Gary Colberg, a "Leader in Volleyball", passes away - Articles

It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of volleyball great Gary Colberg. He died peacefully July 4 in Sacramento after a prolonged struggle with leukemia. Gary’s accomplishments were numerous: He was awarded the “Frier” award for contributions to volleyball and the USVBA “Leader in Volleyball” award. Gary founded the national club championship, which hosted 432 teams this year, and the USVBA Junior Olympic championship. He was an internationally certified official, officiating at the 1984 Olympic games, and serving as the Coordinator of Volleyball officials at the 1996 Atlanta games. Gary received the Glen G. Davis Referees award from USA volleyball in 1992. Gary also administrated the UC Davis intramural program for over 30 years, bringing it into national prominence. He also coached the Sacramento State men’s club team, something he was grudgingly forgiven for, as they were the cross-causeway rivals of UC Davis. Gary was also my volleyball “father.” Gary was always kind and generous with his time. He mentored many of us college youths and his door was always open to us. Many of us are still involved in the sport decades later. His guidance was always spot on; he could inform you that a decision needed to be re-evaluated with a simple glance. I owe Gary a debt that can never be repaid. My favorite memory of Gary was at USVBA nationals in Berkeley. I needed assistance with an errand on the other side of the gym, and Gary agreed to help. But Gary was so well known and popular that...

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