I was thinking more along the lines that with the ability to edit and produce video and DVD’s at an all-time low from a cost perspective, I wonder if this isn’t the time to be capturing GC action strictly to be able to have compellingmaterials available to present the casewhen the time is right. I certainly know that it would be a near-impossible sell to a network, but cable is creating an ever-expanding amount of sports programming to fill. It would seem that they will be looking for more compelling sports to broadcast at some point. I also thought Chris Clarke’s raw footage of the Women’s GC World Championship demonstrated quite a bit of potential ... it was just missing an audible “spectator friendly” commentator track that could easily be added later with today’s technology.
Will not disagree. With the Toxaway Mountain Challenge approaching, this might be the time for a video. Damon will be doing the commentary and he is very smooth at this type of event. Would be a good time to record for historical/future use.
Okay, changing gears a bit, do you still get to play in tournaments as president? If so, howmanywill you play in this year and do you have a favorite annual event?
was a year ago in the NC Club Teams. Since then I have had some health issues (intensive care for a couple of days). I was a decent player when I had the time to devote to practice. Won the Southeast Regional Championship doubles withmy partner and very good friend Harold Allison a number of years ago. Also made it to the quarterfinals of the Association Nationals a few years back. I now play mostly for fun. While I enjoy American Rules I prefer to play Association. I just like the pace and offensive nature of the game. I was actually able to
Get to play in very few tournaments. Last tournament played
complete a fifth turn triple in a practice game once. It's not the same as tournament play though.GCis also a favorite of mine.
Believe it or not, being President of the USCA is time consuming. I suspect that I spend 10-15 hours/week sometimes. Between work and my other hobbies and croquet …time gets away.
“Prefers Association?” Are your constituents aware of this? AmIwrong in thinking therewas a timewhen a preference forAssociation playmight have been considered heresy for aUSCAmember? (And because humor doesn’t necessarily translate through e-mail, hopefully you understand I’m kidding you a bit on this one.)
No problems here. You are correct that Association was the stepchild until probably five to six years ago, when for whatever reason, the top players (I don’t consider myself one) started to concentrate on Association. North Carolina helped lead the way and started putting on clinics and holding tournaments. Association has always had a presence on the West Coast where the late Jerry Starkplayed.Hewas a leading force within theUSCA for Association. On a personal note, Association helps with the American Rules game. It puts apremium on roquets and rushing.
As someone who has been quite involved with the inner workings of the USCA for a while now, what is something the members don’t know about the organization, but should know?
That organized croquet doesn’t just happen. There are a number of volunteers who put in the time/effort/energy to make it happen. Also we have a dedicated staff in West Palm Beach who work hard. Most members are totally unaware of the organizational structure of the USCA that includes District Presidents and Regional Vice Presidents.
croquetnetwork.com | august / september 2010 |
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