The Legend of MooRawr

MooRawr is a legendary volleyball at open gym here at UCLA. It was originally brought to open gym by Danny Okazaki after Okazaki I was kicked into one of the ceiling tiles and lost. Contrary to common belief, Okazaki I was not replaced by MooRawr, but instead, it was Okazaki II. 


Originally belonging to Danny Okazaki, it was entrusted to me when he moved back up to Northern California, because we both shared an inequitable love for the ball.

MooRawr's epic reputation comes from the fact that time and time again it has proven to be the best ball to use as a game ball, despite the fact that it has become worn from 2 years worth of thunderous spikes (from shawn, danny, and petr), relentless digs (from ashley, brandon, and tuyay), and savory sets (from jorge, earvin, and a cool kid named chris).

Not only has MooRawr survived many trials on the court, it has also persevered through, not 1, not 2, but 3 near death experiences.

The first time, it was noticed that the legendary ball was missing after a late night open gym session. After a thorough rescue search attempt the ball was deemed stolen/kidnapped. Fortunately, it was later found at the front desk of the Wooden Center, someone had mistakenly checked it back into the front desk thinking that it was their loaner ball, despite the fact that loaner balls are white and MooRawr is blue and red.

The second time MooRawr was lost, it was actually stolen. Despite my efforts on facebook to spread the word that it was lost, it was no where to be found. After many tearful nights, it miraculously appeared at open gym one night-- solidifying its reputation as the MooRawr, the Legendary Volleyball.

Moorawr's third and most recent trial happened last sunday when it was hit into an Air-conditioning vent in the wooden center, and everybody was ready to accept that even legends have endings. But, how could it be called a legendary ball if it could not get past air conditioning vents? Two days after everyone thought it was forever lost in the air circulation system of the John Wooden Center, MooRawr, the Legendary Volleyball is once again ready to be spiked, dug, and set at open gym.



Though each time I bring Moorawr to the og, I expose it to many dangers and risks, I would not even consider protecting it by not bringing it. A legendary hero does not stop once they reach the top. A real legend gets to the top and pushes it higher and higher.

MooRawr and its to be born little brother, PoohRawr (as soon as I can get a big marker and name it).