Three short years later, in 1919, American Expeditionary Forces donated 16,000 Volleyballs to troops, which provided a stimulus for growth in foreign countries. With this rise in growth of sport, new rules began being developed. A year later, three hits per side rule and back row attack rules were put into place.

By 1928, players and fans of sport realized that "official" tournament rules and regulations were required. The United States Volleyball Association was formed, and first U.S. Open Volleyball tournament was held. The U.S. Open allowed for squads that were not YMCA sanctioned to participate, which was a breakthrough at time. This evolution permitted lovers of sport to fully enjoy game without having to be tied to organization that created it.

After 1928, game of Volleyball was forever changed. With "official" rules set down, and a tournament that wasn't private to YMCA, popularity of sport was allowed to sky rocket. The Men's U.S. Open was held every year thereafter, with exception of three years. 1943, 1944 and 1989 did not have yearly tournaments, due to wars and other obstacles.

In 1934, Volleyball saw another extensive change through recognition of official referees to oversee games. This change in particular drastically altered calls and fairness of game.

The 1940's held several special events for Volleyball. Not only was forearm pass introduced into game, first world championship Volleyball game was held. It was during this time that volleyball movement saw fruition, and squads from all over world could find out who was best. This became a yearly event, allowing for more publicity of sport, which aided in its growth. Around this time, over 50 million people were playing world wide, in over 60 different countries.

By 1964, Volleyball had spread enough to warrant introduction into Olympic games. The first games took place in Tokyo, where a rubber carcass with leather panels was used for ball. This ball became one that would be used in most modern competitions. As a part of Olympic games, Volleyball was allowed to grow even further, until it secured a place for itself as second most played game in world.

Despite this high level of popularity, it wasn't until 1986 that Women's Professional Volleyball Association, or WPVA, was formed. With growing rate of professional interest by both sexes, Volleyball was finally allowed to reach its full potential for popularity. Elementary, middle and high schools, as well as colleges all invested into game by providing courses in Volleyball in their physical education, so that sport was known in most households around world.

While still trailing behind Soccer for popularity, Volleyball has done extremely well for a game with roots so young.

One trait Rod readily admits to is his propensity to impulse buying. And yet, when it comes to his dental health, impulse is not a part of equation. What really matters to him is excellence and experience. That is why he continues to see Dr. Kiser.

“I actually had a lot of my original smile work redone by Dr. Kiser. He is incredible with his ability to know what a patient wants and needs. As long as he is in practice, I will continue to see him. Why would I change? No reason to when you’ve got very best. I would highly recommend him.”

Something Rod and Dr. Kiser have in common is their concern for well being of children. Although Rod readily admits he wasn’t greatest father, he just as readily admits he makes a really good grandfather. As proud grandfather of two grandsons, ages one and a four, Rod is quick to offer advice on importance of giving love and guidance to children.

Rod has a great desire to keep his grandsons out of trouble. His concern is fueled by fact that many cities no longer have clubs for young boys to go in order to have a safe haven. He is a strong believer that kids need to meet other kids and together learn how to deal with life. Sports provide a great way to help kids learn how to do this.

When asked if you can tell if a kid is destined to be a pro, Rod is convinced that you intuitively know. It’s all in way they respond to a sport. Do they take to it or do they have to be forced? Although he believes parents should encourage their kids to get involved in sports, he also believes it is unhealthy to force them to do something that is completely out of context of who child is. He advises parents to take time to explore many sports available to them.

He is quick to point out that having a child sit in front of television or computer all day and night is as unhealthy as you can get. He strongly believes children need to be physically active. By same token, he also believes kids should be taught gift of reading. “There’s a whole world waiting to be discovered through reading. Get them to read newspaper everyday. Imagine what they can do with so much knowledge.”

Realizing how hard he had to work for his success, he wants others to know that no matter what they want in life they need to work at it. “Nothing was handed to me. How much time are people willing to put into their success? Problem with lots of people is they don’t want to work for something. And that’s not how life is. You have to put time in to become best. That’s just way it is. You can be born and blessed with ability but if you don’t take advantage of it, it’s a waste.”

When asked what he is most proud of, surprisingly it isn’t all awards and Hall of Fame recognition he has received. It is his three daughters and whom he feels have all turned out to be stellar women. And of course his grandsons.

With a mischievous smile he does admit his two most recent recognitions are something he is very proud of. As recipient of 2004 Utah Broadcasters Hall of Fame and 2003 Springfield Massachusetts Basketball Hall of Fame, Hot Rod has a lot to be proud of. A career that is envy and awe of so many, more awards than can be counted, fame and fortune, people world round that love and adore him, three great daughters, and two fabulous grandsons. Now that’s definitely something to smile about.

About Dr. Scott Kiser Dr. Scott Kiser has been practicing general dentistry in Salt Lake City, Utah for over 20 years. Consumer Research Council of America selected him as Utah’s Top Cosmetic Dentist of 2003 - 04. He also serves on Board of Directors for YMCA of Utah Visit www.greatsmilesutah.com for more information on Dr. Kiser and all of his services.

About Dr. Scott Kiser Dr. Scott Kiser has been practicing general dentistry in Salt Lake City, Utah for over 20 years. Consumer Research Council of America selected him as Utah’s Top Cosmetic Dentist of 2003 - 04. He also serves on Board of Directors for YMCA of Utah Visit www.greatsmilesutah.com for more information on Dr. Kiser and all of his services.