Rich VanHuizen

Standing 6’9”, “Big Rich” brings a formidable presence to the sand. Having earned his spot as one of the dominant big men in the sport, Rich has had a history of success on the world tour that consists of many top 10 finishes including the World Championships in 2009.

If he’s not demonstrating his intensity on a volleyball court, you’ll find Rich volunteering Chewbacca or Hulk Hogan impressions and offering autographs to adoring fans.

Q & A

Ten questions for Rich

Rich was recently queried on ten questions that, basically, everyone gets asked on their average day…

Q: What is your favorite Michael Jackson song?
A: Simply for the music, it’s a no-brainer: Man in the Mirror.  For the dance moves, which I, by the way, am in the process of mastering: Smooth Criminal.

Q: Which celebrity are you often mistaken for?
A: Hulkster, brother!  In fact, rumor has it that Hulkster is sometimes mistaken for me.

Q: Cooking skills??? If any? 
A: I have, over the years, mastered, adjusted, remastered, honed, designed and perfected… spaghetti with meat sauce!!

Q: Dance moves, do I dare ask? 
A: Some call it “the scarecrow”, but it’s actually an extremely rare and wildly advanced Robot.  Ask around… 
Also, I know it’s not a dance move, per say, but I challenge anyone to an “air guitar-off”.

Q: Fashion? 
A: Pardon?

Q: Where were you when Crosby scored the overtime goal to win Gold for Canada?
A: Airborne.  I was mid flight between the couch and my buddies where we all had an awkward “bromance” hug.  Then I fainted because I had such a massive head rush.

Q: Would you rather camp or hotel?
A: Hotel.  That’s not true. I would honestly rather be in a tent near the lake. Plus, its waaaaaay cheaper.

Q: Are you thrifty or spendy?
A: Refer to previous answer.  Also, try to find something that I’m wearing that I paid money for.  I’ll bet you can’t.  But I won’t bet a lot, in case I lose.

Q: Who has the best jokes and sense of humor on the World Tour?
A:  Me. 
No, I didn’t write these questions.  OK, maybe I did… Plus, I usually steal other’s jokes and pretend their mine.

Q: Would you rather be loved or feared?
A: Both.  I want people to be afraid of how much they love me! (Michael Scott, the Office)

Playlist

Songs that I belt out while driving on the 401.

Like a Rock: Bob Segar
Old Man: Neil Young
New York: Alicia Keyes and JayZ
Orange Sky: Alexi Murdoch
Stay: Tragically Hip
Wheat Kings: Tragically Hip
Prettiest Thing: Norah Jones
November Rain:       Guns ‘n Roses
Nothing Else Matters:  Metallica
Sara Mclachlan: The Answer
Bad to the Bone: George Thorogood (simply for the air guitar experience!)
Just Dippin’: Snoop Dogg
Man in the Mirror: Michael Jackson
Billy Jean: Michael Jackson