6-Man Player Profile: Patrick Mejia

Crazy costumes, a high-level of play and a higher-level of partying have become the hallmarks of the Charlie Saikley 6-Man Volleyball Tournament, on the sand today in Manhattan Beach for finals competition.

Manhattan Beach resident and avid volleyball player Patrick Mejia, one of the South Bay’s most influential people in the world of volleyball and head director of Volleyball Ventures, which has been putting on a series of popular beach volleyball tournaments at the Manhattan Pier for the past 25 years, has participated in the last decade and half and has again suited up, bringing his experienced setting skills to the sand.

Manhattan Beach Patch spoke with him about his experiences with the tournament over the years and the fashion of the festival.

MB Patch: What does the 6-Man tournament mean to you?

Patrick Mejia: I fondly remember the first time I played 16 years ago. It was one of the most fun experiences I’ve had. It was like carnivale! A great festival down at the beach.

I have played 15 of the past 16 years and my only miss was to attend a wedding in Seattle.

MB Patch: Costumes are a signature part of the event. What were some of your more memorable ones?

Mejia: The most notable is probably the Babe-Watch team in 2009.  We dressed up as Baywatch-like lifeguards with blonde wigs. 

I sprung the costumes 30 minutes before our first game. At first the guys were a bit reluctant, but they were loving the attention before too long.

Definitely, they were uncomfortable to play in, but it was worth the photo opportunities. The Japanese news media loved us!

MB Patch: This is definitely a widely known event when you have media from all over coming.

Mejia: When I travel to Europe, friends and people I meet know about the event in places like Barcelona and the South of France. They ask about it. There is definitely a world appeal. 

MB Patch: How has the event changed in your time as a participant?

Mejia: During more recent years, it’s become younger and younger and more of a party atmosphere was created. 

My team has had some personal stuff stolen a few years back and that ruined some of the atmosphere. The 6-Man has probably quadrupled since I started playing.

Patch: What kind of participation levels are you seeing from your Volleyball Ventures community?

Mejia: A lot of local teams have been pulling out. I’m hearing mostly because of the increased entry fees and controlling of the event.

In years past, you would camp out for two to three days in three-hour shifts for registration, but it’s not as difficult now to claim a spot. But it is more expensive ($1,100/team).

Thirty to forty percent of our VB Ventures players are getting on teams and I know that will continue to increase. I actually was asked to play fairly recently, so it will keep growing right up to the event.

MB Patch: What has the competition been like for you?

Mejia: It’s a fantastic tournament; Saturday is always wild and crazy. We have been close to the second day a lot [only teams that qualify make it to finals on Sunday], but there is a great amount of talented teams and players. It’s great to size yourself up with the best players around.

MB Patch: This year is your 25th anniversary for VB Ventures; it’s the 50th anniversary for the 6-Man. Expect anything different?

Mejia: I’m just excited to play and see who is able to claim bragging rights. It’s a fantastic tradition and a classic festival. I can’t wait!

Volleyball Ventures' next tournament is August 6th, with Coed Fixed Partner Doubles and Fours. The 25th anniversary will be celebrated with, you guessed it, costumes!