Saturday, December 31, 2016

Resolve To Have More Fun In 2017!



We're wishing you all a Happy and Safe New Year! The past 12 months was a ton of fun with us (Check out our CLUBWAKA 2016 Year in Review) and we got even more in the works for '17. Be sure to join one of our great leagues and activities. Registration is open for kickball, volleyball, and bowling at kickball.com/hamptonroads. Resolve to be more active and have more fun! 

REMINDER: Winter kickball in Hampton begins on January 21st. Games are Saturday afternoon at Barron Elm. Post-game celebrations are at County Grill, which is only 0.5 miles from the fields! Save money and sign up before January 4th. The County Grill shirts are being ordered on that day and registration goes up by $5 afterward. Join today at kickball.com/varaptor! 



Happy New Year! 
Brent Wentworth | Market Manager
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Thursday, December 29, 2016

2016 CLUBWAKA Year in Review


With all the recent celebrity deaths, it's not uncommon for people to blame the year 2016. All over social media, I see people saying stuff like, "2016 is the worst!". It's almost become a meme. But you know what? For those of us in the Hampton Roads CLUBWAKA community, 2016 hasn't been that bad. In fact, it's been a blast! We opened up new kickball leagues in Virginia Beach and Williamsburg and introduced new sports like Ultimate, Bowling, and Volleyball. Our community grew to over 2,000 active members, which means several new friendships, relationships, and memories created. There were engagements. weddings, championships, and parties. Oh yeah. Don't forget the parties. As is our annual tradition, let's take a look back at the year 2016 in CLUBWAKA Hampton Roads.

JANUARY

  • January 10th saw unusually high temps in the 70s. Only one thing to do. Get 25 friends together and go play some pickup kickball. 
  • As a newly hired full-time CLUBWAKA staff member, I shared some thoughts on why I chose this career. After one year on the job, I still feel the same way. Stronger, actually. 
  • The warm winter weather wouldn't last however. The great blizzard of 2016 wiped out the opening day of VA Raptor kickball on January 23rd. 
  • VA Peninsula introduced a new tiered conference structure on January 25th. By separating into the Jungle Gym and David Tortolini divisions, it ensured more evenly balanced schedules. The new format was a big hit with a majority of players welcoming the change. 
  • On January 30th, VA Raptor finally kicked off! 

A photo posted by CLUBWAKA Hampton Roads Sports (@wakahamptonroads) on

  • Randy Orton made an appearance during week 1 and interfered in the Shiver Me Timbers vs. Beast Mode game. His run-in ultimately would not make the difference as Beast Mode still won the game. 

FEBRUARY





  • Brad Kirby took some incredible photos all winter long. Here's an album of some of his best shots of the VA Raptor season. 

MARCH

  • CLUBWAKA made a great first impression on Williamsburg when we hosted our first ever pre-season pub crawl. Five locations in 4 hours. It turned into a bit of a shit show towards the end, but it was a blast! 
The 5 O'Clockers returned to WAKA action with the opening of VA Admiral. 
  • On March 9th, VA Peninsula Kickball named Brian Neal as the new commissioner. Brian did an amazing job in two seasons at the head of "the flagship". 
  • For the 3rd year in a row, the VA Raptor Kickball finals came down to Beast Mode and The Situation. Once again, The Situation emerged victorious and won their fourth winter title. 

  • On March 19th, CLUBWAKA participated in the famous Ocean View St. Patrick's Day Parade. It was so much fun building a float and marching. And yes, the post-parade festivities at Greenies was pretty good too! 

  • The VA Admiral pre-season meet n greet was held at Aleworks Brewing Company in Williamsburg on March 29th. Great turnout! 



APRIL


A photo posted by CLUBWAKA Hampton Roads Sports (@wakahamptonroads) on

  • On April 13th, the VA Peninsula spring season began. Between Hampton and Williamsburg, 25 kickball teams were in action on Wednesday nights in the spring! 


MAY



A photo posted by CLUBWAKA Hampton Roads Sports (@wakahamptonroads) on



JUNE


  • Introducing CLUBWAKA Ultimate Frisbee! The brand new summer league in Hampton began on June 5th! 


JULY







AUGUST






SEPTEMBER

  • Nothing is better than seeing people meet at CLUBWAKA, fall in love, and get married. Journey and Nick Schmidt were wed on September 3rd in a beautiful ceremony.  
No kickball wedding is complete without the Bar Buzz Belt. 


A photo posted by CLUBWAKA Hampton Roads Sports (@wakahamptonroads) on

  • VA Atlantic Opening Night! #MondayNightKickball began for the fall on September 12th. 
  • CLUBWAKA players from all over the Peninsula enjoyed another great blowout at The Greene Turtle. 
  • New logo. New Peninsula Bar Buzz Belt. One of the best photos of the new belt came from Balls & Dolls' Barry Utter (below). 


A photo posted by CLUBWAKA Hampton Roads Sports (@wakahamptonroads) on


OCTOBER



From the director's cut of "Batman v. Superman"

NOVEMBER


  • After a rainout pushed the original date back, a champion was crowned in VA Atlantic. Public Enemy took home the trophy! Nick Sutton was on hand to take some incredible action shots of the teams competing. 
  • The brand new CLUBWAKA VA Peninsula Bowling league celebrated opening night in Hampton on November 28th. The league maxed out at 10 teams! 

A video posted by CLUBWAKA Hampton Roads Sports (@wakahamptonroads) on

DECEMBER 





  • Team "Chewblocka" showed excellent form in pre-game warmups on December 14th. 
  • On December 15th, registration opened for the majority of CLUBWAKA's Spring Leagues, most of which were at a special discounted price. The 'flash sale' was a huge hit and over 200 players took advantage of the deals. This spring is going to be incredible! 
  • We took over Downtown Hampton for the CLUBWAKA WinterWonderland Charity Bar Crawl. Sixty-plus holiday revelers got in the spirit and drank a lot of spirits. We also raised money for the Boys & Girls Club of the Virginia Peninsula and collected a ton of cool gifts for the kids. 
  • Jillian Simms hosted a special yoga class at Tribal Yoga on Sunday, December 18th. Participants were asked to bring donations and all proceeds went to the CLUBWAKA Kicks Cancer Relay For Life team. Altogether, they raised $535 to fight cancer! 

What a year it was! With as long as this post is, there is no doubt that I left out some great memories. There's always something going on and it's pretty incredible when you stop to think about it. So, I don't care what anyone says, 2016 was alright in my book. Thank you all for the tremendous year and can't wait to see you all in 2017! 
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Wednesday, December 21, 2016

3 Reasons You Are Going to Play Winter Kickball

Can you believe we are a little over a month away from the start of CLUBWAKA Raptor Kickball Winter 2017! It marks the start of the new kickball year and it is always a blast. As I have been talking to various individuals getting a feel for who is interested in playing there has been a common theme: No one actually knows if they plan on playing or not. Maybe this is because I am commissioning and they don't want to flat out tell me no, or maybe they really aren't certain. Whatever the case, here are the 3 reasons you are going to play Winter kickball.

1.) It's on Saturday's during a time where there are no major sports on TV.

See, if this were during college football season, NFL season (which is on Sunday anyway), or during peak Bo-Taoshi season then I could understand the cause for concern. However, NCAA Championship game is played on January 9th and this season begins January 21, NFL is on Sundays, and Bo-Taoshi has to be streamed illegally.

"Oh, but NCAA basketball plays on Saturday's."

Stop it. NCAA basketball plays during the week as well, but you still manage to work around those games. Also, lets be honest. You'll probably miss the first 20 minutes of Elon versus American University because most big games aren't played between 1:00 and 2:00 (Our usual start times on Saturday's)

2.) What else are you doing on a Saturday when it's 30 degrees?


"I don't play unless its over 32 degrees."

Stop it. Sure you can sit around in your warm house from sunrise to sunset playing Call of Duty while some 11-year-old works you and makes obscene comments about your mother, but even that gets old. You stay inside enough as it is. Put on some sweatpants, buy some hand and feet warmers, lace up your cleats, and get your butt on the damn field! If you are cold then play harder or drink more Bud Light (tip of the cap to Bud Light, thanks for sponsoring CLUBWAKA!).

3.) The bar is a half mile from the field

"I don't want to play at Gosnold's and then try and get to a random bar."

Stop it. We are playing this season at Barron Elementary School off of Fox Hill Road. We are sponsored by County Grill off Mercury Blvd. You can have someone drop you off at the fields and then stumble your way to the bar (which is an 11-minute walk. I checked). After that, you're on your own. Uber home. Call a friend. Obviously, you can't drive since someone dropped you off, but you get the point.

Right now it is $67 through January 4th and then $72 until the 26th. Sign up now while you are still saving a few bucks. Also, team colors are on hold until January 1st.

  • January 4th: Bar Logo Tee Shirt Deadline -- Sign up before this date to save $5
  • January 13th: Registration Deadline!
  • January 21st: Week 1 Games
  • January 21st: Season Kick Off Party - Free drinks and specials at County Grill
  • February: CLUBWAKA February Party (Details Coming Soon)
  • March 11th: End of Season Tournament
  • March 11th: End of Season Party
  • March: CLUBWAKA March Party (Details Coming Soon)
See everyone on the fields!

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Monday, December 19, 2016

CLUBWAKA Players Spent This Weekend Raising Money to Fight Cancer & Help Kids

Namaste.

Just one week before Christmas and CLUBWAKA Hampton Roads members were in the giving spirit. It started on Friday night with the Inaugural Winter Wonderland Charity Bar Crawl. Over 60 revelers took over Downtown Hampton, enjoying great specials and company at The Grey Goose, Stillwater Tavern, Venture Kitchen, and Taphouse. Proceeds from the wristband sales raised $325 for the Boys & Girls Club of the Virginia Peninsula and several participants also brought toys with them to donate to needy families. Thank you to everyone who participated and supported this great event.

There were some pretty cool toys donated! 

The giving didn't stop there. On Sunday afternoon, CLUBWAKA kickball and volleyball member Jillian Simms held a charity yoga class at the Tribal Yoga Studio in Hampton. Several people came out including over a dozen VA Peninsula kickballers. Not only did Jill's class relax their minds and work their bodies, but it raised $510 for the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life!

I continue to be blown away by the selflessness and caring of our community. This weekend is yet another reminder that it's not just about kid's sports and drinking beer. We are at our strongest when we come together for a purpose. Thank you all for your support of these great charity events.





For more examples of CLUBWAKA members giving back recently:
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Friday, December 16, 2016

Winter Wonderland Bar Crawl Schedule



Tonight is the night!!! Thank you all for joining us this evening for the first ever CLUBWAKA Winter Wonderland Charity Bar Crawl. "Santa Wentworth" is really excited to see you all decked out in your holiday cheer. Let's go over the schedule and details: 
  • 6:30 PM - The Grey Goose: $3 pints with a souvenir beer huggie
  • 7:30 PM - Stillwater Tavern: $1 9oz Bud Light drafts or $2.75 pounders
  • 8:30 PM - Venture Kitchen: $3 Stella Artois 
  • 9:30 PM - Taphouse: Free Cover with live music by Troy Breslow 

When you arrive, be sure to check in with me (Brent). You will receive a wristband, checklist card, and I will be collecting any unwrapped toys that you wish to donate to our Angel Tree family. For those who don't know me, here's a photo of me trying on my Santa outfit. 

The card you receive from me will have all four participating bars listed. As you make your way through the crawl, be sure to have a bartender check you off. At Taphouse, turn your completed card into me and be entered into a drawing that will include $25 off a future CLUBWAKA activity and dinner for two at The Grey Goose! 

CLUBWAKA encourages everyone to drive safely. If you have a few too many drinks, be sure to use the promo code "CLUBWAKACRAWL" for $10 off your Uber ride. You can also claim your credit by following this link. There is no excuse to drink and drive! For LYFT users, "LYFT4SANTA" will get you a credit on your ride home as well. 

Thank you again for joining us! If anyone has any questions that I missed, please don't hesitate to reach out. See you all tonight! 

HO HO HO! 

Brent Wentworth
Market Manager
CLUBWAKA Hampton Roads 
  
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Tuesday, December 13, 2016

VA Peninsula Bowling - Week 3 Roundup


Week 3 is in the books. Let's look at the results and standings as we head into our midseason break!


Week 3 Top Performers

Dudes


  1. Andrew Burgmeier, Blurred Lanes (209)
  2. Ed Aaron, Evil Empire (207)
  3. Guy Sumrell, Rumspringa Slingas (204)
  4. Guy Sumrell, Rumspringa Slingas (203)
  5. Daniel Shaw, Bowley McBowlface (201)

Dudettes

  1. Journey Thomas, Bowlseye (184)
  2. Yanizta Borrero, Blurred Lanes (159)
  3. Tabitha Jefferson, Fresh Prince of Big Spares (158)
  4. Journey Thomas, Bowlseye (147)
  5. Yanitza Borrero, Blurred Lanes (143)

Schedule Reminder

Last night was the last games of 2016. We're on a bye week for the next two weeks and will resume play on January 2nd. Some players asked questions about why we're playing on 1/2 instead of 12/19. I definitely appreciate the feedback. This is the first time we've run a league in the Dec/Jan timeframe and when looking at the dates, we decided that many people would be unavailable on the week of Christmas and chose to take that week off. We definitely didn't want to take 3 weeks off in a row, so Jan. 2nd was left on the schedule. For anyone that can't make the January 2nd games due to vacation, we apologize. All dates were set and published on the league website when registration opened in October and we're unable to make any adjustments.

Also, for those teams missing players, here is a reminder from the rules document:
Minimum of one guy and one girl are required to avoid a forfeit. Up to 6 people can bowl at once. Top 4 scores count. If your team has less than 4 people, any missing players will be scored at an automatic 75. The only way 75 is added is if you have less than 4 people. If you have just 4 people, all of their scores count no matter what the scores are. In addition, if any of the top 4 players on the opposing team does not score at least a 75, those scores will be counted as 75.

Trick Shot of the Week: The Randy Orton



(I bowled a 63 and a 92 last night. Please just let me have this moment.) 

 Can't wait 2 weeks without hitting the lanes? Remember that all CLUBWAKA Bowling members receive some awesome discounts on bowling outside of league nights.
All league members receive discounts on Open Play (practice), from Opening time on Monday until 5pm on Friday all games are $1 per game per person. Open until 5pm on Saturday & open to close all games are $2 p/g p/p. Friday & Saturday 5pm until Glow Bowl all games Are $3.50 p/g p/p. CLUBWAKA league members receive $5 off the cost of Fri & Sat night Glow Bowl.  

Final Plugs

This Thursday, registration opens for all of the CLUBWAKA Spring leagues, including Bowling. For the next season, we'll be moving to Sunday evenings. Bowling starts on February 26th! The registration website is kickball.com/season/vapeninsulabowlingspring2017. All other league information will be located at the CLUBWAKA Hampton Roads website. 

Be sure to join us this Friday in Downtown Hampton for our Inaugural Winter Wonderland Bar Crawl! Wristbands are only $10, members get access to great specials at Grey Goose, Stillwater Tavern, Venture, and Taphouse. Plus, all proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Club of the Virginia Peninsula. Drinking beers, having fun, and supporting a great organization. Sounds like Wonderland to me! Buy your wristband at kickball.com/vacharitybarcrawl


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Monday, December 12, 2016

CLUBWAKA Players Wear Ugly Sweaters, Raise Money For Girl with Leukemia

Fight Natalee Fight.
This past Saturday night was the 5th Annual CLUBWAKA Tacky Sweater Party. Over 50 members of CLUBWAKA came out to Tradition Brewing Company in Newport News to drink some great beers, show off their best holiday sweaters, and enjoy each other's company. But most importantly, we came together to support one of our members, Ian Carden, and his family. Ian's daughter, Natalee was recently diagnosed with Leukemia and is putting up a great fight. She truly is an amazing young lady, however, as you can imagine, the costs associated with the medical treatment and lost wages is adding up.

Jiselle Anderson and Missy Aaron decided to help out by organizing a raffle to benefit the Cardens during the party. They gathered prize donations from several generous people and local businesses. The raffle ended up raising $474 to help Natalee and her family while they kick cancer's butt!

If you weren't able to make the event, but want to support Natalee, the family has a GoFundMe set up. Please consider donating or sharing. Every bit helps.

Ugly sweaters. Beautiful people.

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Sunday, December 11, 2016

Fall 2016 VA Peninsula Kickball Superlatives

Most Outstanding CLUBWAKA Rookie
(Which CLUBWAKA first timer dominated on the field and rocked it at the bar?)
Maghan Bryce (Night Sweats)(4 votes)

Other votes and notes: Tim O'Brien (DCOMB) and Nick Rowan (Peanut Butter Jelly Time) each received three votes and even Dee Snutz did enough to impress one voter.

Selfie Champion
(Most likely to appear front and center of a photo... cuz she took it...)
Paola Babrow (Chaotic Kilfs)(33 votes)
"Obviously"
"DUH"
"She includes everyone and always makes the people around her happy :)"

Other votes and notes: Brad Gault (Five Toe Death Kick), Lana Moyer (Forcing Third Base), and Paula each received three votes plus Paola Bratbrow snuck in with one.

Photobomb Ninja
(Most likely to be captured in the background of a photo.)
Eric Cosma (WAKA'm To The Jungle)(8 votes)

Other votes and notes: Brian Neal (WAKA'm To The Jungle) wasn't sneaky enough earning only seven votes.

The Wanderer
(Most likely to be found on a different team's sideline.)
Paola Babrow (Chaotic Kilfs)(9 votes)
Yes Hot Dogs & Tacos voter, you can "vote Paula again".

Other votes and notes: Courtney Aaron received two votes, Jeremy Smithey (Hot Dogs & Tacos) "knows damn near everyone", and Brent Wentworth (Cardiac Arrest) "is literally everywhere".

Mingle Master
(Most likely to track down every person at the bar.)
Brad Gault (Five Toe Death Kick)(7 votes)

Other votes and notes: Paola Babrow (Chaotic Kilfs) and Josh Carr (Night Sweats) each received four votes and evidently this is "something [Michael] Kern tries to do".

The Don
(Most likely for people to gather around.)
Brad Gault (Five Toe Death Kick)(9 votes)

Other votes and notes: Phillip Baltzis (Cardiac Arrest) received four votes, "Me. Lol" received one vote, but most importantly the voters seem to believe that Brad Gault is so spectacular that he not only tracks everyone down, but everyone wants to track him down too!

Facebook Midas
(Most likely to post Facebook gold.)
Jason Williamson (Hot Dogs & Tacos)(4 votes)

Other votes and notes: Brent Wentworth (Cardiac Arrest) was only silver quality with three votes.

The Derailer
(Most likely to change the topic of a Facebook post.)
Jason Williamson (Hot Dogs & Tacos)(9.5 votes)
"He's that good."

Other votes and notes: Three voters felt like Jeremy Edge (Night Sweats) derailed Facebook conversations, but unlike Jason, no one felt Jeremy's posts were worth their weight in gold.
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