News from Wenatchee Valley Sports Council

Issue: # 038

July 13, 2010

IN THIS ISSUE

2nd Quarter Report

Olympic Day Recap

AppleSox in 1st Place

O'Terry's Nearly Full

Local Team Spotlight

Salmong Season is Here

Wild Prepare for Season

New Run Wenatchee Event

Venom Season Recap

Sports Calendar

QUICK LINKS

Wenatchee Valley Sports Council News

Greetings!

Well, things are finally starting to look up on the tourism side of things here in the Wenatchee Valley. We're getting reports that hotel revenues have been up for four consecutive months now. Hopefully we can maintain this throughout the rest of summer.

Now that the Venom's season is through, it's time to focus on AppleSox baseball and the upcoming Wenatchee Wild season. I've got more on each in this month's newsletter. Also, thanks to reader-input, we've got info on some local teams that have done well.

I met with Joel Reiner of Run Wenatchee who has some exciting news for runners in the area. Also, we're doing well on registrations for the upcoming O'Terry's tournament in August.

Happy July and

Happy Trails
Eric Granstrom - Wenatchee Valley Sports Council

2nd Quarter Shows Improvement

Things are starting to look up as far as Wenatchee Valley tourism is concerned. According to Smith Travel Research, hotel revenue in the Wenatchee Valley is up 7-percent for the first five months of this year versus last year. In the big picture, 2009 had a 10-month consecutive stretch where revenues for local hotels were down an average of 10-percent. Even January of this year was down 11.4-percent. But the trend is looking brighter. February was up 2.4-percent, March up 10.6-percent, April up 23.5-percent and May up 8.2-percent. Year-to-date, gross hotel revenues for 18-Wenatchee area properties was $7,189,537, compared to $6,653,834 over the same period in 2009.

Sports tourism is also showing an uptick. Four new, major events in April and May helped boost the Sports Scene in the Wenatchee Valley over the second quarter. Specifically, the Western Region Spring Ski Series at Mission Ridge, Triple Crown Baseball Tournament, Robertson Cup Hockey Tournament and Washington High School Equestrian Teams State Meet each contributed significantly to a rebound in sports tourism from three consecutive down quarters. In addition, the Wenatchee Valley Sports Council achieved a milestone in the spring with the roll out of its brand, new website. Sports tourism impacted the Wenatchee Valley economy by an estimated $2.9-million between the first of April and end of June. And a large portion of that impact was made by four events. Between Mission Ridge's Western Ski Series, Town Toyota Center's Robertson Cup Hockey Tournament, Triple Crown's Baseball Tournament and Appleatchee's Washington High School Equestrian Team State Meet, the four events accounted for over $800,000 of all new sports tourism economic impact.

The question is where we rate in comparison to 2009? The $1.6-million impact of the 1st quarter was 16-percent down from last year. But second quarter's $2.9-million was only one percent behind last year's numbers. So for the year, we're still down from 2009 but seeing an uptrend. The first half of 2009, which was extremely prosperous as far as sports tourism goes, saw an estimated impact of $4,929,507. Conversely, the 1st half of 2010 impact measured $4,576,535, about 7-percent behind last year's mark.

The complete report is available by request from the Wenatchee Valley Sports Council by emailing sports@wenatcheevalley.org or calling 509-663-3723.

Olympic Day Fun Run/Walk Features Valaas

Laura Valaas Chats with Kids at Olympic Day

About 50 kids took part in Wednesday's Olympic Day Fun Run/Walk at Walla Walla Point Park. The event was highlighted by a visit from former Olympic Ski Team member Laura Valaas.

At June 23rd's Olympic Day, Valaas focused her presentation to the mostly-underage audience on sportsmanship. She relayed a story of her close Canadian friend, Sara Renner, who was skiing in the Torino Olympics in 2006 when she broke a pole during the final leg of the team sprint when she broke a pole. A coach from another team gave her a new pole, which helped the Canadians win a silver medal. Valaas said, "this shows that sportsmanship goes way beyond the bounds of just sports." Valaas said the Canadian people were so touched by the show of sportsmanship, they sent 8,000 cans of maple syrup as a thank you.

Valaas, now residing in East Wenatchee, has focused her attention on starting a new business called SkiTraxx. She's developed a product called the BootBuddy that clips onto ski boots and helps remove snow from bindings before chipping in.

June 23rd's event at Walla Walla Point Park was part of an international effort to celebrate the beginnings of the modern Olympics. Participants ran and walked the 2-mile course on the Apple Capital Loop Trail and received an official Certificate of Participation from the US Olympic Committee, signed by International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge and National Olympic Committee President Lawrence Probst III.

AppleSox Battle in 11th Season

The summer's already halfway over for the 2010 version of the Wenatchee AppleSox. And, as usual, the local summer collegiate team finds itself on top of the standings. Heading into a series with Moses Lake this week, Wenatchee sat atop the East

Division Standings of the West Coast League and was leading the league in team batting average. This year's team is made up of collegians from throughout the Pacific Northwest and Hawaii.

Wenatchee has redone its website for this season and it looks great. Go to www.applesox.com to find out more. The AppleSox are in the last stretch of a 12-game home stand and will have another seven home games following the Moses Lake series. In the five years of the West Coast League's existence, Wenatchee has won three titles and placed second once and has collected two divisional championships. Prior to joining the WCL, Wenatchee won two divisional titles and one league championship in the Pacific International League.

The AppleSox have teamed with Cherry Creek Radio for a baseball gear drive Wednesday, July 14th. Fans are asked to bring gently used or new baseball equipment to the AppleSox game with Moses Lake to donate to the NCW Fall Ball Organization.

O'Terry's Bringing Teams From Far And Wide

36 teams have already signed up to play in the 35th Annual O'Terry's Lads and Lasses co-ed softball tournament in the Wenatchee Valley in August. And, according to tournament director Eric Granstrom, 30-of them are from outside the Wenatchee Valley.

The tournament August 20-21 is the only fundraiser currently to support the Wenatchee Valley Sports Foundation. The Foundation provides assistance to players and leagues to cover registration fees for those who cannot afford it. It also has supported coaching and referee training for various sports and organizations throughout the Wenatchee Valley.

Each team that participates will pay a $250 entry fee and are guaranteed to play at least five games over the two days. Pat Terry started the tournament 35-years ago and came to the Wenatchee Valley Sports Council in 2008 and asked for help in running the tournament. Terry also runs O'Terry's tournaments each year in Leavenworth and Winthrop. His unusual way of running the tournament to make it fun for families has resulted in teams or members of teams coming for more than 20-years in some cases.

To register your team, go on-line to www.wvsportsfoundation.org/oterrys.html. Registration deadline is August 5th.

Local Teams Do Well

Trina Knighten writes: "...the Eastmont Youth Baseball 9 year old All Star team took first place at the Wenatchee Youth Baseball Tournament, 6-0 none-the-less. They 10-runned 4 out of 6 games. Just thought maybe I could get them mentioned somewhere." Thanks Trina...there you go!

Also, the Wenatchee World Reports: "The Apple Valley Packers blew a nine-run lead but then came back in the late innings to beat the Chino (Calif.) Reds 16-15 in the Sapa-Johnsrud Memorial Tournament championship game Saturday (in Whitefish, Montana). The Packers scored seven times in the third inning to take control, but Rob Wiley hit a grand slam for Chino in the fifth inning, and the Reds scored 10 runs in the sixth to take a 15-12 advantage. Chris Lee hit a single that cleared the bases - with a little help from an outfield error - to tie the game back up in the bottom of the frame, and Evan Parton hit a two-out, pinch hit walkoff single in the seventh. Jet Markel, Luke Dilly and Calvin Campbell all homered for Apple Valley. Reed Jaspers was named the tournament MVP, going 10-for-20 with five walks at the plate, and going 2-0 on the mound."

We're happy to tell the stories of our local teams. Send me the "scoop" at sports@wenatcheevalley.org.

Fish On!

Heavy releases from area dams and a late spring have been hard in fishermen plying the waters of the Columbia River in North Central Washington trying to catch Chinook salmon. However, the long season and huge run should result in record catches this summer in the Wenatchee Valley.

Shane Magnuson and Dave Graybill with Chinook caught opening day

According to Dave Graybill The Fishin' Magician, "Wanapum Dam and Wenatchee are the two best areas, as usual in the early season. I am very impressed with the numbers and the size of the fish being taken so early this season. Also impressive is the number of sockeye that are moving up the Columbia this year. Tens of thousands have passed over the dams in a single day, and who knows, we may have another sockeye fishery at Lake Wenatchee this year. Three years in a row would really be something."

Anglers can keep six salmon daily, three Chinook adults and one wild. Check the regulations with the State Department of Fish & Wildlife before you go at www.wdfw.wa.gov.

Wild Prepare for 2010/2011 Season

Its tryout camp is in the books and now the season schedule has been set. The Wenatchee Wild will play 28-games at Town Toyota Center this fall and winter in its third year of North American Hockey League play.

Photo provided by Wenatchee Wild

The season actually begins in Minnesota in mid-September during the league's showcase tournament. Wenatchee starts the home part of its schedule September 24th against Kenai River Brown Bears. The West Division is expanding by two teams this year, adding the Dawson Creek Rage and the Fresno Monsters.

Overall, the NAHL is adding eleven new teams for this coming season. Expansion Fresno will make its debut in Wenatchee October 15th, and Dawson Creek November 4th.

Season tickets are on sale now by calling 888-PUCK or on-line at www.wenatcheewild.com.

Run Wenatchee Offers New Event

If you don't already, you should know Run Wenatchee for the Thanksgiving Day Run in Wenatchee. Of course, it's only two years old. But Run Wenatchee also operates the Wenatchee Valley Trail Run Series in Wenatchee, Leavenworth and Mission Ridge. Still nothing? Well, then you'll come to know Run Wenatchee for its new offering during the Taste of the Harvest Festival in downtown Wenatchee in September.

According to Run Wenatchee's co-founder Joel Reiner, the "River Run 2010" will take place prior to Taste of the Harvest on Saturday, September 18th. Reiner says they'll offer a ½ marathon, 10K and 5K options as well as a kid's run. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Community Foundation of North Central Washington. Reiner says the run will start at 9am from Centennial Park on Wenatchee Avenue and head down to the Apple Capital Loop Trail. Finishers will cross the Riverwalk Pedestrian Bridge back onto Wenatchee Avenue at 1st Street, right into the heart of Taste of the Harvest's beer garden, wine tasting and battle of the bands.

To register and find out more about the event, go on-line at www.runwenatchee.com.

Wenatchee Valley Venom - Year One Done

The old Maxwell Smart line comes to mind when thinking of Wenatchee Valley Venom's

inaugural season on indoor football in Wenatchee. "Missed it by that much!" After losing six of its first eight games, the Venom ended the season on a six-game winning streak and ended up one win short of the playoffs.

When all the smoke cleared of Wenatchee's 74-0 win in its finale over a dying franchise, the Venom had achieved some significant things in 2010.

1) Wenatchee Valley Venom finished 4th in average league attendance at 2,081 per game
2) Wenatchee Valley was 1st in the AIFA in rushing and 2nd in scoring
3) Wenatchee Valley was 3rd in the league in rushing defense and Dwayne Patterson and Isaiah Wiley were 2-3 in the league in tackles with 58 and 52.5 respectively

Wenatchee proved indoor football can be viable in the Wenatchee Valley and was probably the hottest team NOT to make the playoffs in the AIFA. Ownership is already planning ahead for another strong season in 2011. For more information, go on-line at www.wenatcheevenom.com.

July Sports Calendar

2010 Summer Guides Now Available

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

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