The Koller Classic began in 1976 as the Central Invitational Tournament as an opportunity for good volleyball teams to compete against one another at a time before there were district and state level volleyball competitions. In 1982, the tournament name was changed to the Central Open and , in 1984, to the Panther Classic. When Bruce and Barb Koller retired as the head coaches of the Central York Boys' volleyball team in 2001, head coach Brad Livingston and the team wanted to honor their years of service and innovation in the game of volleyball. In 2002, the renowned Panther Classic was changed to the Koller Classic. Bruce and Barb continue to cheer on Central as well as all the other participating teams each year.