Former ‘Eaters on U.S. roster

Former UC Irvine All-Americans Brian Thornton, Carson Clark and David Smith are members of the 12-man roster that will represent the United States at the 2013 FIVB World League beginning Friday in Wichita, Kan.

The World League is the premier annual men’s international volleyball tournament with 18 teams from around the world competing over a seven-week period of pool play in hopes of advancing to the Final Round on July 17-21 in Mar del Plata, Argentina and the chance to win $1 million.

The U.S. opens World League competition in the United States facing Argentina on June 7-8 in Wichita, Kan. then France on June 14-15 in Tulsa, Okla. and Bulgaria in Reno, Nev. on June 28-29.

Thornton and Smith were members of UCI’s 2007 national championship team, while Clark was a member of UCI’s national championship in 2009 and 2012. Thornton and Smith were also 2012 Olympians.

UCI’s Ryan Ammerman, the NCAA Championship MVP in 2009, and Jayson Jablonsky, the 2006 National Player of the Year, are members of the 22-man roster. Each weekend, 12 players from the 22-player roster will be selected to play in two World League matches.

— From staff reports