AWVP

What amazing turnout today! What do you call a large group of Sanders? In the old days, that would be a "target rich environment!" Not anymore--an sandstorm? Sandvasion? I'll settle for good times! It's taken the better part of a decade, but Sanders are becoming water curious! We've cleaned up our game, and water has certain advantages--not as hard on the body, you can drink while you play, and if you lose a game, you're not out of the "tournament."

Rafaa and George are almost waterbabies already! This is a great new development. Welcome to all Sanders, you no longer sink to the bottom when poured into water, as in days of yore (just remember, the ball is WET!): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyLKjp-xDWw

That's something new. Something else new--LJ failed at math. He counted to 13 when there were 12 players. I was supposed to be sitting out, because rule is last to show doesn't play when you've got 12 ready to go. But it was not so. 12 is 12. Ergo, there was a little jockeying as to where I was supposed to play, and I ended up on a team with Marcelo (capt), Rafaa, Taz, Navy, and Shimmy. LJ got Alex and Gronk. Could've switched it up, but didn't. And that first game of the day was a mighty contest.

The game lasted forever, and went 19-17. I want to congratulate Gronk and Alex for being on the roster in a BBG (Big Boy Game). You fought hard.

Full disclosure... as long as I've played, coming in cold in a BBG always makes me a little nervous in the service. Because I am old and short, so guess who the other team will probably come after? And I don't want to let my team down. So you have to make good decisions. Breathe. Because...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UY3RNracaFM

Everyone played well, but Rafaa was the difference maker. We need you to take that attack on in. And then, after winning his first Dynasty (oops, gave away the story), he came back!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76XTG6dFgx0

We next faced the lady sanders. Very good players. But we prevailed. And then a third time!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEKNWES2_4k

Notice the video features a robe!

I double dried after Dynasty so additional lady sanders could play. And what to my wondering water baby eyes did appear, but a Georgie. So I've got Javi, George, Marcelo, Taz, Navy, and yours truly to make another run.

And run we did. One thing to remember from Dallas--keep the pedal to the metal, don't toy with teams. While Rule #1 is have fun, Rule #2 should be play well. Because we almost lost a couple of games on the way to... Dynasty #2!!! AKA Double Dynasty!

When you have the chance to win on a good team, you should. It's better than losing...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOApBOHeBHg

Ask me how I know... I've spent a couple of YEARS in the 1 or none win crapper. Navy, too. That's when we got to practice our heckling skills from the sidelines:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuIo6gv8VB8

So when you have good teams, make good plays, and cherish those days.

I enjoyed the old timey non classic rock music today--ghosts from my past:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cppnLZizOk

With me Navy, and Taz on the same squad, it was shades of the Old Argosy, rapidly fading into the rear view mirror. Me and Navy are old timers, Taz is still in his prime. What great blocks and spikes today, even while injured.

For you new people, grandpas have been doing this for a while--the fact that we're still on the court...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGBiSJCgaTs

Well, there might be a reason. Not to be counted out... not yet. Not yet.

For those who ended up on the short end of teams today. I am sorry. Today wasn't a day to be late. I barely squeaked in to a good lineup. It got crowded, and that makes it complicated. You all know I've been there, where you don't have the firepower to defeat your opponents. On paper. That doesn't mean it won't happen. Just didn't happen today.

Fair warning. This has been a wonderful season. Great interest towards the end from many players. As our little league gets more popular, it's gonna get harder to organize, maintain, and hold your spot.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Nhcv6Ho3ic

I look on this not with trepidation, but with joy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXx9rKkpPlI&t=39s

We're doing Ballchair's work out there. Wouldn't want it any other way.

Every sunny day on the court is joyous. Every game is an opportunity, every victory is a fortune. I love the Corps. AWVP for life!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jlI4uzZGjU

_________________
Chief

Death from above! Fire down below!