It's a sad day for Panda Corps. Attorney Kent informs me that Tom has died. We've had players come and go, and retire, but never a death. Our friend will play no more with us on a court on this earth. He always came out with a big smile, and played his best, even after he was sick. He will be missed.
We should do a memorial for him, along the lines that are being discussed.
With that sad news starting off the day on Saturday, it was a good day. Rain did not stop us, and luckily passed for the most part allowing play. So play we did.
When I first got to the Obstacle, a team was down 0-8, and came back to win!
Two comments here. That's why I'm inclined to like the Darth Nowell analogy of the Way of the Baller: put the petal to the metal, play hard, win. I'd rather be up a bunch of points and struggle through to a win than the other way, but you have to be aware at this stage of the season that your opponents most definitely can come back.
#2: The possibility of a comeback is why we stick to old school sideout rules! While going through 6 rotations to get that last point is annoying, and doing same, NOT getting it, and losing, is even more annoying, I would consider it really unfulfilling to win rally style on a sideout. Kinda like winning a game on a "net" violation.
Limited turnout, but enough. With good play all around.
For whatever reason, my sets were back on. I sure hope it's not because I didn't eat before playing, because that's not a really healthy regimen.
That being said, still didn't win all that many. Which goes to the sport being a team sport. Individual performances are important, but you've got to string it together, and get chemistry. It's an intangible, but extremely important...
You know, like when the Jesus & Mr. Tasty show takes the field. Great old movie, now colorized and sound added.
Mikey was hitting hard. And yet, they'd come back. Scott showed up a little late, and blasted even harder. Great rallies and great digs out there.
Other good hitters were Jess, Dan, Jarrod, who's been playing well down the line. He got a couple of chances for second hits when his first ones came back.
Navy was able to sneak out to play and pull off some good serves.
We had a new guy show up late, right about the time we were going to do a rubber match. People were trying to make him wait another game, and threatening to go home if he got to play.
You know the rules! Losing team has to have someone sit, so new player can play:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRljdzY3dXsSure, there are some factors to consider. But new guy made Dan's FB highlight reel setting Scott. Check it out.
I gotten the accusation: "Chief the Scrub Lover" I suppose I should wear that badge with pride, since most of you water babies were scrubs, with zero volleyball experience when you started, as I was.
Very simple, premise: if you don't get to play, you don't get to play, and have no chance. It takes a while even for "good" ballers from other venues to get the hang of the ways of water.
Think about how many chances you've all gotten over the years. Harder learning curve now, isn't it? See the old Argosy videos, that we were so proud of, back in the day.
See also Marcelo. Who spent a lotta time sitting off the coast watching our rock and roll before he got the stones to ask to play, and was allowed to do so.
So, yeah, if "scrub lovin" involves giving people a chance, then I'm that guy. It just makes sense from a management perspective.
The AWVP isn't only about who's playing now. It's about who will be playing, after father time thins the ranks of the progenitors.
It's just been proven that we are not immortal. Something to think about:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iypUpv9xelgCome on, guys. Wouldn't you like to see the game that we love so much continue with new players when you can't individually start anymore?
I for one would. If that makes me Chief the Scrub Lover, so be it.