The Vikings organization was founded in 1956 where the group first met at Seward Park High School in lower Manhattan. All were recent arrivals from Tosian, China, a region where the early Chinese emigrated. They shared more than a common background and dialect, they shared a love for volleyball. As children in the villages back home, they recall watching the adult males play volleyball – a spo
rt brought back to China from America by sojourners. As children of 8 or 9, they were not allowed to participate, so they improvised and imitated their heroes by devising a primitive version of the game, using a rope tied between two trees, and a ball made of scrap paper and strings. When they formally organized in New York in 1956, there was already in existence a Chinese-American Volleyball Tournament on the east coast. The style of playing was different from the familiar Olympic style volleyball. These early players learned the game in China where the sojourners adapted and changed the American game. Nine men replaced six, no player rotation took place, the net was lowered, and games were played to 21 points. Volleyball is extremely competitive and popular in Tosian where frequent tournaments are considered to be a special event. There would be inter-village tournaments vying for honor. The adaptation by the sojourners created an entirely different game, but strangely enough, the Chinese still retain terminology such as “touch net”, “over”, “good ball”, “outside”, and “two ball”. Because most of the Vikings arrived in America young enough to complete their high school here, and have an opportunity to attend college, they are the first generation of Chinese youths to know two cultures. The Vikings from the late 50’s and 60’s expanded their interest in other areas in addition to volleyball. They were community activists, social services volunteers, fundraisers, and tournament sponsors. The organization’s health was also reflected on the court. In the decade of the sixties, the Vikings captured 5 championships, and nearly always finished close to the top. Today, the organization is just as strong. Several of the original players from the 50’s played on playoff contending teams in the 90s. During most of the 80’s and 90’s, the Vikings have been classified as one of the top tier teams in a field of 40 teams at the North American Chinese Invitational Volleyball Tournament. How the organization manages to accomplish this is an interesting phenomenon. A vital part of the Vikings' success is its ability to draw new members.Throughout the years, the original members were able to communicate and enjoy excellent rapport with the new members, usually American born. The willingness of the older members to give their time and experience in coaching the young players help to strengthen their bonds. The Vikings organization is one full of tradition and pride, something that today’s younger players respect and try to uphold. The "new" Vikings are all excellent athletes who understand the game of volleyball. They are self driven, competitive, and dedicated to becoming the best they can be on and off the court. Off the court, they exhibit the closeness and friendship one would expect from any successful organization. Surprisingly, these are the same characteristics that were found in original 1956 Vikings and carried forward ever since. Today, while there are still a handful of actively playing Vikings "original", most of the players have been relegated to coaching, managing, and recruiting. Working directly with the younger players and seeing their potentials develop into reality has prompted their mutual respect for the new generation. Taken all together, today’s Vikings represent an interesting mix of old new faces woven together with tradition, pride, talent, and most of all, friendship. It is this combination that has proven success for so long and hopefully will continue to be for quiet some.
