Father’s Day 2023 was celebrated by family and friends in memory of Tom Lane. Upon the passing of Tom, the family selected to have Tom Lane Memorial donations be used for future projects with parks and recreation in Osage City. The first project was to build a sand volleyball court located in the Huffman Park.

Sand volleyball reigning champions 2023 – Washed Up.

Donations from the funds of the Tom Lane Memorial, Osage County Community Foundation, MFA Oil, JAG Trucking (Jason & Amy Gilliland), Midwest Laser Leveling (Martin Lane), and the city of Osage City employees were combined and a regulation size sand volleyball court was established in the summer of 2021.

Tom’s children, John, Audrey, and Martin, and their families, along with the Osage City Chamber of Commerce hosted an inaugural memorial sand volleyball tournament June 17, 2023.

Carly Spicer was instrumental in assisting in organizing the tournament with her knowledge of the volleyball game and tournament structure. The tournament consisted of six teams of six players. The teams were Empire Spikes Back, Mission Unblockable, McSwarhoff, Washed Up, Lilac Attack and The All Stars.

The Washed Up team is the reigning champion for the second year in a row. Participants and spectators enjoyed the event and the participants are ready to come back next year.

It is the desire of the family that Osage City and surrounding communities take advantage of the facility and park area, and have tournaments or families utilize the court and enjoy the time together.

Sand volleyball players in the 2023 tournament at Huffman Park, Osage City.

Information and photos thanks to Jeanette Swartz.