Volleyball legend Karch Kiraly, who is retiring after this season, was given an emotional farewell at Thursday night's Dinner of Champions at the Manhattan Beach Marriott Hotel.
More than 300 people attended the event, including many of Kiraly's closest friends as well as his parents, wife, two sisters and two sons.
Several of Kiraly's buddies took to the stage to talk and tell stories. Mike Lambert even played his guitar and sang a comical song about his ex-teammate.
But there were plenty of tears, too, as Kiraly's friends and family reflected on what will be the end of a historical era in the sport.
"Everyone at my table is losing it," Kiraly, 46, said about the tears that flowed. "I feel like I am attending my own funeral."
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The tour is really going to miss him. He was an original. I really enjoyed watching him play down through the years. I am going to miss him.
It will be interesting to see who steps up to fill his shoes.