Mud, music and munchies drew in hundreds of people to Three Forks Harbor on Saturday for the annual Muskogee Mud Volleyball Tournament.

The tournament is put on each year to benefit the Muskogee County Council of Youth Services and Women in Safe Home.

Logan Amann, a member of the Max’s Garage team, said he was up early on a Saturday to support the cause with his team and to hopefully win.

“I’ve been excited all week. We’ve been practicing for a while, and we are definitely ready,” Amann said. “Its great to see everyone that came out. It looks like we’re going to have a really fun time with friends from all around Muskogee.”

The teams competed in six mud pits that each were made up of soft mud that was 2 feet deep.

Ashton Houston, member of the Mud Huggers, the Creek Nation Casino sponsored team, said this was her first year to compete.

“I’ve played volleyball before but never in the mud. It was really fun,” Houston said. “This was definitely a great way to spend a Saturday and to help a cause.”

Amann said that the mud was definitely different to play in than he expected.

“It was different, but it was fun and definitely exciting,” Amann said.

Shelly Chitwood, MCCOYS board member, said that this was the fourth year that the tournament has been held, and this year 42 teams registered to compete.

“We absolutely loved the turnout this year,” Chitwood said. “Registration was at 8 a.m., and we couldn’t wait to kick off the fun at 9.”

Chitwood said that local businesses and restaurants donated various gift certificates that were given out throughout the day.

“The Hard Rock Casino even donated a free night’s stay in the hotel,” Chitwood said.

Treasure McKenzie, MCCOYS board member and vice president of tourism for the Muskogee Chamber of Commerce, said that they had more teams this year than ever before.

“The event is growing in every way, and every year it is becoming a more successful event for both locals and tourists,” McKenzie said. “The great thing about this event is that it’s fun and it allows everyone in the community a chance to help out two worthy causes, MCCOYS and WISH.”

With the music playing and everyone out in the pits having a great time, the emcees were even calling this event “Mud Fest.”

“Mud Volleyball has turned into more of a festival and not just a tournament,” McKenzie said. “There were festivities for the kids, lots of food and great live music for everyone to enjoy. And of course, there was a lot of mud.”

Winners



• First – Diving Dirty team. This is their second year to win the tournament.

• Second – Joe’s team.

• Third – Creek Nation team.

• Consolation – Jackson Hewitt.

• Best T-shirt – Advanced Workzone.

• Most spirit – World Acceptance Corporation.