Dallas Steve,
You're an awesome chief. I like what you're doing.
Here's the problem from my personal perspective--you have a pool, and a modicum of authority over same. I don't anymore. So all I can do is lend my experience and declining gravitas to discussions. I can guarantee nothing:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLGfeCtqxJs
It was something of a miracle we got a crew to agree show up again a couple weeks ago. Broken heater = sad. In terms of your inquiry on who was in for that, the same 5 signed up for the mission that did happen last time were the ones on board for the one that didn't happen, plus one you haven't met. As things stand, 5-6 will be about all we are likely to bring, at best. Status quo ante, that would be more than enough!!
As you can tell from discussions on the website, my boys are free spirits, and we are experiencing something of a diaspora
For plans, look to Creepy/Dan. He's the one most likely to respond regarding the recently re-opened south side operation. Despite our many differences, I respect his efforts at organization/panda herding.
But I don't think that Austin AWVP is at a stage where 8 players on a traveling are going to be welcomed and allowed to play all day at any venue I'm aware of.
As things stand at the South Side Shall Rise Again, I think they're along the lines of finding like minded resident individuals and chasing away unbelievers and children with water wings.
And, due to the unfortunate popularity of the venue (see your Ilume party video that gave us pause), I can't ever say you'll get good game at Riata, despite my best efforts.
Though I speak for no one and have hope for another alternative, the next time we see your born again hard Ilume crew will most likely be Sept-Oct when it gets too cold to play down here again.
In the mean time, I recommend you challenge Darth Nowell and his elite Dallas crew. Ronin Steve says they start around Memorial Day. Steal a march or two on them. I was told they decided my crew was good enough to play them. Wait a couple of months until you think you are ready and invite them into your venue. You are generous hosts.
A note on your court. The back lines you set up were awesome. But here's what needs to happen, IMHO. This, after watching the game film, and from my experience at my own Argosy venue and the Riata--get a stronger net, and raise it higher, I'd say at least 3-4". This cuts down on injuries, and, believe it or not, improves the game--even tall guys will have a problem serving "downhill" or crashing the net, and everyone's game adjusts, positively. This from an under 6' man with no measurable vertical!
DIVA! Sorry, but LOL. Reminds me of "The Walking Dead." Down here we call them "Sanders." They spend the entire time they play with their noses in the air saying how watervolleyball sucks, there are no rules, it's a stupid game, which is beneath them to even engage in.
Well, I'm willing to concede that more effort and athleticism is required to play sand than to play water, so they should totally dominate, right? Not so much in my town! Austin's diva sanders, best in the city at sand, have been losing to us useless Pandas for the last decade. They have won a stunning 3 games in that timeframe.
However, slowly but surely, we've encouraged some of them to enjoy the alternative game.
I agree, you need to build some esprit des corps, and keep teams together so that they can learn how to play together and stay together. But here's the rub--you will eventually congregate all the good players on one whoop ass super team, and they will want to keep playing together because they win. That builds a good road challenge team, but it might not do much to draw in new players.
Here's some simple homilies I came up with back when I was Chief: win 3 in a row, your run is done. Break it up and mix it up. As an adjunct, dry people play, all the more so when a team has lost. Which means some people in the pool have to get out in favor of others who haven't played and are waiting to do so. "You are not a pretty slowflake!" Some people will always linger, win or lose, and never want to get out of the pool.
Pretty sure we're both on the same page here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJz1wxjxbwQ
Difference is, as things stand, you have the will, we have the skills. No doubt that will balance out, in time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDpI6Zzy-vo
: ) Look what we did with 5 Pandas the last time! Imagine what I could do with 16. Sadly, right now, I can only imagine!
Strength and honor, Dallas Chief! You teach yours, like I taught mine:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0DxK1ZEMcg