Peninsula Bowling - Spring Week 1 News & Notes

It feels so good to be back at Sparetimes with you all. It was a long 2-week offseason! Like I did occasionally last season, I plan on doing a weekly(ish) blog covering the top performances, notable moments, and anything I found interesting. With 17 teams this season and over 100 bowlers, I doubt I'll be able to share everything cool that happened, so by all means please share any fun stories you have inside our league Facebook group.

AROUND THE LEAGUE

[Happy Gilmore Voice] Uh oh! Someone taught Brenty how to hook!

Alright. Let me just get this out there. The only reason I'm writing this blog is because I want to brag. I've always been a straight bowler. Correction: I've always been a straight shit bowler. My average last season was an anemic 117.4. But since Obviously Not Golfers was eliminated from the Cup Trophy playoffs early, I spent the previous two weeks retooling my technique. Instead of hurling the ball 22 mph down the center, I've sold out and started doing a curve ball. While I may not feel like as manly of a man doing it, at least I'm knocking down more pins. This week I bowled a 140 and a 164. I'm coming for that most improved trophy!

Some might say I'm just trying to make my new teammate Brent Sr. proud.

Alright, enough about me. This isn't the Brent Wentworth blog (or is it?).

EASTER BYE

Just a reminder: We are OFF this week for Easter Sunday. We hope you enjoy your holiday and eat all the hardboiled eggs and candy you want. For those who do want to get some reps in, Jason Williamson and a few others are planning on meeting up at Sparetimes at 3 PM.

CONGRATS ALLISON & JACOB!

The bye week came at the perfect time for Gutterly Ridiculous' Allison & Jacob Kirsteatter. They welcomed their second baby boy, Mason to the family this week! We're really happy for you both!

THIS SPEECH IS MY RECITAL. I THINK IT'S VERY VITAL

After a couple sessions away, it was nice to see Trick Shotz back in action and up to their old shenanigans. No team is more entertaining to watch them this squad, even if it does occasionally take 7 minutes for them to bowl a frame due to lava floors.

WEEK 1 STANDINGS 

The top two teams of the winter season picked up where they left off. Only one pin separates Eye Candy with the defending champions, Big Booty Throws. This will be an interesting horse race all session long for sure.

TOP PERFORMERS (SINGLE GAME)

Males

1. Guy Sumrell, Rumpsringa Slingas - 224
2. Ed Aaron, Eye Candy - 218
3. Jason Williamson, Big Booty Throws - 213
4. Josh Carr, Pin N Juice - 213
5. Zacary Wilson, Flame Throwers - 212

I'm not the only player making improvements. For the fellas in the league, the highest scores have consistently gone up season over season. I see you, dudes! 

Females

1. Robin Bykowski, Eye Candy - 222
2. Journey Schmidt, Don't Give A Split - 186
3. Trish Phillips, Gutt-er-Done - 178
4. Briana Anaya, Big Booty Throws - 174
5. Carole Sterling, Flame Throwers - 169 

HUGE game from Robin Bykowski. Dueces wild! Also: Big shout out to Trish Phillips for her new CLUBWAKA career high game of 178. Well done, ladies!

I can't commit to doing one of these blogs each week, but I'll certainly try my best. If you have any story or person that you feel should be highlighted, make sure you message me. I'd love to hear about all the cool stuff going on in and around the league. Thank you for reading!

CLUBWAKA VA Peninsula Bowling - Spring 2018 Guide

Welcome to the Spring 2018 edition of the CLUBWAKA VA Peninsula Bowling League! (One of these days the weather will get the memo that it's spring...) We're set to go for another phenomenal season! There is plenty of information on the season website including the Rules, but keep reading for additional notes to help guide us through this adventure together.

My name is Brian Neal and I'll be your Community Coordinator. Overall, my goal is to help ensure everyone has the best experience possible. If you have any questions or feedback, don't hesitate to have a chat with me or send a message to bneal@kickball.com.

TIME "LIMITS"
For this season, please be aware there will be another league that follows us. There should only be a minimal impact as long as everyone keeps in mind the following.

• Warm-up will start at 5:15 pm so we can start at 5:30 pm.
• Please attempt to avoid significant delays between bowlers (utilize "Skip" if needed).
• Anyone that desires to hang out or continue to bowl after our league may need to move closer to lane 1.

THEME WEEK
With WrestleMania 34 taking place April 8th, that week will be WrestleMania Theme Week. Come dressed up as your favorite wrestler (no masks please).


PLAYERS CLUB CARDS

• Cards are deactivated every August 31st.
• Returning players will have their cards reactivated automatically.
• New players need to fill out a form at the Sparetimes front desk in order to enjoy the Players Club benefits (discounted bowling and points based rewards system for food and non-alcoholic beverages).

SCORE SHEETS
The best practices are listed in the Rules, but please see below for an example. Note the following:

• Changes to the bowling order can be made in the left column (Week 1 only).
• At least one male and one female score will count toward the Team Pin Total.
• Please ensure all scores are legible.
• The first sheet goes to the front desk.
• The second sheet goes to me (or someone acting in my stead).

STANDINGS, ROSTERS, SCORES, SCHEDULE, AND TOP PERFORMANCES

I will be tracking everything on an online spreadsheet. It will be embedded in the season website, pinned in the Facebook group, linked here, and embedded below.

MLS Updates

LEAGUE ANNOUNCEMENT: 

News out of Hampton today as CLUBWAKA MLS finalized it's 10-team league in preparation for its launch on April 8th, 2018.  With the team announcement came an official league crest summing up the shape and priorities of these weekend warriors.  Should any team want to iron it on their jersey, please email the Community Coordinator, Brad Kirby, for a high-res file. 

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENTS: 

We're really excited about having a nice even 10 team league to kick off the inaugural season.  Certainly exceeded what I thought were already lofty expectations.  Special shout out to all you team captains out there that are willing to step up and get your teams organized.  Couldn't have done it without you!

Final Team Line-up (descriptions as of 3/22/18)

• Hangover 86 FC - Carolina Blue - Helmed by Andres Moreno, this team is inspired by the German squad Hannover 96 with a nod to the post-game brews they'll be hydrating with.
• Hot and Messi - Heliconia Pink - A rarity in the world of soccer... this team will try out a co-management scenario with Kearsten Lewis and Kim Merritt leading the team into battle.  They are definitely going to leave other teams' shorts messi.  
• Kick in a Box - Gold - Ryan O'Donnell was on a recruiting hot streak, but came up short with the ladies.  Marriage does that to a man.  The question is... were these kickballers soccer players or kickballers first?  We shall see on 4/8. 
• Look Ma, No Hands - Lime Green - As profiled in an earlier Player Spotlight, former VCU Club Soccer Player, Jamie Gallagher has put together a strong squad to challenge any mediocre soccer club that stands in their way.  Word on the street is that their goalie will also not be using his/her hands to stay true to their motto.
• The Moat Monsters - Purple - Another talented team with a lot of soccer experience on paper.  Meaghan and Mike Dorsey have done a great job recruiting.  Will it gel like the Galacticos or will it end up being like last year's LA Galaxy?
• Netkicks and Chill - Navy - Claudia Ng is still looking to finalize her last female transfer to complete her roster.  I saw an event posted on Facebook for their pre-season Netkicks watch party.  Looks like they're going to screen Victory followed by Ladybugs as a motivational technique.
• Oozlekicks - Royal - Was out at Kiln Creek on Sunday and Oozlekicks was doing some heavy training.  Jay Coble had them running wind sprints with medicine balls and punching big slabs of meat.  He also had them run in sweatsuits while he biked next to them.  Going to be tough to beat like Tyson.  

via GIPHY

• OTPHJ - Charcoal - Prepare yourselves for a season of confusing acronyms, folks.  I'll be avoiding a whole lot of explanation regarding the names, but let's just say it's something you'd be fine with as a teen, but are probably a little less enthusiastic about as an adult.  Scott Tinsley was the head scout,k but left to manage another team.  He's been replaced by Gary Johnson.  GREAT hire.
• UTTOTPHJ - Ice Grey - Another squad put together in a weekend with a lot of letters in their name that I won't remember.  Scott Tinsley was the GM for this team as well and he appointed himself as manager.  Is he just a great scout or is he also a tactician?  If he can put the pieces together, he just may earn himself a UTTOTPHJ from the GM.
• Ronaldo McDonaldo - Red - The most active team thus far... Ronaldo McDonaldo has already released their team crest AND their new McDonaldo Team Kit.   The name makes a lot of sense since they are being led by a clown. 
  
  
 

SCHEDULE ANNOUNCEMENT: 

 The schedule is officially posted on the CLUBWAKA MLS Website located here.  We'll be doing an in-depth schedule analysis as we approach the season kick-off.  Stay tuned!

PLAYER SPOTLIGHT #2 

AIMAN ALTAMEEMI - UTTOTPHJ

CLUBWAKA Newbie! Aiman has not played any other CLUBWAKA sports.  We'll change that.

Soccer History:  Aiman started playing soccer at 6.   Growing up in Iraq they were limited to soccer, tennis, basketball and volleyball and soccer was the sport he liked most. They played every day after school and on weekends.

Favorite players: David De Gea and Marcus Rashford

Favorite Club: Manchester United 

What are you most looking forward to on Sundays with CLUBWAKA MLS?  Kicking the soccer ball around, having fun, and making friends who share a love for soccer.

PLAYER SPOTLIGHT #3

KIM MERRITT - HOT AND MESSI

Soccer History: I’ve been playing on and off since 5th grade. My parents moved back to the states from Germany right before I was born so I suppose that’s how I got into it and just missed out being a shoe-in for a call up from Klinsmann. 

Position: I played back mostly as a kid but moved into keeper, mid and depending on the roster striker as an adult. 

Leagues Played In: I’ve played in the VB Over 30s mens league, co-ed 7s in SEVWSA, men’s over 30s indoor at the VB field house and bunch of years of the Sand Soccer Championships. 

Fandom: Along with another guy I started the VB American Outlaws chapter and have traveled to see the USMNT 3 times (but no more since they didn’t win any of those games). I’m a huge Manchester United fan for about 20 years due to a friend when I was living in California being from Manchester and her being a City fan. Yes, I starred supporting a team just to piss someone off. I have yet to go to one of their matches but I did go see Ajax play in Amsterdam a few years ago.

What he's most looking forward to in CLUBWAKA MLS:  Getting cancer has obviously put a bit of a crimp in my playing but I’m looking forward to giving it a try and see how it works out. 

A Grizzled CLUBWAKA Veteran!  The only other WAKA sport I’ve done is kickball and as near as I can tell I’ve got about 30 seasons under my belt. Back when leagues were run by volunteers I ran the Atlantic, Recess and Shore divisions intermittently.

Last Chance To Sign Up For Spring Sports

Hey CLUBWAKA Hampton Roads! We have a great lineup of spring sports getting ready to start within the next two weeks. Deadlines are quickly approaching and some of these leagues are hitting maximum capacity, so be sure to sign up today to get secure your spot. Don't miss out on the best coed social sports leagues in the 757!

KICKBALL

City	Fields	Night	Start Date	Deadline
Yorktown/Newport News	Kiln Creek	FRI	3/30	3/23
Williamsburg	Kiwanis Park	THR	4/5	3/29
Virginia Beach	Bayville Farm	MON	4/9	4/2
Hampton	War Memorial Stadium	WED	4/11	4/4

SOFTBALL

City	Fields	Night	Start Date	Deadline
Norfolk	Poplar Hall	SUN	4/8	4/1
Norfolk	Poplar Hall	WED	4/11	4/4

MISC. SPORTS

City	Activity	Field/Park	Night	Start Date	Deadline
Norfolk	Flag Football	Tarrallton Park	SAT	4/7	3/31
Ft. Monroe	Soccer	Oozlefinch Craft Brewery	SUN	4/8	4/1
Ft. Monroe	Ultimate	Oozlefinch Craft Brewery	SUN	4/8	4/1
Norfolk	Indoor Volleyball	The Kroc Center	THR	5/3	4/26

Registration is now open for our first charity event of the year, the 2018 CLUBWAKA Balls & Dolls Kickball Tournaments! The Balls & Dolls is a battle for bragging rights for the best all-male kickball team and the best all-female kickball team in Virginia. The best part? Proceeds from the event will benefit The American Cancer Society's Relay For Life. Get your teams ready for a truly unique kickball experience and join CLUBWAKA on Saturday, April 21st! http://fun.clubwaka.com/M9kKD6pF 

We're looking forward to a fantastic spring season together. For any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out! See you all at the fields!

Brent Wentworth
General Manager
CLUBWAKA Hampton Roads

    

Introducing.... CLUBWAKA MLS! (MEDIOCRE LEAGUE SOCCER)

Excitement is building because the beautiful game debuts in Hampton starting April 8th, 2018.  

I've been talking to Brent about developing a soccer league for the last few years and am really glad we've been able to finally launch something, but for him to find such a great location and then to pair it with a fantastic brewery, we couldn't ask for anything better.  There's going to be nothing like soccer in the sunshine on Ft Monroe followed by some post-game hydration with a few Oozlefinch brews.

With the end of sign-ups closing on us pretty quickly, I wanted to provide a few updates as well as kick off (pun not intended) a new segment we'll be writing frequently leading up to everyone's MLS debut. 

TEAMS

• We are officially at 4 teams, but have 3 more friend groups forming and a number free agents.  With the price going up to $71 on 3/18, I strongly encourage everyone to start reaching out to your teammates to push them to sign on the dotted line.  MLS contracts are not guaranteed.  
• TEAMS TO DATE (as of 3/11/18 at 4:00 PM):
• Ronaldo McDonaldo (16 players)
• OTPHJ (14 players)
• UTTOTPHJ (13 players)
• Moat Monsters (15 players)
• FRIEND GROUPS 
• Look Ma, No Hands (11 players)
• Oozlekicks (11 players) 
• Kick in a Box (7 players)
• Hangover 86 FC (6 players)

Come on, Look Ma and Oozlekicks!  One more player each and you reach team status.  Then you get to lock-in your color and you'll be able to avoid Texas Orange.  

Also, a special shout-out to Scott Tinsley who has almost single-handedly filled three teams through an enthusiastic marketing campaign of subliminal messaging and favor promising.  Dude would fit right in with FIFA.   For his efforts, he'll be receiving the first MLS trophy to be awarded during the upcoming Captains Meeting.  I hope he'll dress for the occasion as there are few trophies that will rival the Sign-Up Simon. 

SEASON 1 BLOG FEATURES
As you can see, we'll plan to have an active blog.  Some of the features that are being considered...

• Statistics - goals scored, yellow and red cards (there should be VERY few of these, but we'll be sure to call out you enforcers and hotheads out there)
• Team of the week - Similar to the EPL, we'll be posting a team of the week with 7 players that should be highlighted based on performance, sportsmanship, and general friendliness.  
• Hooligan of the week - Someone who stood out at the bar for any number of antics that may ensue. 
• Get to know your referee - an interview with one or two of the referees that may ref the games during the season.  
• Player Spotlight -- more detail below
• Best Goal Celebration - while 5 minute coordinated goal celebrations will not be encouraged, we will certainly highlight some creativity if you have the marbles to celebrate a goal.  That being said, if you pull a Sharpie out of your sock, I'm going to red card you myself.  
• Photo of the week - I'll try to bring my camera out each week that isn't raining and catch some photos of out-of-shape players dry heaving and secret Fireball shots post warm-ups.
• Goal of the week - probably won't be videoed, but could be videoed.  If not, I'll do my best to weave a word tapestry that gives the goal the glory it deserves.

MLS AWARDS

We've already discussed Sign-Up Simon, but we're also looking at a few other awards that we'll distribute at the end of the season.

- Mediocre Player of the Year
- Golden Gal
- Golden Boot
- Hand of God
- Sign-up Simon
- Sportsperson of the Season
- Hooligan of the Year


NOTE: In order to have nice things, we need a supportive volunteer community, so please please please let me know if you'd like to write for the blog, use your craft skillz to create an award, or keep stats for the league.  Email me at bkirby@kickball.com if you're as into this as I am and we can find a role for you.  Maybe you'll get an award named after you.

PLAYER SPOTLIGHT #1 
JAMIE GALLAGHER - LOOK MA, NO HANDS

 

CLUBWAKA Multi-sport athlete alert! Jamie has also played kickball & beach volleyball 

Soccer History: I started playing when I was 4 or 5 and haven’t missed a season up until 2016 when I injured my knee. I played in high school, rec, travel, indoor, futsol, sand soccer, and played 4 years of Club Soccer at VCU. 

Favorite Player: Carli Lloyd is a monster on the field and seems like she’d be a cool person to hang out with in real life. Her twitter is always full of inspiring quotes and pictures of her meals from Chipotle. 

Position: I have played every position possible throughout my soccer career. This season, I plan on going back to center midfield when I am not in my starter position of left bench or team mom. 

Current Boots: I am currently rocking the blue Nike Mercurial Vapors with the silver sparkles. I wouldn’t say they are my favorite, but they were having a sale and I am a sucker for sparkles. 

What are you most looking forward to with the launch of CLUBWAKA MLS (Mediocre League Soccer)? I am looking forward to spending time with my AWESOME team. There are some long-lost teammates that I am excited to reunite with as well as new faces to meet! Is it April yet?

Time To Get Off The Couch And Be Social

It's March, which means Spring is nearly here! Time to sign up for CLUBWAKA Coed Social Sports. There is no better way to be active than playing our fun sports with your friends. According to sparkpeople.com, you can burn the following calories each week just by playing in one of our leagues: 

• Flag Football: 352 - 672
• Volleyball: 176 - 336
• Bowling: 198 - 378
• Soccer: 308 - 588
• Softball: 220 - 420
• Ultimate: 312 - 552
• Kickball: 312 - 552

The health benefits are really just a bonus though. All of our leagues are coed and focus on bringing people together to have fun! You do not need to be an experienced athlete. You just need a positive attitude and a desire to meet new people. We have leagues starting in a couple weeks in Hampton, York County, Newport News, Williamsburg, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach, so don't miss out! For a full list of activities and to join visit kickball.com/hamptonroads.