Thursday, March 12, 1998 | 11:11 a.m.
There are trophies, and then there are trophies.
Jose Loiola, the No. 1 ranked volleyball player in the world in 1997, has a special place in his heart for the award he got after winning last year's Association of Volleyball Professionals' "King of the Beach Invitational" in Las Vegas.
"They gave me this really nice guitar," said Loiola. "Since we played at the Hard Rock Hotel, I guess it was appropriate that they'd give you that instead of a regular trophy."
Loiola would love nothing more than to add another guitar to his collection this weekend.
The Brazilian volleyball star is one of 14 volleyball pros in town competing in the 1998 Swatch King of the Beach Invitational at the Hard Rock Hotel.
"I'm here to defend my title," said Loiola. "This is one of the best tournaments of the year. I can't think of a better way to start the new season than to be able to come in here and defend my title."
It won't be easy.
Also entered are Olympic gold medalists Karch Kiraly (a five-time King of the Beach champion) and Kent Steffes, silver medalist Mike Whitmarsh, 1995 King of the Beach champion Adam Johnson as well as rising stars Dain Blanton, Todd Rodgers and Canyon Ceman.
The tournament, which offers $225,000 in prize money, features a unique round robin format which requires players to change partners after each match. The player with the most points after the three-day competition earns the title, "King of the Beach."
"Changing partners for each match is what makes it so interesting," Loiola said. "You play with everybody. I usually play the left side, but, depending on who my partner is, I sometimes have to play the right side. So I really think you find out who the best all-around volleyball player is in this kind of a format."
It's the only tournament on the AVP's six-month, 22-city tour that uses the format.
"I think it's a great way to kick off the season," Loiola said.
Loiola is coming off memorable 1997 campaign. Besides winning the "King of the Beach" title, he and Steffes combined to win a remarkable 13 events on the AVP Tour. He earned the 1997 BMW Ultimate Player Award for leading the AVP in serving aces and blocks, was named the AVP's 1997 Most Valuable Player and capped the season with a No. 1 AVP ranking.
Loiola figures to get his toughest competition from the legendary Kiraly, who had won four straight "King of the Beach" titles before being dethroned last year. Kiraly was plagued by shoulder problems last season but reportedly is healthy again.
The tournament kicks off Friday with qualifying rounds from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Loiola will make his first appearance on Saturday (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.). The top four finishers Saturday advance to Sunday's final round which begins at noon.
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