I've been running or supporting kickball leagues for almost 10 years now in one capacity or another and there has never been a season like this. With the country still dealing with the ongoing COVID-19 situation, there were significant hurdles to overcome to bring kickball back. From securing permits, to park changes, introducing a new registration platform, pivoting to an online draft, dealing with changing government orders, managing expectations, and most importantly figuring how we could do this responsibly, to say it's been stressful is an understatement.
But it was all worth it.
From the first time I first put my foot on the red rubber ball in 2005, I've been kind of obsessed with kickball. For me, it was the perfect mix of camaraderie, competition, and ridiculousness to get me hooked and I've been playing year-round ever since. When the shelter in place order hit, I knew I was going to miss playing, but even I underestimated the void that not having kickball in my life would create. Like many Americans, the quarantine was a challenging time from a general mental health perspective and I definitely felt like I was in a funk for a while. Playing the game I love again helped tremendously.
And on a professional level, I could see that I wasn't the only one impacted in the same way. Seeing the smiles, laughter, and people coming together again has been incredibly fulfilling. Those who know me fairly well know that money has never been the main motivator for my decision to work full-time for CLUBWAKA. I truly believe that our community is stronger because our leagues bring people together. We add value to people's lives. And that drives me.
With that said, money is important. I'm so fortunate to have the opportunity to do what I love for a living and I appreciate each and every one of you for supporting CLUBWAKA. It means a lot to me and my family. Thank you.
Ok, all that sappy stuff aside. I want to recognize some people who were critical to making this happen. (If I miss anyone, and I'm sure I will, please charge it to the head and not the heart)
- Curtis Blauch - Thank you for all of your leadership in extraordinary circumstances. I hope you know how grateful I am for your hard work!
- Rich "Randy Dong" Sharp aka The Assistant to the Commissioner. Thank you for your consistent help with the field setup and the temperature checks. You're an unsung hero and don't think you get nearly enough praise for all the support.
- Captains - The backbone of any successful league is the leadership from the team captains. Couldn't have asked for a better group this year. It was reassuring to know that whatever communication we put out was reinforced by the leaders of each team. Despite all of the chaos and curveballs thrown at us, this season was incredibly smooth and that's a testament to the captains. Thank you.
- Refs - Our head refs were fantastic all season long. Thank you, Rosie, TJ, AJ, Brad, Granados, Lisa, David, Nick, and Troy!
- County Grill - Thank you for hosting us and doing what you can under difficult restrictions to give us a place to hang after the games. And thank you to everyone who came out after a game to grab a bite or drink and support an amazing small business.
- York County Parks & Rec - This league was in serious jeopardy once Hampton pulled our permit 8 days from opening night. But we found a home at Kiln Creek Park on short notice. I appreciate the staff of York County for allowing us the opportunity to play this Summer!
- War Memorial Stadium - As much as I love KCP. It's a great park. There just isn't any place like War Memorial Stadium for kickball. I appreciate the Pilots for allowing us to finish the season in a very special and memorable way at the ballpark.
- Everyone - Again. Thank you thank you thank you.
I hope you all enjoyed the Summer kickball season as much as I did. We do not have an end of season survey planned, as we're looking at new options to collect that important feedback going forward. But honestly, you never need a survey to share your opinion. Let me know what you liked and what you felt like we could do better! My emails and DMs are always open!
If you did have a good time this season, please join us for one of our Fall leagues that start in only 2 weeks(!)
- Wednesday Kickball @ War Memorial Stadium
- Friday Kickball @ Kiln Creek Park
- Thursday Kickball @ Quarterpath Park, Williamsburg
- Monday Kickball @ Bayville Farms Park, Virginia Beach
- Other sports are also available including cornhole, softball, bowling, and grass volleyball at clubwaka.com/leagues/hampton-roads.
In closing, once again, THANK YOU!
Brent Wentworth
General Manager
CLUBWAKA Hampton Roads
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