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| Issue: # 033 |
January 7, 2010 |
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Wenatchee Valley Sports Council News
 Greetings!
I hope you had a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Mine was fantastic with family and friends and some time off. And NOTHING says Merry Christmas like the gift of Anti Monkey-Butt! (see pic)
As we launch into a new decade, let me personally thank all of you for reading these newsletters and supporting what we do at the Wenatchee Valley Sports Council. Although the economic woes have impacted our bottom line here, I still have high hopes for 2010 and will continue to work diligently to advance the cause of sports tourism in the Wenatchee Valley. An interesting mix fills this month's newsletter, including the possibility of sprint boat racing in the area, an update on the search for my replacement on the PFD Board, Coaches of Inspiration and some highlights of 2009.
Also, let me congratulate Mark Miller, the new GM at Town Toyota Center on a great first few months. The Mannheim Steamroller concert was a phenomenal success, the arena received a rave review from the WIAA executive who was here during the NCW Basketball Showcase, the Wild continue to access both on and off the ice and some exciting new events are on the horizon. Keep up the good work Mark!
Enjoy the newsletter, send it to a friend, and remember a new year means a chance for a new start.
Happy Trails
Eric Granstrom - Wenatchee Valley Sports Council |
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Have Land, $6,000 & An Interest in Fast Boats?
The United States Sprint Boat Association (USSBA) is looking to expand and add a track in the Wenatchee area in 2010. Currently, the closest courses are in St. John, Washington and Albany, Oregon. If you've never heard of sprint boat racing, I can only describe it as a wild, hair-on-fire experience of massive horsepower, small boats, and head-spinning turns, all in three feet of water in a tight canal.
 USSBA officials want to meet with anyone in the Wenatchee area who would be interested in putting in a four-acre course and host races that would draw between 2-and 5-thousand fans. USSBA President Doug Hendrickson says a good setting for a course needs the following:
*4-acres of flat ground
*20-acres for 5,000 fans
*1-2 acres for a pit area
The course itself (see drawing below) is a trench 12-feet wide by 3-feet deep. Developers will also need access to between 500,000 and 700,000 gallons of water (does not have to be potable). In addition, race promoters are tasked with a $6,000 fee from the USSBA to host a race. Hendrickson says that's easily made up in ticket sales, concessions and camping fees.
It's also advantageous to have a natural hillside to work with to accommodate fans.
Dan Morrison of USSBA is a licensed contractor and will construct the track for approx. $11,500.00 or he will oversee the construction if you have your own equipment and crew to do it yourself.
Any local interested entrepreneurs are requested to contact Marcia Janke at the Wenatchee Valley Visitors Bureau at 509-663-3723, 1-800-532-5732 or via email at marcia@wenatcheevalley.org. For more information on Sprint Boat Racing, go to their website at www.ussbaracing.com. Also, for incredible video footage, following this link and hold on to your hats!  The Visitors Bureau is working with officials of the USSBA to organize a meeting of interested parties. The Spring Boat Racing Association is looking for interested parties to put together a bid by the end of January to land a date for this year's circuit.
By the way, the engines in these boats range from 500 to well over 1,000 horsepower and reach straightaway speeds of 80-miles per hour and with their incredible turning capabilities pull 3-to-7 g's in their tightest turns.
(photos provided by Dale Nunn who covers the Webb Slough event in St. John, WA) |
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Interested in Direction of Town Toyota Center? Step Up!
Douglas County Commissioners will interview candidates for the Greater Wenatchee Regional Public Facilities District Board next Wednesday, January 13th. So far, according to Commission Ken Stanton, they have four Douglas County residents who have expressed interest in filling the vacancy of Eric Granstrom.
 Granstrom stepped down in December because of a conflict of interest between the PFD Board position and his job with the Wenatchee Valley Sports Council. For his part, Granstrom says he'll be involved Wednesday in the interview process.
Douglas County is one of two counties and seven municipalities involved in the partnership created by 2006 legislation that created the Regional Public Facilities District that built and owns the Town Toyota Center. Granstrom served three of his four year term, so his replacement will fill out the remainder of his term until June, when Commissioners will have to either extend the replacement's term, or again ask for volunteers.
The PFD terminated the contract of Global Entertainment, the original management firm hired to run the Town Toyota Center, in May and voted to run the facility itself. Texan Mark Miller was hired as General Manager in August and has received glowing reviews so far.
Interested Douglas County residents need to send a letter of interest via fax to the Commissioner's office by this Friday to be included in the interview process next Wednesday. The fax number at the Commissioner's office is 509-745-9045. Interviews will be conducted at the County's Land-Transportation building on 19th Street in East Wenatchee beginning at 2pm. |
Wild Ride Continues for Wenatchee's NAHL Team
Only in Bill Stewart's wildest dreams could he see a successful first season-and-a-half of the Wenatchee Wild hockey team. Since its inception in September of 2008, the Wild has led the entire 20-team North American Hockey League in attendance (2,714 in '08/'09 & 3,301 so far in '09/'10). On top of that, Wenatchee made a run all the way to the Robertson Cup Title game in its first season and will host the league's championship tournament this year. And, so far this season, the Wild lead the entire league with a 30-5-2 with 62-points.
Tickets for the Robertson Cup are on sale now through the Wenatchee Wild Office.  The Cup will feature 11-games over 5-days featuring 5-teams, including the Wenatchee Wild. The team has put together fantastic ticket packages, including an 11-game pack ranging from $70 in the bowl to $100 on the glass. The four top teams from each division of the NAHL will compete, along with the Wenatchee Wild. Should the Wild be the top team in the West, the 2nd place team from the West Division will also be invited. Tickets can be purchased at the Town Toyota Center box office, at Wenatchee Valley Mall, or ball calling the Wild's office at 509-888-PUCK (7825). |
Wenatchee World Reacts to Ridge to River Story
 Without a doubt, the Ridge to River Relay Race has been through the wringer in the past three years. Since the Retried Senior Volunteer Program took over running the event, the multi-sport relay has fell on hard times. A combination of factors have played a hand in its downfall, and not one element can be completely to blame.
RSVP Director Brian Ropp announced in December's Sports Council Newsletter that there would be NO adult race in 2010. And the quote from Ropp regarding the Wenatchee World garnered particular interest, especially from the World's editors.
We received an email from World Sports Editor Stephen Maher who asked to have his words appear here. We said, "absolutely" and gladly welcome any response to what is printed here. Here is what Mr. Maher had to say:
Dear Eric,
Recently, the Wenatchee Valley Sports Council published a news item titled, "No Virginia, there will be no adult R2R in 2010," in its newsletter. Brian Ropp, executive director of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, which manages Ridge to River, is quoted as saying The Wenatchee World "screwed up" in reporting sponsors were being sought for the adult R2R. Ropp also claims his group "never said anything about planning for an adult race" with The World.
This raises the question of whether we did adequate due diligence on the story. Let me walk you through the sequence of events and let your readers make up their own minds on the issue.
We had heard unofficially from a Ridge to River source in early December that efforts might be under way to keep the race going. Our reporter contacted Ridge to River marketing director Al Neace to find out what organizers were planning. The reporter said he made it clear to Neace that he was inquiring about the adult race, not Jr. Ridge to River and Neace said that sponsors were being sought.
We made three separate attempts to contact Ropp at RSVP talk about the adult race and confirm what Neace had told us, but Ropp did not return those phone messages. As a result of the interview with Neace, our story said the adult race might still happen in 2010.
After we ran that initial story, Neace called to clear up the issue and he let us know that the decision had been made months ago to cancel the adult race. We then corrected the story for our readers.
We could have done better due diligence on this story by holding until we had firm confirmation of the future of the adult race. By the same token, Ropp and Neace should have been more forthcoming with the information that the adult race had been canceled and Ropp could have clarified the situation by returning phone calls. So the responsibility for the inaccurate information is rightfully shared between Ropp and Neace and us.
I hope this helps your readers understand better the steps we took to try to figure out what was happening with Ridge to River, an event that has been a huge part of our community. There is significant interest in the race because of its longevity and unique history and our job is to inform the community about such events and issues. If the organizers figure out a way to replace the race somehow, that would be a great thing for this community.. We would just ask for their interactions to be as transparent and open as possible.
Regards,
Steve Maher
Sports editor
The Wenatchee World
For more information, contact Stephen Maher at the Wenatchee World, or email us here at the Wenatchee Valley Sports Council. |
Top 10 Sports Stories of 2009 As We See Them
10 - Despite down economy in 2009, Sports Tourism means $6.6-million to the Valley
9 - Mission Ridge Lands US Olympic Ski Team and Western Regionals for 2010
8 - Wenatchee Panthers go undefeated to win Columbia Basin Big Nine Football Title
7 - The Wenatchee Valley Venom are introduced as the new tenant for TTC in 2010
6 - Wenatchee Valley Rams finish 10-2 and win Washington Football League Title
5 - Wenatchee AppleSox win 3rd WCL Title in 5-years, downing Corvallis 2-to-none
4 - The Upper Columbia Salmon Run was the largest seen since the dams went in
3 - Two new hotels break ground in 2009, adding 18% more rooms to help sports
2 - No Hot August Days, Tour de Vine, & several tournaments due to down economy
1 - Wenatchee Wild lead NAHL attendance and finish 2nd, land Robertson Cup in '10 |
Nominations for Coaches of Inspiration Needed
Nominations are now being accepted for the 5th Annual Coaches of Inspiration Awards. Sponsored by the Wenatchee Valley Sports Foundation and Wenatchee Valley Sports Council, the  awards are meant to recognize volunteer coaches who make a difference in young athlete's lives on and off the field of play.
Click on the link to the right and fill out the entry form on-line, including the coach's name, your name and information on how this coach inspired you.
Over the years, 143 coaches have been honored in a myriad of sports throughout the Wenatchee Valley and beyond. In fact, last year, a wrestling coach from Ellensburg was honored. Also, nominations began coming in two years ago for coaches who impacted athletes decades ago, and a few nominated were no longer even alive. As a result, we created the "Legendary Coach" category.
Deadline for entry is January 25th. The original date for the awards ceremony has been pushed back to allow more time for nominations to come in. A date has not be determined yet, however tickets are on sale at Pak It Rite, Arlberg Sports, Eastmont Pharmacy and the Wenatchee Valley Visitors Bureau Office on Wenatchee Avenue. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for youth.
Special thanks to the Wenatchee World and Cherry Creek Radio for sponsoring this year's Coaches of Inspiration Awards. |
Here's What's Coming Up At Town Toyota Center
Jan. 15-16 - The Bad Boys of Arenacross Motorcycle Racing and Mudboggers will invade the Town Toyota Center for two nights of high-flying action.
Feb. 18 - The Harlem Globetrotters make a first-ever appearance in the Wenatchee Valley with their entertaining brand of high-jinx basketball.
March 26-27 - Monster Truck Winter Nationals! Details coming soon, so keep checking the website for the latest.
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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 - Bad Boys of Arenacross & Mudboggers at Town Toyota Center, 7:30pm
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 - Bad Boys of Arenacross & Mudboggers at Town Toyota Center, 7:30pm
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. |
Mystery Train Car Question Answered
If you remember last month's newsletter, I asked for help identifying the purpose of a strange-looking train car that was part of a BNSF train in Wenatchee. 
Joel Nieme writes: "Eric, everything that moves by rail (well, almost everything) is weighed somewhere in the process, since the usual way to charge for transport is by weight and the number of miles moved. The scales have to be calibrated every so often. That's what this car, of a known weight, is used for."
Thanks Joel! I'll keep looking around for other curiosities in the future and bring them to you via this format to find an answer. | |
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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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