Stokie was
playing a match. The player brought the shoes back later
all muddy & never said a word to Stokie until much
later. It wasn't the last straw, but it was the little
things like that that began to make the tour less
desirable for Stokie. I must admit that I thoroughly
enjoyed Stokie's tirade while he was looking for the
perpetrator of the crime against his shoes. <br><br>That's
one thing about Randy -- he always has been pure
emotion. There was never any hidden agenda or contrived
emotions for a situation. His antics on the court, the way
he played to the crowd, & even the way he confronted
refs or fellow players was from the heart. It was
hated by some but loved & respected by most. Randy was
one of the instrumental few that pushed beach
volleyball to some of its brightest moments. <br><br>Off the
court, Randy's persona changes 180 degrees. He's quiet,
almost shy. He's a doting father to his 2 beautiful
children, Shay & Shane. <br><br>Everything my family & I
have I owe to guys like Karch (Kiraly), Sinjin, Hov,
(Steve) Timmons, Whit (Mike Whitmarsh) -- all the great
players before the modern era. And, of course, Randy.
Thank you.