Thornton, Harris to play in EVP Hawai‘i Tour

Professional volleyball players Mike Thornton and Justin Harris will play as doubles in the Corona Light EVP Hawai‘i Tour at 8 a.m. Saturday at Kalapaki Beach.

The single-day event is the second stop in the four-island event tour and brings together some of the top beach volleyball players in the country.

There is more than $12,000 in prize money at stake for pairs of men and women: $800 for first place, $500 for second and $150 for third.

The 1999 Kapa‘a High School graduate, Thornton, has been competing in the pro circuit for nine years and is just glad that a competition has finally come to Kaua‘i.

“Normally, I have to fly out,” he said. “I’m glad it’s here so I don’t have to buy a plane ticket. I just have to get in my car.”

Thornton has played beach volleyball alongside former University of Hawai‘i standout Eyal Zimet. Last year, the pair entered an Association of Volleyball Professionals event as the 86th seed in a field of 88. Thornton and Zimet made history by being the lowest seed to reach the main event and play the AVP’s top-ranked team.

Harris, Honolulu, has played alongside Hawai‘i’s Dio Dante.

“Mike Thornton is really good,” said operations director Rocky Dunmire. “We call him ‘Thunder.’ He might win the whole thing. I might as well write him the check right now.”

The first event was held in Kona. The next event will be next month on Maui. The Corona Light EVP Hawai‘i Tour will close on O‘ahu in February.

“We are very excited about holding the first season of the Hawaiian tour,” said Corona Light EVP Tour National Commissioner Ross Balling, in a release. “Along with our world championships, we have added four events on some of the most beautiful beaches from around the Hawaiian Islands. As we continue to grow, we want to bring to the Islands the best beach volleyball experience for players and fans.”

For more information or to register to play, visit www.evptour.com.