TASO State Meeting

[TexBlue]

I went to the TASO State Meeting this weekend. I was extremely impressed with Walt Sparks. I can't say as much for the rest of the speakers. It was worth the trip, but I didn't get the training or info I expected. I was kinda basing it on the ASA State Clinics, at least as far as information I get and the TASO meeting paled in comparison. But, I will go next year.

What did someone else think?

Rick

[Skahtboi]

I agree that the meetings are not as "intensive" as the ASA ones, but they are still quite informative. All in all I thought that DMUA and District IV did a great job at putting on this meeting, and I really enjoyed the time I was there. However, Rick, I still didn't get to meet you there!

[whiskers_ump]

Scott,

You knew they would do a good job handling things. Gary
was there. Did you meet Jerry Gore? He was representing
our Association.

[TexBlue]

Now, I didn't mean anything negative. I understand this was a last minute thing for the group that put this on. I thought the organization and communication was great. Condsidering what they came up with, I thought it was pretty impressive. I kinda laughed a few times when the guys would walk into a room, look around and say "... wrong room ...." and go find the correct one.

It was very enjoyable, just not as packed with info and I had hoped.

Yeah, I tried to look for a name tag with "Scott" on it, but it like a needle in a haystack.

Rick

[ntxblue]

Rick & Scott,

I was working a lot of time at the registration counter, trying to keep an eye out for the both of you. With over 300 attendees it was a near impossible task. Hopefully our paths with cross on the field sometime this spring.

TASO seems to pick a few topics to cover in detail rather than trying to send everyone into overload. Remember that it is a STATE meeting, so some of the focus is for Board and District issues. Also, ratings points are earned through your attendance.


Glen,

How did your tourney go this past weekend? Did you as the UIC make any important decisions?



Gary

[whiskers_ump]

Gary,

Things went well. No major problems, just damn cold
for Texas weather. 36 degrees and wind blowing. Kids,
most of them, wearing shorts and short sleeve shirts.
Commented to one 14U about the cold and she said, "You
old guys seem to always have a hard time in the winter."
Jokingly told her I ought to eject her.

[Skahtboi]

Gary:

Were you working the counter at about 9:30 on Saturday morning? There were about 5 or 6 people back there when I checked in!

[TexBlue]

Gary, I checked in about 9:30 also. Ya'll had just ran out of name tags and someone was about to go to Kinko's to get some more. Was that you?

Rick

[ntxblue]

Scott & Rick,

I was behind the counter at 9:30, but I was buried in raffle, casino night, and shirt sales - and being the "gopher".

Sorry about being temporarily out of name tags. I think TASO underestimated the attendance numbers. We had a tremendous amount of "walk up" attendees. I tried to keep an ear out for someone calling out your names - but . . .

I know what association Scott belongs to. What about you, Rick?

Gary

[TexBlue]

Hey, the name tag was no big deal. I was just surprised you let me walk around to all the meetings without any ID. I belong to the Southwest Chapter. I just moved to this one. I think I'll like it. They have over 40 schools under contract and about 100 umpires. Sounds like they ought to keep me busy. They have some pretty good schools, Crowley ( won State and Meagan is coming back), Kennedale, Keller and I think the Birdville schools, which includes Richland.

Rick