New SC Website

Issue: # 037  June 10, 2010
IN THIS ISSUE
Slap Shot in the Arm
Sign Up For Olympic Day
WV Lacrosse - What A Season
New Sports Council Website
AppleSox Begin Anew
Sports Headlines
Sports Calendar
Summer Guides Available
QUICK LINKS
Join Our Mailing List
Wenatchee Valley Sports Council News
 
Eric Headshot B&WGreetings!
 
Welcome to a new era with the Wenatchee Valley Sports Council!  Our new website is on-line and ready for you and I can't tell you how excited I am about it!  A huge thank you to Brad Fitzgerald at APT Design for working with the Sports Council Board and yours truly for taking our ideas and making it a reality.  There's still more to be added, so if you have any suggestions, please let me know.
 
OK, a show of hands of who else is tired of all the rain?!  It's been a record-setting spring for rainfall in the Wenatchee Valley.  And while it has kept our surrounding hills nice and green, it's made for interesting outdoor pursuits in the region.  I suppose with every cloud, there's a silver lining, right?  I imagine those who are particularly fond of this weather are the wheat ranchers and whitewater rafting guides.  Speaking of, I hear the BEST rafting on the Wenatchee and Icicle is right now!
 
May was crazy-busy.  It began with the Pepsi Robertson Cup and concluded with a jam-packed Sterling Invitational Softball Tournament.  If you stop by and say hi to our hoteliers, they're smiling a lot more these days.  Oh, and congrats to the Wenatchee Valley Boys Lacrosse team on an unbelievable season!  Read more below.
 
Here's to a sunny, fun-filled June!
 
Happy Trails
Eric Granstrom - Wenatchee Valley Sports Council
Robertson Cup LogoRobertson Cup a Slap Shot to Economy
 
(Wenatchee, WA)...May ninth's final game of the 2010 Pepsi Robertson Cup not only marked a championship for Bismarck, but a milestone for the tournament.  Over six days of hockey at Town Toyota Center, a total of 20,489 people came through the turnstiles, an average of 3,415 per day.  It blew away the previously most-attended Robertson Cup in Fairbanks in 2007 when 11,523 attended.  In addition to busy numbers at the gates, the Wenatchee Valley benefited as a whole from the tournament in terms of economic impact, increased national exposure and showcasing the 2-year old Town Toyota Center.

According to date obtained and reviewed by the Wenatchee Valley Sports Council, the direct Sports Tourism impact of the Robertson Cup is estimated at $192,352.  That accounts for the four teams from across the country that travelled in, their coaches and personnel, their fans, and the college and professional scouts who came to the Wenatchee Valley for the tournament.  In addition, the huge turnout at the turnstiles by local hockey fans that came out to cheer on the host Wenatchee Wild pumped in an estimated additional $600,750 in spending.  That equates to an overall estimate of spending for the Pepsi Robertson Cup of 793,102.
Olympic Day Fun Run/Walk is Back
 
US Olympic LogoThe Wenatchee Valley Sports Council is again hosting a free fun run/walk on Wednesday, June 23rd.  The event is in conjunction with Olympic Day across the world, marking the date when the modern Olympics were formed. 
 
The FREE run/walk will start from Picnic Shelter #1 at Walla Walla Point Park across from Town Toyota Center and travel south on the Apple Capital Loop Trail to a turnaround spot at either the one-mile or two-mile mark.  Prior to the run/walk start, an Olympic athlete will address participants with a message about the Olympic ideal and physical fitness.  Each participant will receive an official Certficate of Participation from the US Olympic Committee for taking part.
 
The Cities of Wenatchee and East Wenatchee both proclaimed June 23rd as "Olympic Day" in their cities, in honor of the event.  To register, click the USA logo and do it on-line, or just show up at 9am on June 23rd.  We'll see you there!
Wenatchee Valley Lacrosse, What a Season!
 
(Wenatchee, WA)...OK, I'll admit it.  Wenatchee Valley's state semi-final game versus Lynnwood was my first-ever lacrosse game.  Thankfully, my good friend Curt Gavin gave me a 5-minute tutelage prior to the game so I'd have an modicum of understanding of what was going on.  His son Ross was among the 30 kids from local high schools playing for Wenatchee Valley.  They had an unbelievable season, which culminated on this wet, rainy day. 
 
Connor Tidd attacks vs. Lynnwood
Wenatchee Valley Lacrosse 1
 
As I stood there beneath my borrowed umbrella, I looked up and down the sidelines at others huddling from the rain and was astonished.  There were several hundred people on hand at Hollis Field to cheer on Wenatchee Valley.  I'd call them their mascot name, if only they had one.
 
You see, lacrosse is only 5-years old here in the Wenatchee Valley.  Brad Schock brought his love for the sport here with his sons in 2005 and started Wenatchee Valley Lacrosse.  He came to the Sports Council for help, early on, looking for financial support to purchase gear and help train coaches and officials.  The Wenatchee Valley Sports Foundation, through its Scholarship Fund and Charlotte Martin Grant, was able to provide WV Lax over $2,000 in assistance.
 
I couldn't help but think of Brad's bright-faced enthusiasm when he sat in my office years ago about lacrosse and look up and down the sidelines now at the fruits of his labor.  This team made up high school athletes from Eastmont and Wenatchee, had gone from 1-19 a year before, to 15-1 this year.  On the field, it was the most exciting game I've seen of any sport in a long time.
 
Fans Hide From Rain While They Cheer on WV
Lacrosse Fans Hide From Rain
Wenatchee Valley fell behind early in the driving rainstorm 3-0 but came charging back to lead briefly before half 7-6.  But Lynnwood knotted the score at 7 just before the half-time horn.  The Tigers came out in the second half and jumped up by three goals again before Wenatchee Valley reeled them back in to tie it late.  The home team thrilled the crowd by taking the lead with just over two minutes remaining 13-12.  All they had to do was keep the ball in Lynnwood's end.
 
But a turnover led to a fast-break score for the Tigers with just 3-seconds remaining.  The wind came out of the Wenatchee Valley Sails and Lynnwood scored two-minutes into the overtime to win it 14-13.  The Tigers would go on to crush San Juan 16-7 to win the State Division II Title.
 
I don't know if it was the rain and soaked feet, or the exhilaration of the up and down contest, but I managed to lose my voice that day.  There were plenty of tears shed by the parents of the Wenatchee Valley boys who had done so much and played so hard.  And in the end, I think its safe to say there's a whole new appreciation for lacrosse and the sport is here to stay in the Wenatchee Valley.  Thanks Brad!
New Website for Wenatchee Valley Sports Council
    

www.wenatcheevalleysports.com
New SC Web Look

The Wenatchee Valley Sports Council website went on-line shortly after the organization's inception in 1999.  The original site was designed by Sara Urdahl.  It was a great introduction into the World Wide Web for the Sports Council and served it well over the years.  However, it was time for a change.  So, the Sports Council hired Brad Fitzgerald with APT Design to develop a new site.  And today, we're proud to announce it is on-line and ready for your visit!
 
Back in January, the Sports Council Board of Directors held a brainstorming session on what to include in the design of the new site.  The consensus was that a website must contain four main elements:  it must work; it must be easy to navigate; it must be informative; and it must be local.  With that information in hand, Fitzgerald went about creating the new site.  You'll note that the design is distinct and easy to understand.  The drop-down menus can quickly take you to what you're looking for on one click. 
 
With our Twitter account, any new Tweets will immediately appear across the top of the website.  The left column includes quick ways for visitors to become fans of the Sports Council's Facebook page; sign up to receive the newsletter, read news and watch videos.  In addition, each listing for a location on the website such as a hotel, restaurant or sports facility has a quick Google Map hyperlink that will take you right to Google Maps with the destination set.  All the visitor has to do is put in their location and click enter.  Best of all, all content and editing on the site can be done in-house rather than having to wait for a third-party webmaster to add it for us.  We're still adding content and information, so if you see something missing, let us know and we'll add it!
AppleSox Begin New Season This Week
 
AppleSox LogoThe West Coast League's defending champion Wenatchee AppleSox are locked and loaded for another season of summer collegiate baseball.  Somehow, in the five years of the WCL, manager Ed Knaggs has put together three championships and one second place.  Not bad, eh?
 
This year's club is made up of 18 Division-1 players, 13 NWAACC players the rest from NAIA or Division-2 schools.  On paper, manager Ed Knaggs likes what he sees.  This week during the Major League Baseball amateur draft, four AppleSox pitchers were selected including right-handed high school pitcher Adam Plutko in the 6th round by the Houston Astros and right-handed high school pitcher Zack Weiss in the 10th round by the Pittsburgh Pirates.  In addition, the Colorado Rockies selected Marco Gonzalez (#890) and Jeff Ames (#923), both pitchers.
 
Wenatchee will play 30-home games at Paul Thomas, Sr. Field on the campus of Wenatchee Valley College this summer, including the next 5-consecutive weekends.  For scheduling information, tickets and to see the 'Sox great, new website, go to www.applesox.com.  Friday night's home opener against Kitsap begins at 7:05pm.
Sports News from Around the Valley
 
The Wenatchee Valley Rams are back in the Washington Football League championship game.  The defending WFL champs advanced to a title matchup at Hermiston this Saturday with last weekend's 38-17 win over South Sound.
 
The Wenatchee Valley Venom are still alive for the playoffs after reeling off three consecutive wins, including last weekend's thrilling, overtime victory over San Jose.  To keep it rolling, the Venom will need another win over the Wasilla Arctic Predators this Saturday at Town Toyota Center.  Game time is 7:05pm.
 
Congratulations to the Cashmere and Almira-Coulee/Hartline baseball teams and the Wenatchee boys tennis team for their State Championships!  Waaahoooo!
 
Check out some of the big events we've had in the Wenatchee Valley recently:
April 10-11 - Triple Crown Baseball (1,080 players)
April 17th - Wenatchee Marathon (1,004 participants)
May 13-14 - WAHSET State Meet (390 competitors)
May 15-16 - Wenatchee Omnium/Criterium (292 racers)
May 29-31 - Sterling Invite Softball Tournament (885 players)
June 4-6 - Apple Capital Swim Meet (724 swimmers)
June 5th - Sunrise Rotary Apple Century Ride (527 riders)
 
Congratulations to the Mission Ridge Ski Team and Mission Ridge Ski & Board Resort for landing the Western Elite Spring Ski Series again in 2011.  Tentative dates right now are April 4-9.  This event attracted 235 skiers from around the world to compete this past April...a huge feather in the cap at Mission Ridge!  And, Mission Ridge has officially launched its campaign to provide every 6th grader a season pass.  Go to www.missionridge.com for more information.
June 11th - Kitsap BlueJackets at Wenatchee AppleSox, WCL Baseball at Paul Thomas,
                        Sr. Field at Wenatchee Valley College, 7:05pm.  www.applesox.com
June 11-13 - BPA State U-13 Baseball Championships at Walla Walla Point & Hydro
            Parks.  Contact Steve Reed at 253-332-0953 or www.nsawa.com  
June 12 - Wenatchee Valley Trail Run Series - Mission Ridge Rally 6K &12K
                        Jason Jablonski - 509-679-6793 or jablonskijason@hotmail.com
June 12th - Race Night at Wenatchee Valley's Super Oval featuring Vintage Modifieds,
                        B-Modifieds, Dick's Heating & Air Conditioning Thunder Cars & Youth
                        Hornets.  Gates open at 5, time trials at 6, racing at 7.  www.wvso.com  
June 12th - Wasilla Arctic Predators at Wenatchee Valley Venom, AIFA Football at
                        Town Toyota Center, 7:05pm.  www.wenatcheevenom.com  
June 12th - Kitsap BlueJackets at Wenatchee AppleSox, WCL Baseball at Paul Thomas,
                        Sr. Field at Wenatchee Valley College, 7:05pm.  www.applesox.com  
June 12-13 - Evergree State APBTC Dog Pull at Walla Walla Point Park.  At the
                        handball courts, pulls begin at 10am each day.  www.itsmysite.com/esapbtc/ 
June 12-13 - 25th Annual Cusick Cup men's and women's Tennis Tournament at 
                        Wenatchee Racquet & Athletic Club.  www.wrac.com  or 509-662-3544
June 13th - Kitsap BlueJackets at Wenatchee AppleSox, WCL Baseball at Paul Thomas,
                        Sr. Field at Wenatchee Valley College, 7:05pm.  www.applesox.com  
June 17-20 - Apple Valley Packers Invitational Baseball Tournament at Rec. Park
June 18th - Bellingham Bells at Wenatchee AppleSox, WCL Baseball at Paul Thomas,
                        Sr. Field at Wenatchee Valley College, 7:05pm.  www.applesox.com  
June 17-20 - Wenatchee Valley Packers Invitational Baseball Tournament at Rec. Park.
                        Contact Ryan Hadfield at 509-860-1188 or bigdogryan@aol.com
June 18-20 - 18th  Annual East Wenatchee Rotary Pikeminnow Derby on Columbia                      
                        River.  Contact Mark Spurgeon at 509-884-9606 or mark.mms@verizon.net .
June 19th - Race Night at Wenatchee Valley's Super Oval featuring Big 5 Late Models,
                        Pepsi Cola Mini Super Stocks, Jerry's Auto Supply Pure Stocks &
                        the Figure 8 Bus Race.  Gates open at 5, time trials at 6, racing at 7.
                        www.wvso.com  
June 19th - Bellingham Bells at Wenatchee AppleSox, WCL Baseball at Paul Thomas,
                        Sr. Field at Wenatchee Valley College, 7:05pm.  www.applesox.com  
June 19-20 - Golden Sun Men's Softball Tournament at Walla Walla Point Park
                        Contact Art Mooney at 509-663-1404 or 509-433-2300 for information.
June 19 - 6th Annual Andrew York Lineman Rodeo at Walla Walla Point Park, 8am-1pm
June 20th - Bellingham Bells at Wenatchee AppleSox, WCL Baseball at Paul Thomas,
                        Sr. Field at Wenatchee Valley College, 7:05pm.  www.applesox.com
June 21st - Cowlitz Black Bears at Wenatchee AppleSox, WCL Baseball at Paul Thomas,
                        Sr. Field at Wenatchee Valley College, 7:05pm.  www.applesox.com  
June 21-23 - Wenatchee AppleSox Youth Baseball Clinic for boys & girls aged 5-12 at
                        Paul Thomas, Sr. Field at Wenatchee Valley College.  www.applesox.com  
June 22nd - Cowlitz Black Bears at Wenatchee AppleSox, WCL Baseball at Paul Thomas,
                        Sr. Field at Wenatchee Valley College, 7:05pm.  www.applesox.com
June 23rd - Cowlitz Black Bears at Wenatchee AppleSox, WCL Baseball at Paul Thomas,
                        Sr. Field at Wenatchee Valley College, 7:05pm.  www.applesox.com
June 25th - Portland Stars at Wenatchee AppleSox, WCL Baseball at Paul Thomas, Sr.
                        Field at Wenatchee Valley College, 7:05pm.  www.applesox.com  
June 26th - Portland Stars at Wenatchee AppleSox, WCL Baseball at Paul Thomas, Sr.
                        Field at Wenatchee Valley College, 7:05pm.  www.applesox.com
June 26th - Columbia River at Chelan Warriors FC.  NSSL Soccer at Sergeant Field in
                        Chelan, 7pm.  www.chelanwarriorsfc.com  
June 26th - Race Night at Wenatchee Valley's Super Oval featuring Outlaw Compacts,
                        Bump 2 Pass, Dick's Heating & Air Conditioning Thunder Cars & Youth
                        Hornets.  Gates open at 5, time trials at 6 and racing at 7.  www.wvso.com  
June 24-27 - Apple Valley Blues Junior Legion Baseball Invitational at Recreation Park.
                        Contact Ryan Hadfield at 509-860-1188 or bigdogryan@aol.com  
June 26-27 - Apple Ice Classic Figure Skating Competition at Town Toyota Center
June 26-27 - Hummbabes Hummertime XX Men's Softball Tournament at Walla Walla Point and
                        Hydro Parks.  Contact Brad Stone at 509-662-5728 or 509-860-3847
2010 Summer Guides Now Available 
 
2010 Summer Guide
That's right, the 2010 Summer Guides from the Wenatchee Valley Visitors Bureau are now available at our Visitors Center in downtown Wenatchee and soon at our Visitors Center at the Apple Commission Office at Olds Station.
 
 
Each Summer Guide is full of information about fun things to do and see in the Wenatchee Valley this summer.  Inside, you'll also find a fold-out map of the Wenatchee Valley to help you find your way around.  There's also important information on our area hotels with phone numbers and websites to make reservations. 
 
If you'd like a copy of the 2010 Summer Guide, contact our office at 1-800-572-7753 or via email at info@wenatcheevalley.org.  We'd be glad to mail a copy for you today! 
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