The Inventor of Volleyball - William G. Morgan PDF
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William G. Morgan is credited with inventing volleyball. The document discusses his life and the factors that led to the creation of this sport. It covers the context of the time, the need for less strenuous recreational activities, and the principles established to shape the game.
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## The Inventor of Volleyball - William G. Morgan Born in 1870 at Lockport, New York, William G. Morgan spent his childhood years attending public school and working at his father's boat yard on the banks of the Old Erie Canal. In 1891 Morgan entered Mt. Hermon Preparatory School in Northfield, Mas...
## The Inventor of Volleyball - William G. Morgan Born in 1870 at Lockport, New York, William G. Morgan spent his childhood years attending public school and working at his father's boat yard on the banks of the Old Erie Canal. In 1891 Morgan entered Mt. Hermon Preparatory School in Northfield, Massachusetts, and it was there he developed a friendship with James A. Naismith, who was destined to be the originator of basketball. Naismith was impressed with young Morgan's athletic skills and encouraged Morgan to continue his education at the International Young Men's Christian Association Training School in Springfield, Massachusetts (now called Springfield College). While at Springfield, Morgan participated on the college's famous football team which played championship ball under the leadership of Alonzo A. Stagg, one of the "Grand Old Men of Football". In 1894, after graduation, Morgan accepted the position of physical director of the Auburn, Maine YMCA. The following year he accepted a similar post in Holyoke, Mass., and it was here the story of Volleyball began. ## Invention of the Game William Morgan arrived at the Holyoke YMCA in August of 1895 and the new physical director had a problem. The newly created game of basketball, while popular with the kids, was proving to be too strenuous for the local businessmen. He needed an alternative - something these older gentlemen could play - something without too much "bumping" or "jolting". It had to be physical - playing a game, after work and at lunch time, should provide exercise, but it also had to relax the participants - it couldn't be too aggressive. It had to be a sport, Morgan said, "with a strong athletic impulse, but no physical contact."
