Jackson Plant Makes Beach Volleyball Sand
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The U.S. Silica Plant in Jackson may not look like the beach, but it’s producing it. The plant is now one of ten locations manufacturing what it calls “Beach White Volleyball Sand,” which will be used for NCAA Divisions I and II Women’s Sand Volleyball courts. “The American Volleyball Coach Association came to U.S. Silica and asked them to work with them,” said Jackson’s plant manager, Larry McKibbin. “They chose ten after they did the testing and sieve analysis, and finding the right size and the right characteristics that would work for this type of sand.” The newly launched product is a sub-angular shaped sand that has been dredge-mined, washed, and screened. “What they do is they take and screen it over what they call a fore-mesh screen,” said McKibbin. “Really, it’s a quarter inch opening type screen that takes out all the impurities.” And with all the impurities out, the sand is ready to go. “It’s a lighter sand so it’s cooler to play on. That’s one of the pluses for it,” said McKibbin. “It helps with the jumping height. It helps with landing, the cushioning of the landing. It’s a drainage type sand too, so when it is raining, it’ll drain through it. It does not pack.” With the athletes in mind, McKibbin says the perfect playing surface has also proved to be the perfect new product for his plant. “It’s an opportunity for the Jackson plant and we’re excited about it.” Women’s Sand Volleyball is the newest collegiate sport to be approved by the NCAA. The sand will be seen on those courts in the spring of 2012, when the first season is set to launch.
