NAIA volunteers represent the best of Sioux City

“Emerald green and white are the traditional colors of a 20th anniversary,” said John Mansfield, a member of the NAIA Volunteer Committee. He and the rest of the volunteer committee will be wearing white, he said.

"It's a simple way for us to celebrate 20 years, but also an easy way for people to know where to point blame," Mansfield said with a laugh. 

Each year the committee orders between 110-120 volunteer T-shirts. 

One of those shirts will be going to Miles Patton, adding to his vast collection of NAIA swag.

Patton, 85, will be volunteering in the hospitality area for his 15th year.

"I'm the door keeper," he said. "Nobody is getting through me." 

Though Patton admits he's not "that big of a sports fan," he comes back each year because he enjoys taking care of the VIPs and feels he owes it to Sioux City to give back.

"I've met people through volunteering that I would have never met before," he said. "The fellowship and camaraderie that I get is what means the most."

Bill Hays, 69, has 16 years experience in the heat of the action, volunteering on the sidelines, fetching balls and making sure the players have water.

In 2012, Hays was asked to step out on the court after a day of ball games, and was presented with the Cheryl K. Brown Meritorious Service Award. 

"I wasn't expecting that. I'm not much for being the center of attention, I just enjoy watching the ball games and yakking with the fans," said Hays. 

A night of all-you-can-eat shrimp, known as "shrimp night," is one way the tournament shows its appreciation to the volunteers. 

"One year I helped myself to the shrimp one too many times and got gout," said Patton.

"I've had to pace myself the last few years."

Longtime NAIA committee member and volunteer Cheryl Gamble says it's great to see Sioux City come together to give the teams a proper Midwest welcome.

Gamble, 60, has been involved with the tournament for 19 years, mostly spending her days in the locker rooms.

"We're there to make sure players and coaches have whatever they need," she said. "One year, a team had a disco ball they loved and the batteries ran out. A volunteer walked over to Walgreens and grabbed some batteries."

Gamble adds her personal touch to the locker room by writing words of encouragement on an easel for each team. 

"It's the little things that the players remember," she said.

Every year the tournament provides the players with a souvenir to remember their time in Sioux City.

"We switch it up each year, but always have the year printed somewhere on the souvenir to remind the girls of their time at the tournament," she said.

Gamble fondly remembers the days in March when it would snow, recalling players from warmer climates experiencing snow for the first time.

"It's so fun to witness those special moments."

Calling the tournament "well-oiled," Gamble chalks up its success to the individuals who dedicate their time and energy every year. 

"It just shows how great Sioux City is," she said. "We usually have way more volunteers than jobs for them to do.

"That's a good problem to have."