Thanks – Couldn’t have Done it Without You
In case you aren’t a regular reader of NEFA discussion, the following post was from Ben Parker, Tournament Director Extraordinaire. I would say it echos the thoughts of all of us at the GMDGC. In addition, I would like to thank all of you for taking the time to pass on your comments – both positive and constructive. It really adds to what we as organizers get out of it when we know everyone had such a good time. Be sure this will not be the last tourney for this group and we look forward to being able to see what we can do in the future to top this one! Thanks again and see you out on the course!
From Ben Parker: WOW.
I have always given as much as I possibly can back to my community. I have been running different volunteer programs since I was in high school and I have to say that disc golfers are as fun and appreciative as any group that I have worked with. Yesterday is kind of a blur but I certainly remember a lot of smiles, a lot of laughter and more people saying thank you than I could possibly remember. Thanks to Jesse Wing, Pete Hess, Dave Frothingham, Jon Nelson and Matt Alberghini for all of their help with course work, food, organization and all of the other odds and ends that go into a tournament. I would also like to offer another HUGE thanks to Steve Dodge and Jason Southwick for all of their guidance and support through the MSDGC Affiliate program. Marshall Street has truly gone above and beyond the call of duty in terms of helping disc golf grow in New England and it was a pleasure to work with both of them.
I will admit that if we did have one hiccup, it was the final days of pre-registration. I apologize for any inconvenience or hard feelings that occurred if people thought they were promised a spot. I took the first 90 paid registrations that I received through our online registration and the mail. We were never really certain if we would fill. I am still amazed that we had 90 players in Waterbury yesterday. All that I can say is sign up early for the Sap Bucket next year. We are already looking towards next year and the tournament will be moved into May. The town will be closing the course from March 15-May 1 every year to minimize foot traffic during Mud Season.
Do you know how when you see a great movie, you wake up the next day thinking about it? I woke up today thinking about the Sap Bucket. It was great to meet so many great people from all over the Northeast U.S. One of our goals in the GMDGC was to create a first rate tournament in Waterbury and I think that I can speak for all of us when I say that we are thrilled with the results and we will only hope to build on our successes for future tournaments and next years Sap Bucket Open V.
OK, I will shut up soon, I just want to leave with a few highlights from the day:
~ Chris Webb banging the chains for a easy birdie on Hole 7. He won the AM2 CTP with this throw, plus a card of pros were on the 12th tee watching. Chris is an old friend from college and it was great to have him at the Bucket. I think that Doots hot pink Revolution bag must have distracted him in the second round.
~ Tex Long winning our first Ace Pot on the short but tricky Hole 11.
~ Alberghini winning the Traveler Basket (if I didnt pull the ticket, I would have cried foul.) Why is it that the person who needs the basket the least seems to win?
~ Meeting Audrey Dodge at her first disc golf tournament. Both Steve and Misty are clearly very proud and caring parents. Nice shooting by the way Steve.
~ Putting faces to all of the names. You always wonder who these people are who sign up. I only wish that I had more time to talk to everyone. I cant wait to see a lot of you again at Pyramids this weekend.
~ The kind words and praise that we received from everyone, it makes it all worth it.
~ Knowing that Vermont is doing its part to help disc golf grow in New England. We have a lot of big plans and I cant wait to see them come to fruition. More players + more courses + more events + more educational programs for kids = positive growth.
~ SPARKS!
Congratulations to all of the winners and thank you all again for coming up to Vermont. It was our pleasure hosting you for the weekend and we look forward to seeing you all again soon.
