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| Issue: # 030 |
October 14, 2009 |
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Wenatchee Valley Sports Council News
 Greetings!
What a difference a week makes! I captained a boat a week ago on the Columbia River during a familiarization tour for some travel writers under beautiful blue skies and sunshine. Today, with mixed rain and snow and temperatures hovering in the upper 30's, I wouldn't even THINK of taking the boat out!
Speaking of boating, in this edition, you'll find out more about my experience with a new requirement in Washington for boater education. Be prepared to spend time on-line if you take the course. And, if you've paid attention the river water in NCW, you've seen quite a few anglers out and about. That's because we have the widest steelhead fishery in decades going on. On the PFD front, we've hired a new GM for Town Toyota Center and heading in the right direction. The Wild are off to a great start and we're inviting you to an evening with the Wild October 30th with our marketing group, E3NCW.
The high school basketball showcase at Town Toyota Center is back again and planning is underway and we have some big news on the baseball front here locally as well. Enjoy this newsletter. Send it on to your friends. And, join us on Facebook too!
Happy Trails
Eric Granstrom - Wenatchee Valley Sports Council |
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The E3 Army is Looking for You
If you have plans to attend the Winter Olympics in Vancouver this winter, the E3 Army is looking to recruit you! E3NCW stands for "Escape, Explore, Enjoy North Central Washington" and is a marketing campaign aimed at enticing Vancouverites, those attending the Olympics and others to travel to the region.
 "We looked at several alternatives on promoting North Central Washington in Vancouver to those wishing to leave town during the games, those visiting the games and others who might learn about the region during the Olympics, and we came up with this idea," said committee chair Allison Williams. She said the E3 Army will be armed with trading pins, which invite recipients to long onto www.e3ncw.com and enter to win a trip to North Central Washington. In addition, the "Army" will be given video cameras to record video blogs from the games about their experience. The E3 committee has teamed with the Wenatchee World and local radio station websites to link the blogs on-line. In addition, Williams says the "Army" will have a chance to win a trip themselves. "We wanted to reward them for their efforts, aside from getting a free video camera, so we will host a video party when they get back and choose the best blogger from the games. We're still working out the details, but that person will receive a trip for their efforts.
To promote the group's search for Army volunteers, the E3 committee is sponsoring a night at the Wenatchee Wild's game versus Wichita Falls October 30th when they'll be handing out 2,000 fan paddles and tossing embroidered E3 hats to the crowd. They hope to be able to introduce members of their Army at the game as well.
E3NCW is also working to help cross-promote a few events sponsored by the Methow Valley Sports Trails Association. The MVSTA will hold the Super Tour Ski Race and Junior Olympic Qualifier January 15th and 16th as well as the Methow Valley Olympic Festival that will coincide with the games in Vancouver February 12th through the 28th. Click on the logos below to find out more information.
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PFD Hires Miller as Town Toyota Center GM
It took a transition committee two months and over 60 applicants, but they finally forwarded a choice for a new general manager of the Town Toyota  Center September 29th. And, after a recess to read over the contract terms, the Greater Wenatchee Regional Public Facilities District board voted unanimously to offer the job to Mark Miller of Mesquite, Texas.
Miller worked as general manager of the Mesquite Championship Rodeo arena for the past 8 years prior to taking the job in Wenatchee. His deal is for $95,000 a year, plus benefits and compensation to help move his wife and two children to the Wenatchee Valley.
According to Town Toyota Center Sales Manager Linda Haglund, "he showed up at 2 o'clock in the morning last Wednesday and has been working every day since." Miller has a BS degree in Marketing from Southwest Texas State University. The committee said it chose Miller for his personality, his no-nonsense view of the arena's possible future, and the amount of thought and research he put into the Wenatchee Valley that came out during his interview. |
Bode Miller Leads US Ski Team to Mission Ridge
We're not sure which is a bigger headline. The fact that the US Slalom Ski team will train at Mission Ridge resort or that Bode Miller will be joining them? Whatever the case, Mission Ridge is excited to have the opportunity to place hosts during the Winter Olympics in Vancouver in February.
 According to Mission Ridge marketing manager Jerri Barkley, Miller will come to the Ridge along with several other ski team members February 22nd through the 25th. Barkley said they chose Mission, "because the snow, conditions, elevation and terrain most closely match those at Whistler in B.C. where the Olympics will take place." Miller, the two-time World Cup overall champion, was named to the U.S. Ski Team September 29th and will compete this coming season on the Audi FIS World Cup. Miller has skied independently the last two years, winning his second overall World Cup title in 2007-08. The U.S. Ski Team and Miller made the announcement in a joint press conference at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. |
Big Baseball News for the Wenatchee Valley
 As the boys of summer close out the playoffs with League Championship Series, the baseball news hitting the press in the Wenatchee Valley is pretty full of impact these days.
Jim Corcoran, owner of the Wenatchee AppleSox, announced this week that Washington State will play Seattle University in a NCAA Division One game at Paul Thomas, Sr. Baseball Field next spring. Corcoran made the announcement at the monthly meeting of the Wenatchee Valley Sports Council. He said, "I've been working on getting WSU to play here for 10-years since we (AppleSox) began play, and now it's finally happening."
Corcoran says the Cougars will face Seattle University April 13th. In addition, alumni for each school are being rallied to put together something around the game. "We'd like to at least have a youth clinic and possibly a tailgate party, or something along those lines," said Corcoran.
In other big baseball news, the Eastmont Wildcats will play Mercer Island at Safeco Field. Eastmont Athletic Director Dan White says the high school's varsity got the opportunity when Mercer Island's opponent dropped out. "We jumped at the chance because this is a great opportunity and will be huge for baseball in the community," said White. The game on the Mariners home field will take place April 10th, 2010.
Walla Walla will be a new opponent for Wenatchee in West Coast League Baseball next summer. The expansion franchise was one of two announced by the league this week. Also joining the WCL in 2010 will be the Longview-Kelso Black Bears. Walla Walla's mascot will be announced by the team in November. Meanwhile, the Spokane RiverHawks will bow out for a year next summer as the team moves to Couer d'Alene, Idaho. The league granted the RiverHawks a one-year hiatus as long as they rejoin in 2011. |
Steelhead Fishing Consumes North Central Washington
 For the first time in what many figure to be at least 50-years, steelhead fishing is open in basically all the rivers of North Central Washington at the same time.
Because of a strong run of the returning ocean-trout, the State Department of Fish and Wildlife, on a permit from NOAA Fisheries, has opened the Upper Columbia above Rock Island Dam, the Wenatchee, Icicle, Entiat, Methow and Okanogan Rivers to steelhead fishing with a four-hatchery-fish limit.
Sports Council Board Member Dave Graybill, "The Fisin' Magician," says the change in weather this week is just what anglers were looking for.
"The cold wet weather is just what the doctor ordered to move steelhead up the rivers and get the bite really rolling. Steelhead success has actually been pretty good so far this season, largely due the huge numbers of fish returning to the region. The fish, however, have been concentrated in the lower reaches of our rivers and the bite hasn't been that great, as the water temperatures in all the rivers, even the Columbia, have been high. (With this weather) the good steelhead fishing is going to get even better, and the opportunity for anglers to experience the best fishing in years is just coming into its own."
Graybill will host a steelhead fishing seminar at Town Ford Wednesday, October 21st at 6pm for anglers who want the inside scoop on catching fish. By the way, all salmon fishing has been closed on area rivers.
photo provided by Dave Graybill...steelhead being release at Bridgeport |
If You Operate a Boat in Washington, Get Your Card
The State of Washington is phasing in the necessity to have a Boater Education Card for all operators of boats by 2014. The law was passed by the legislature in 2005 and is directed at any boaters who control a vessel with an engine greater than 15 horsepower. The training course and test to obtain the card can be taken on-line, in a classroom or at home.
I did the test on-line and let me tell you, it's extensive! I've been around boats my entire life, including as a commercial fisherman in Bristol Bay, Alaska and there were things in this program I learned for the first time.
Washington is the latest state to launch the new BoaterExam interactive boater education course as an online option to obtain the Washington Boater Education Card (often mistakenly referred to as a 'boating license'). Now,  Washington residents will have access to an animated and narrated course they can take online when it's convenient for them. This boating education course is approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), recognized by the US Coast Guard and covers 100 percent of the state's exam requirements.
I began the course, which includes great graphics and easy-to-understand narration, on a Tuesday afternoon. Following each chapter, there is a practice quiz on what you've just learned to prepare you for the eventual BoaterExam. You can skip sections, if you dare, and go right to the BoaterExam if you wish. Be warned, however, because you have to get 80% (60 of 75) correct in order to pass. I scored 90%.
The best thing about this on-line education and test is that you can stop, go away, and then pick up where you left off later. It's easy to create a password and the program is free. However, it does cost $29.95 to take the on-line test and another $10 for the card that will be shipped out in 2-3 weeks. The state will phase in the requirement over the next 6-years as follows:
2009 - 25 and younger
2010 - 30 and younger
2011 - 35 and younger
2012 - 40 and younger
2013 - 50 and younger
2014 - anyone born after January 1, 1955
If you are a person who has been around boating for years and become frustrated with other's inability to simply back the boat down the boat ramp, or someone just starting out, this course is for you. To get started on your course, go on-line to www.boaterexam.com/usa/washington. In addition, those who complete the program can qualify for marine insurance discounts. |
NCW Basketball Shootout is Back and Bigger!
10 high schools and two colleges will bring 22 basketball programs through Town Toyota Center in early December for the 2nd Annual NCW Basketball Showcase. In addition, the Wenatchee Valley Sports Foundation is making available $2,000 in grant money available in the Scholarship Shootout.
 Athletic Directors and Town Toyota Center personnel met last week to discuss details of the three day event slated for December 10th, 11th & 12th. Joining the prep schools for the first time will be Wenatchee Valley College's men's team, as it will host Quest University from British Columbia. Tickets will be available soon through the Town Toyota Center box office at $5 for seniors and students and $7 for adults. The price will get patrons into three games Thursday, three games on Friday, OR five games Saturday. Over 5,000 people attended last year's three day event, which featured only two games on Thursday and Friday.
The grant money will be available to schools from Chelan and Douglas Counties and will be based on five categories: sportsmanship; attendance; spirit; dance/drill; and band. First place is $1,000. Second place is $700 and third place $300 and goes to the Associated Student Body fund of the recipient schools. The game schedule is as follows:
Thursday, December 10Entiat vs. Waterville girls, 4pm Entiat vs. Waterville boys, 6pm Wenatchee vs. Eastmont girls, 8pm Friday, December 11
Cashmere vs. Liberty Bell boys, 4pm
Cashmere vs. Liberty Bell girls, 6pm
Eastmont vs. Wenatchee boys, 8pm
Saturday, December 12
Cascade vs. Quincy girls, 12pm
Cascade vs. Quincy boys, 2pm
Quest University vs. Wentchee Valley College men, 4pm
Lake Roosevelt vs. Chelan girls, 6pm
Lake Roosevelt vs. Chelan boys, 8pm |
Oct. 15 - Brewster Bears at Cashmere Bulldogs Volleyball, 7pm
Tonasket Tigers vs. Chelan Goats Volleyball, 7pm
Ellensburg Bulldogs at Quincy Lady Jacks Volleyball, 7pm
Oct. 16 - Cashmere Bulldogs at Cascade Kodiaks Football, 7pm
Brewster Bears at Chelan Goats Football, 7pm
Entiat Tigers at Manson Trojans Football, 7pm
Othello Huskies at Quincy Jackrabbits Football, 7:30pm
West Valley Rams at Eastmont Wildcats Football, 7:30pm
Oct. 17 - Okanogan Bulldogs at Cashmere Bulldogs Soccer, 11am
Liberty Bell Mountain Lions at Entiat Tigers Soccer, 11am
Bridgeport Fillies at Manson Trojans Soccer, 11am
Liberty Bell Mountain Lions at Entiat Tigers Volleyball, 12:30pm
Ellensburg Bulldogs at Quincy Lady Jacks Soccer, 1pm
Eisenhower Cadets at Eastmont Wildcats Soccer, 1pm
Bridgeport Fillies at Manson Trojans Volleyball, 6:30pm
Oct. 20 - Sunnyside Grizzlies at Eastmont Wildcats Soccer, 4pm
Brewster Bears at Cascade Kodiaks Soccer, 4pm
Omak Pioneers at Chelan Goats Soccer, 5pm
Oroville Hornets at Entiat Tigers Soccer, 5pm
Selah Vikings at Quincy Lady Jacks Soccer, 6pm
Chiawana Riverhawks at Wenatchee Panthers Soccer, 6pm
Liberty Bell Mountain Lions at Waterville Shockers Volleyball, 6:30pm
Eisenhower Cadets at Wenatchee Panthers Volleyball, 7pm
Richland Bombers at Eastmont Wildcats Volleyball, 7pm
Chelan Goats at Cascade Kodiaks Volleyball, 7pm
Oct. 22 - Wenatchee Amateur Hockey Registration Night, 7-8:30 at TTC Entiat Tigers at Chelan Goats Soccer, 4pm
Sunnyside Grizzlies at Wenatchee Panthers Volleyball, 7pm
Lake Roosevelt Raiders at Cashmere Bulldogs Volleyball, 7pm
Brewster Bears at Chelan Goats Volleyball, 7pm
Oct. 23 - Brewster Bears at Cashmere Bulldogs Football, 7pm
Omak Pioneers at Chelan Goats Football, 7pm
Bridgeport Mustangs at Entiat Tigers Football, 7pm
Waterville Shockers at Manson Trojans Football, 7pm
Eisenhower Cadets at Eastmont Wildcats Football, 7:30pm
Oct. 24 - Cascade Kodiaks at Cashmere Bulldogs Soccer, 11am
Bridgeport Fillies at Entiat Tigers Soccer, 11am
Bridgeport Fillies at Entiat Tigers Volleyball, 12:30pm
Waterville Shockers at Manson Trojans Volleyball, 12:30pm
Oct. 27 - Cashmere Bulldogs at Chelan Goats Soccer, 4pm
Soap Lake Eagles at Manson Trojans Volleyball, 6:30pm
Oroville Hornets at Waterville Shockers Volleyball, 6:30pm
Moses Lake Pirates at Eastmont Wildcats Soccer, 7pm
Omak Pioneers at Cascade Kodiaks Volleyball, 7pm
Tonasket Tigers at Cashmere Bulldogs Volleyball, 7pm
Oct. 29 - Manson Trojans at Entiat Tigers Soccer, 5pm
Manson Trojans at Entiat Tigers Volleyball, 6:30pm
Okanogan Bulldogs at Cascade Kodiaks Football, 7pm
Othello Huskies at Quincy Lady Jacks Volleyball, 7pm
Oct. 30 - Wichita Falls Wildcats at Wenatchee Wild, Town Toyota Center, 7pm
Cashmere Bulldogs at Chelan Goats Football, 7pm
East Valley Rams at Quincy Jackrabbits Football, 7:30pm
Oct. 31 - Wichita Falls Wildcats at Wenatchee Wild, Town Toyota Center, 7pm
Cascade Kodiaks at Cashmere Bulldogs Volleyball, 7pm | |
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Thank you for being part of the Wenatchee Valley Sports Council on-line community. If you'd like more information about the Sports Council, go to our website!
Sincerely,
Eric Granstrom
Wenatchee Valley Sports Council |
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