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| Issue: # 032 |
December 21, 2009 |
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Wenatchee Valley Sports Council News
 Greetings!
You say to yourself, "why have I waited so long for your newsletter this month, Eric?" Well, you have to wait to open your presents, don't you?
In this month's edition, we've got the LATEST on Ridge to River, the Triple Crown Tourney in April, WVC's new softball building and my resignation from the PFD. See? Wasn't that worth waiting for?
Also, I'll need all you train nerds (and I use that term in the most loving way) to help me with something I spotted near the office the other day. First, let me wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Second, I hope you had a chance to come to the US Bank NCW High School Basketball Showcase at Town Toyota Center. The second year was proof-positive that Wenatchee's new arena is EXACTLY what is needed as a hub for regional events. Speaking of which, I'll do some math for you (what does TTC + SHS + WIAA = ?).
Finally, let me thank the entire sports community, both facility providers, local athletes and parents, event organizers and sports tourists for proving the Sports Council is needed and doing its job.
Have a good month, enjoy family and friends and remember to stop by sometime and say, "Hi!"
Happy Trails
Eric Granstrom - Wenatchee Valley Sports Council |
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Chelan Takes 2nd Annual Scholarship Shootout
On and off the basketball court at Town Toyota Center, the Chelan Goats proved ready for the challenge in the 2nd Annual NCW Scholarship Shootout. The event, sponsored by the Wenatchee Valley Sports Foundation, was held in conjunction with the US Bank NCW High School Basketball Showcase.
 Chelan earned 7 points in the Scholarship Shootout to edge Entiat and Cashmere for 1st place. Schools were judged in five categories, including attendance, spirit, sportsmanship, band and cheer-dance-drill. Schools were awarded a point for each category won.
Entiat, Cashmere and Waterville tied for 2nd with 6-points each, invoking the tiebreaker (win-loss record in games, then average winning margin). Entiat went 2-0, Cashmere 2-0 and Waterville 0-2. Entiat's average winning margin was 41-points, while Cashmere's was 24, so the Tigers earned 2nd and Bulldogs 3rd.
 For its efforts, Chelan will receive a $1,000 scholarship to its Associated Student Body fund, the traveling championship trophy and 1st place plaque. Entiat's student body receives $600 and Cashmere $400. On the court during the 2nd Annual US Bank NCW High School Basketball Showcase, fans were treated to 11-games in three days. Scores:
Entiat girls 73, Waterville 16
Entiat boys 59, Waterville 34
Wenatchee girls 66, Eastmont 49
Cashmere boys 66, Liberty Bell 27
Cashmere girls 67, Liberty Bell 58
Eastmont boys 53, Waterville 51
Quincy girls 32, Cascade 29
Cascade boys 73, Quincy 49
Wenatchee Valley College men 64, Qwest University 57
Chelan girls 58, Lake Roosevelt, 26
Chelan boys 68, Lake Roosevelt 57 |
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No Virginia, There Will Be No Adult R2R in 2010
According to Ridge to River's management company RSVP, there will be NO adult race in 2010. However, they ARE planning on going ahead with the Jr. Race, with a new sponsor.
 Retired Senior Volunteer Program Executive Director Brian Ropp says, "the Wenatchee World screwed up." According to Ropp, when Promotion and Sales Manager Al Neace was interviewed last week by the paper, "we never said ANYTHING about planning for an adult race...we haven't discussed it in MONTHS!" The paper reported that RSVP was working on solidifying sponsors for the adult race. When, according to Ropp, in actuality, they were finalizing sponsors for the Junior race. Ropp says Coca-Cola will replace the World as the new title sponsor of the Junior race, which is set for May 22nd. "We've always planned on continuing the kid's race," said Ropp. "We just needed to get our ducks in a row before we made any announcements," he continued.
The adult race has seen a continual downward spiral in participation over the past decade. When Mission Ridge pulled its support of the race for a spring ski event in 2010, it meant the end of the road for the 29-year Wenatchee tradition as it had been known.
The Junior race, designed for children aged 5-to-12, has seen steady participation of upwards of 800 since its inception. The next thing for RSVP to do is file paperwork with the Chelan County PUD Parks Department to reserve Walla Walla Point Park for the event. Go to www.r2r.org for more information. |
Public Facilities District Looking for New Board Member
You may have read the story in last weekend's Wenatchee World, that I resigned from the Greater Wenatchee Regional Public Facilities District Board of Directors. It's true. I wanted to take this space to share my letter of resignation, if you don't mind. This is one of the more difficult decisions I've had to make and it didn't come easily.
Douglas County Commissioners, PFD Board, Wenatchee City & Town Toyota Center Staff,
Today I'm sorry to announce my resignation from the Greater Wenatchee Regional Events Center Public Facilities District Board. It has been a great honor to represent Douglas County in this incredible experience. It's hard to believe three years have passed since the board was created.
I feel very fortunate to have been part of such a unique, region-changing undertaking. I hope the examples set by the coming-together of two counties and seven municipalities under the guiding light of positive change is not lost on time's passage. Never before has the state of Washington seen such a series of timely events and mutual commitment that has culminated in a wonderful, regional asset.
This is not to say we haven't learned some lessons and made some mistakes along the way. But a pioneering effort into a new frontier is wrought with the unknown. The challenge is advancing toward a common future, strengthened by knowledge gained, unafraid to face the tough questions, and unfaltering in the belief of the better good.
A couple issues have arisen to create a conflict of interest for me. For one, the change of the PFD Board to a manger/employer arrangement at Town Toyota Center conflicts with my employment at the Wenatchee Valley Visitors Bureau. And two, the need for the City of Wenatchee to find ways to pay for anticipated shortfalls in revenues to make bond payments on the arena may change the hotel/motel tax structure, which, in part, funds my job. I feel these conflicts hamstring my ability to fairly help the PFD Board and City of Wenatchee in future funding considerations. I believe it also could be seen as a conflict as my employer provides information during the current consultant's review of the hotel/motel tax structure and its funding of the Visitors Bureau and Convention Center.
I want to thank Douglas County Commissioners May Hunt and Ken Stanton and former Commissioner Dane Keane for selecting me to represent Douglas County. I also want to thank my fellow board members and President Joe Jarvis for being patient with me with my thorn-in-the-side questions through the three years I served. Finally, I want to thank my family for being supportive of me spending extra hours and energy on helping the PFD get off the ground and to where it is today.
Keep up the good work. Believe in what you are doing. And never fear the tough question.
Sincerely,
Eric Granstrom
Douglas County Representative - GWREC Public Facilities District |
WVC Lady Knights Have New Press/Bathroom Box
 It took a number of years, and the student body to get behind it, but the Lady Knights softball team will have a new press box and bathroom at North Rotary Park in 2010.
Wenatchee Valley College Athletic Director Marco Azurdia says the project cost about $150,000 and took the support of the Associated Students of Wenatchee Valley College. Part of the costs of the building were paid for by a voluntary fee charged students at the community college.
According to Azurdia, the Pepsi trailer will still be used as a concession stand during Lady Knight home games. "This is a bathrooms, storage area, scorebox and press box," said Azurdia during December's Wenatchee Valley Sports Council meeting.
As you can see by the photo at right, the work was done by Set in Stone Custom Masonry. The Lady Knights will start another season in March, 2010. |
Triple Crown Wenatchee Baseball Tourney Update 
Add Wenatchee's Recreation Park to the list of facility sites for Triple Crown Sports' Season Opening Baseball Tournament in Wenatchee in April.
Triple Crown's Regional Baseball Director Drew Reiners was in the Wenatchee Valley in early December to talk directly with facility operators and managers about using their facilities during the first-ever tournament April 10th and 11th. Reiners met with Wenatchee High School Athletic Director BJ Kuntz and varsity baseball coach Ed Knaggs about using Rec. Park. In addition, Reiners met with Wenatchee Youth Baseball's Mac Riggan about adding two of the four fields at Morris Little League Park for the younger divisions.
Why the need for these fields in addition to the 13 fields already reserved for the tournament? "We've had unbelievable response so far," said Reiners. He said he originally hoped for 25 or 26 teams during the tournament's first year. But as of the first week of December, 51 teams had already expressed interesting in playing between 9- and 14-year old age groups.
The Triple Crown event in Wenatchee makes three tournaments the national company hosts in Washington (Snohomish County and Tri Cities). Reiners hopes to make this an annual tradition in Wenatchee, but he's found local facility owners to be reticent about signing any long-term commitments. "We'll have to prove ourselves the first year out, then we'll see where we go in the future," said Reiners.
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TTC + SHS + WIAA = State Tournament? We'll See
Wenatchee's newest hotel won't open until mid-March, but it's addition is already having an impact on the Valley's future. The addition of Springhills Suites in 2010 and Comfort Suites (opened in October) has added nearly 20-percent to the total room inventory in the Wenatchee Valley, and with the addition of Town Toyota Center, makes Wenatchee more appealing to the governing body of high school sports tournaments, the WIAA.
Springhill Suites by Marriott is being constructed at the corner of Wenatchee Avenue and Walnut Street, about four blocks from Town Toyota Center. The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association's (WIAA's) Assistant Executive Director Cindy Adsit was in town during the recent NCW Basketball Showcase. Town Toyota Center staff gave her the complete tour of the facility and provided schematics on how volleyball and basketball tournaments could be held at the arena.
The WIAA passed on Wenatchee last winter for a bid on State Volleyball, based primarily on the organization's perception of a lack of hotel space in the Wenatchee Valley. In addition, pictures couldn't paint an adequate picture of what the Town Toyota Center could facilitate. TTC's General Manager Mark Miller said, "it's key to get these people (WIAA personnel) into the building and see what it can do."
Knowing the housing issue is being addressed in the Wenatchee Valley and getting a first-hand look at the area's new multi-purpose arena, the WIAA will hopefully look more favorably on Wenatchee as a host site for future state tournaments. |
OK "Trainiacs", I Your Help is Needed
 Upon returning to the office from lunch the other day, I parked my truck next to the railroad tracks and spotted this unusual looking train car. I've seen plenty of cars in my day, but never once like this. So this will go to our "Trainiacs" out there to tell me what this car hauls, or what it's for.
As you can see by the closer-cropped image, clearly printed in red on the side of the train car are the words, "State of Washington Department of Agriculture Weights & Measures.  I assume it has something to do with wheat? Or is it orr? Does it contain exactly one pound balls of gum? What can it be?
By the looks of the dents created from within the metal car, it has to be something of serious weight. Bowling balls? It was a curious site and now it's in your hands to tell me what it's for. |
Dec. 22 - Grandview at Quincy boys basketball, 7:30pm
Grandview at Quincy girls basketball, 6pm
Ferris at Wenatchee girls basketball, 6:45pm
Dec. 26 - Night Ski/Mountain Music Festival at Mission Ridge Ski & Board Resort
Dec. 29 - Moses Lake at Eastmont boys basketball, 5pm
Dec. 29-30 - Chelan Holiday Basketball Tournament (Life Christian)
Waterville Christmas Basketball Tournament
Wenatchee Holiday Boys Basketball Tournament (Puyallup, Auburn)
Wenatchee Holiday Girls Basketball Tournament (Highline, Coeur d'Alene)
Jan. 2 - Alaska Avalanche at Wenatchee Wild, Town Toyota Center, 7pm
Royal at Cascade boys basketball, 7:45pm
Kittitas at Manson boys basketball, 7:30pm
Entiat at Waterville boys basketball, 7:30pm
Royal at Cascade girls basketball, 6pm
Kittitas at Manson girls basketball, 6pm
Entiat at Waterville girls basketball, 6pm
Jan. 3 - Alaska Avalanche at Wenatchee Wild, Town Toyota Center, 5pm
Jan. 5 - Chiawana at Wenatchee girls bowling, 2pm at Eastmont Lanes
Brewster at Cascade boys basketball, 7:30pm
Chelan at Eastmont boys basketball, 7:30pm
Manson at Entiat boys basketball, 7:30pm
Brewster at Cascade girls basketball, 6pm
Chelan at Eastmont girls basketball, 5:45pm
Manson at Entiat girls basketball, 6pm
Jan. 5-6 - Collegiate Ski Race at Mission Ridge Ski & Board Resort (age 18-22)
Jan. 8 - Richland at Eastmont boys basketball, 7:30pm
Oroville at Entiat boys basketball, 7:30pm
East Valley at Quincy boys basketball, 7:30pm
Manson at Waterville boys basketball, 7:30pm
Oroville at Entiat girls basketball, 6pm
East Valley at Quincy girls basketball, 6pm
Manson at Waterville girls basketball, 7:30pm
Davis at Wenatchee girls basketball, 7:30pm
Jan. 9 - Yakima at Wenatchee Valley College women's basketball, 2pm
Yakima at Wenatchee Valley College men's basketball, 4pm
Night Ski/Mountain Music Festival/Rail Jam at Mission Ridge Resort
Lake Roosevelt at Cascade boys basketball, 7:30pm
Othello at Quincy boys basketball, 7:30pm
Southridge at Wenatchee boys basketball, 7:30pm
Lake Roosevelt at Cascade girls basketball, 6pm
Chiawana at Eastmont girls basketball, 6pm
Othello at Quincy girls basketball, 6pm
Jan. 9-10 - Apple Cup Invitational Jr. Ski Race at Mission Ridge (age 7-12)
Jan. 12 - Kennewick at Wenatchee girls bowling, 2pm at Eastmont Lanes
Eisenhower/Davis at Wenatchee boys swimming, 4pm
Cascade at Cashmere boys basketball, 7:30pm
Liberty Bell at Manson boys basketball, 7:30pm
Cascade at Cashmere girls basketball, 6pm
Liberty Bell at Manson girls basketball, 6pm
Jan. 15 - Lake Roosevelt at Cashmere boys basketball, 7:30pm
Omak at Chelan boys basketball, 7:30pm
Eisenhower at Eastmont boys basketball, 7:30pm
Bridgeport at Waterville boys basketball, 7:30pm
Lake Roosevelt at Cashmere girls basketball, 6pm
Omak at Chelan girls basketball, 6pm
Bridgeport at Waterville girls basketball, 6pm
Jan. 16 - Eastmont at Wenatchee boys swimming, 11am
Night Ski/Mountain Music Festival at Mission Ridge Ski & Board Resort
Tonasket at Cascade boys basketball, 7:30pm
Pasco at Wenatchee boys basketball, 6pm
Tonasket at Cascade girls basketball, 6pm
Pasco at Wenatchee girls basketball, 8pm
Jan. 19 - Moses Lake at Eastmont boys swimming, 4pm
Sunnyside at Wenatchee boys basketball, 7:30pm
Kamaikin at Eastmont girls basketball, 7:30pm
Jan. 20 - Cascade at Chelan boys basketball, 7:30pm
Cascade at Chelan girls basketball, 6pm
Columbia Basin at Wenatchee Valley College women's basketball, 6pm
Columbia Basin at Wenatchee Valley College men's basketball, 8pm
Jan. 22 - Fairbanks Ice Dawgs at Wenatchee Wild, Town Toyota Center, 7pm
Okanogan at Cascade boys basketball, 7:30pm
Bridgeport at Manson boys basketball, 7:30pm
Ellensburg at Quincy boys basketball, 7:30pm
Moses Lake at Wenatchee boys basketball, 7:30pm
Okanogan at Cascade girls basketball, 6pm
West Valley at Eastmont girls basketball, 7:30pm
Bridgeport at Manson girls basketball, 6pm
Ellensburg at Quincy girls basketball, 6pm
Jan. 23 - Fairbanks Ice Dawgs at Wenatchee Wild, Town Toyota Center, 7pm
Omak at Cashmere boys basketball, 7:30pm
Walla Walla at Eastmont boys basketball, 6pm
Soap Lake at Manson boys basketball, 7:30pm
Selah at Quincy boys basketball, 7:30pm
Omak at Cashmere girls basketball, 6pm
Soap Lake at Manson girls basketball, 6pm
Selah at Quincy girls basketball, 6pm
Kennewick at Wenatchee girls basketball, 7:30pm
Jan. 22-24 - 22nd Annual Steve Talbot Wenatchee AAU Invitational Tournament
for boys 4th-8th grade.
Jan. 23 - Night Ski/Mountain Music Festival/Rail Jam at Mission Ridge Resort
Jan. 26 - Hanford/Richland at Wenatchee boys swimming, 4pm
Cashmere at Cascade boys basketball, 7:30pm
Brewster at Chelan boys basketball, 7:30pm
Entiat at Manson boys basketball, 7:30pm
Cashmere at Cascade girls basketball, 6pm
Brewster at Chelan girls basketball, 6pm
Entiat at Manson girls basketball, 6pm
Jan. 29 - Alaska Avalanche at Wenatchee Wild, Town Toyota Center, 7pm
Waterville at Entiat boys basketball, 7:30pm
Davis at Wenatchee boys basketball, 7:30pm
Richland at Eastmont girls basketball, 7:30pm
Waterville at Entiat girls basketball, 6pm
Treasure Valley at Wenatchee Valley College women's basketball, 6pm
Treasure Valley at Wenatchee Valley College men's basketball, 8pm
Jan. 30 - Eisenhower/Davis at Eastmont boys swimming, 11am
Blue Mountain at Wenatchee Valley College women's basketball, 2pm
Blue Mountain at Wenatchee Valley College men's basketball, 4pm
Alaska Avalanche at Wenatchee Wild, Town Toyota Center, 7pm Omak at Cascade boys basketball, 7:30pm Chiawana at Eastmont boys basketball, 6pm Toppenish at Quincy boys basketball, 7:30pm Soap Lake at Waterville boys basketball, 7:30pm Omak at Cascade girls basketball, 6pm Tonasket at Chelan girls basketball, 6pm Toppenish at Quincy girls basketball, 6pm Soap Lake at Waterville girls basketball, 6pm Southridge at Wenatchee girls basketball, 7:30pm January 30 - Night Ski/Mountain Music Festival/at Mission Ridge Ski & Board Resort Jan. 30 th - Bavarian Cup Race - Freestyle and Classic from 1K to 10K. PNSA Junior Qualifier USSA Sanctioned Race for J2, J1 and OJs. Tonasket at Chelan boys basketball, 7:30pm Jan. 30-31 - 10 th Annual Eastmont AAU Basketball Tournament for boys & girls 4 th-6 th grade. | |
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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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