[Gulf Coast Blue]

Lauren is playing in LaPorte again this weekend........you going back there??? Lauren said you were NOT real happy with the organization there........

Ok.........now for my rant.....

RANT ON

I have spoken with glen..........(in person and via e-mail) about my oldest's team this year........

Coach of her team recruits what he feels will be the local HS-V teams starting line-up for next year (minus 2 players who are commited to playing for other teams.....1 pitcher and F7)........

He feels it will be good for them to play as a unit........instead of all of them heading off in their own direction to other travel teams........OK so far.......I agree

BUT........(This Year) the head coach and 1st assistant.......are the most disorganized people I have ever had the pleasure of being associated with..........

I knew this coach from my umpiring..........(he has a 22yo daughter and I umpired many of her games when he was coaching her when she played).......and he was a GREAT coach.........always seemed to have it together.

His 1st Asst. is a young lady who I have great respect for........and may have a shot at getting the HS-V coaching job after she finishes college.......

I don't know if it is conflicts between the two of them that have caused the confusion this year or business in their outside schedules or what........(I have to admit......I usually have more time to help......but other matters have tied me up this season more than I would have liked)....

Our local ASA DC always took care of the late forming HS teams in charging the bare minimum for forming a team after the HS season was over.........

For some reason.........this year.......when approached......it was going to be considerably higher to sanction a team compared to years past........

The head coached balked and registered with AFA.........and later we went to a USFA qualifier..........(against my advice).........

To make a long story short........the team qualified for both AFA and USFA Nationals........the team voted and decided to attend the USFA Nationals in Panama City Florida starting next Monday......(July 22).......AFA Nationals start the week of the 29th (this was the Nationals that I had assumed we would go to).......

With my work situation.........there was NO WAY I could attend the USFA Tourney........so my EX and her best friend (whose daughter also plays on the team) made arrangements for the trip (and had to jump through some hoops to get vacation for that week)...........only to find out TONIGHT...........that they have blown off going to Florida.................

Well......isn't that a fine kettle of fish.........my EX.......has guaranteed reservations at a Hotel they booked.......and a week of Vacation that she can't get out of...........so she and her girlfriend and her family........are going to Florida for the week.........(actually.........I think that part is cool........good family vacation).......

I had some long talks with both the manager and 1st Asst. when tournament ball season started..........ALL about goal setting..........and how important it was to have your goals set early.........apparently......my suggestions fell on dear ears......

Well.......to make a long story longer.......looks like I MAY be putting on my coaching hat yet again for the Summer 2003 Travel ball season.........the 2nd Asst. (HE will be the Manager) and I are at least thinking ahead.................grin

RANT OFF

Thanks for the vent........it had to go somewhere..........might as well be here...........grin

Joel