Appalachian All-Star Volleyball recently hosted its fourth annual 'Winter Classic' tournament at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown in Cambria County.

The event featured a junior high division with 10 teams competing on Saturday, and an adult division comprising 40 teams over the weekend.

Winners of the youth tournament received $1,000, while adult division champions earned $600 on Saturday and $400 on Sunday.

Proceeds from the tournament are earmarked for upgrading equipment at the Windber Community Building, the original home of Appalachian All-Star Volleyball.

Planned enhancements include new nets, volleyballs, and padding, aiming to improve the facility for local teams.

Organizers emphasized the building's significance, noting, "A lot of teams play at this local community building, so it's home to a lot of people in our community; so, we're trying to upgrade all the systems there."

They also expressed a desire to continue the tournament annually and establish Johnstown as a central hub for volleyball.

These initiatives underscore a collective effort to enhance local facilities and foster community engagement through sports and infrastructure development.