WAKA VA Peninsula - Off Season News & Notes (2.23.2016)

While I'm patiently awaiting the arrival of Brent Wentworth III, my mind has been occupied with the upcoming spring seasons and events. With lots of exciting stuff in the works, it's the best time to be involved in WAKA. Of course, one of the things I'm most looking forward to is the new season of WAKA VA Peninsula Kickball.

VA Peninsula is the oldest of our current leagues, founded back in 2007. Nothing quite matches the energy and atmosphere at War Memorial Stadium and Tapps on a Wednesday night in the spring. Because of this, VA Peninsula is also our most popular. For the upcoming 2016 season, we already have 17 teams forming, and are expecting to max out. I probably refresh the registration screen a dozen times a day to see the new individuals signing up.

That's when it hit me. I'm lucky enough to see the rosters anytime I want. But you all won't have access to them until closer to the season starts. How UNFAIR! Well, because I'm a man of the people, I'm going to use this post to run down some of the more notable news and notes.

Registration Overview
Let's start by looking at a high level run down of registration. As of 2/23, we have 117 players registered, 15 groups, 2 teams (groups are promoted to 'team' status once they have 12 players registered) and 2 free agents. This is a great start and we haven't even hit March yet.

Alpha or Bravo? Jungle Gym or Tortolini Conference?
Of course, some of the biggest offseason news was the announcement that VA Peninsula is introducing a new tiered skill level conference format. While there have been some dissenting voices, the overwhelming majority of players received this news favorably, as it helps balance out the competitive landscape. But it leads to the interesting question for some "middle of the pack" teams. Do we choose the Jungle Gym "A" Conference or the David Tortolini Realty "B" Conference?

Team Updates
Let's take a look at each group so far and point out some noteworthy items. In no particular order:

• Cardiac Arrest: If head coach Philip Baltzis has any surprises up his sleeves, they haven't signed up yet. All 10 players registered currently are returning from the Fall 2015 campaign. The team underperformed in the tournament, losing in the semi-finals, but the talent is certainly enough to 'run it back' for another shot at the Wentworth Trophy®. 
• Smokin' Bunts: Captain Tim Nellis was very quick to announce his conference preference. "A league, baby." A year ago, Smokin' Bunts made a run to the finals. This year, they're looking to go a step further. One move in that direction was to sign 2x Founders Cup World Champion Larry Liverman. If anyone knows what it takes to win, it's this man.  
• Foul Balls: Not a lot of noise has come out of the Foul Balls camp. Andreas Beyersdorf has kept his roster moves and conference preference pretty close to the vest. They only have 4 individuals registered at the moment, but one name that stands out is Georgios Kiriazidis. GK is one of the most tenured players in WAKA VA Peninsula, having played since 2007. It's only fitting that he know joins the most tenured franchise. 
• Five Toe Death Kick: With only 5 players signed up as of publishing, it's hard to know what their roster will end up looking like. If Brad Gault is able to retain the majority of his Fall team, then they'll be one of the more potent offenses in the Tortolini conference. They averaged 4 runs a game against mixed competition last season. 
• Don't Come On My Base: All offseason long, there have been rumors swirling about DCOMB and Manny Zapata's recruiting efforts. Some high-profile free agents have been linked to the Carolina Blue, but so far few have shown up on their 8 person roster. The exception is kickball power couple Jamie LaCrosse and Curtis Faubion. The duo transferred from Foul Balls to help DCOMB chase after the team's first title. 
• Chaotic KILFS: The KILFs will be back for their 6th season, which will make them one of the most experienced teams in the BTortolini conference. Adding Nicole Dewey from Smokin' Bunts will certainly help. 

Balls & Dolls co-caps shining bright.

• Balls & Dolls: Captains Bree Simons and Will McKendree will have their hands full with this inexperienced team. So far of the 8 other players on the roster, the only person with notable kickball experience is Dr. Adam Gold. Success may not come immediately on the field, even in the Tortlini conference, but no doubt this team will be outgoing and fun. 
• Plan B: The last we saw of this squad was in the Spring of 2014. All they did then was put together one of the most dominating playoff runs in WAKA VA Peninsula history on route to the Wentworth Trophy®. Although the group currently only has three players signed up, it's understood that there will be a good amount of Situation and Hammerhead talent on theteam. 
• Alcoballics: As the name suggests, this team is all about the pre and post game celebrations. Don't take them too lightly on the field, though. Amelia MacCubbin's team has some raw talent and with another season of experience could be competitors for the Tortolini pennant. 
• Pitches Be Crazy: Kristen Lester broke into kickball last season with the 'Game of Throws' on Friday nights. Now she's moving over to WAKA Wednesday and starting a new team. This group is stocked with CNU alumni. Although they will have a steep learning curve, veteran Will Menzies is there to help get the team up to speed. 
• PBJT: What else needs to be said? One of the most active franchises in co-ed adult kickball history continues to have a home in VA Peninsula. 
• Hot Dogs & Tacos: The masters of the ridiculous team photos have entered into another season of WAKA Peninsula ball. Last season they lost Eric Cosma and Megan Kramer to the Smokin' Bunts. This season they exact a little revenge by snagging Richard Sharp (aka Randy Dong) from the Bunts. Or maybe he was the 'player to be named later' in the trade? 
• Bad News Beers: Right now this is a small group containing just captain Keith Morehart and former Chubby Gangster/Rumspringa Rob Kroll. But if the rumors are true, there will be several more familiar faces joining this team. Some that we haven't seen in a while on Wednesday nights as a matter of fact. Expect this to be a tough Tortolini Conference team.

Is this the year Freed finally holds the 'ship?

• Just For Kicks: Bryan Freed's JFK has finished runner-ups in Peninsula for so many times I've lost count, and I pride myself on keeping track of these types of things. JFK is back in the fold and pushing hard to make this the year that they break through and win one for the man. 
• WAKA'm To The Jungle: One of the most athletic teams in the league. The Fall 2015 runner ups are loaded with speed, power, and talent. Can they take it one step farther an hoist The Wentworth Trophy® in June?
• Fireballs: You can tell this team is itching to get back on the field after a long winter. As of today, they have the most players, 15, registered for the league. From a quick scan of the names signed up, captain TJ Guarry has done a great job of bringing back players from last season. This continuity will help them succeed in the Tortolini Conference. 
• Rumspringa: 'Springa has been in the league since 2010 with remarkably little turnover from season to season. What is known is who the core of their team will be, because it doesn't change much. What isn't known is what conference they'll declare for. It'll be an interesting call as they really could fall in either one. 

Who will be Team #18?
So that leaves us at 17 teams forming currently. The search is on. If you know anyone interested in playing, but your team is full, please encourage them to join. The league is at it's best when we are fully stocked! Not to mention that scheduling for 17 teams is a nightmare. Let's find this 18th squad!

New Commissioner coming soon? 
Since I've taken on the role as Market Manager for all of Hampton Roads, the time has come for me to hand off the day to day operations as commissioner of VA Peninsula. WAKA has been accepting resumes for the position and will begin interviews next week to find the right person. It's not too late to throw your name in the hat. If you're interested in leading the BEST kickball league in the country to new heights, apply at kickball.com/jobs.

Phew! That's a huge data dump. Can't wait for the spring season to get here already. Only 7 more weeks left!

Oh yeah, can't wait for my baby boy to be get here already too.