Monday, June 27, 2011

Facing Our Giants



We had our first experience in participating in a 7U All Star Dizzy Dean State tournament this past weekend.  We did our homework, researched, and starting preparing.  We practiced, sorted out scenarios, and conditioned our son as best as we could.  We journeyed on...

The day of opening ceremonies we walked onto the facility.  Those memories came flooding back to me all at once.  You know what I am talking about.  That feeling you get when you are about to do something that you think is much bigger than you.  The butterflies and queasy stomach.  It seemed like we were walking onto the battlefield and and we were about to send our first born off with a sling shot and a rock.  You cannot prepare for that.  It is what it is, an experience you walk through.  I gave him my "mom has your back" fist bump (he is now too big to give kisses and hugs on the field) and sent him off to face the giants.

The games begin.  As I watched our six and seven year old boys walk out onto that strange field, I saw them mature by ten years.  It was as if they were growing before my eyes.  They went through so many emotions in six innings per game.  They were down and came back.  They were defeated and then rallied.  There were some AMAZING plays and some major mistakes.  They honestly gave everything they had and then some.

The last make it or go home game was intense.  The opposing team looked so big and polished.  Our boys were watching every move they made as they warmed up.  I could tell what our boys were thinking.  "How are we going to ...?"  The coaches and moms were amazing.  They broke that train of thought and sent those boys onto the field feeling ten feet tall.  That game began and we were on fire.  They played great defense and hit like I had never seen them hit before.  They were in the other teams head.  Were we going to pull this off and play for the championship?  However, the opposing team rallied and came back strong and fast.  It's now the last inning and we are at bat.  This is it.  We had to score five runs to win.  Could we do it?

Our son was first up at bat.  He looked back at me before he stepped out onto the field.  I lifted my chin and gave him "our look" and he ran off.  I could barley stand still.  Pitch one, no good.  No swing, good eye.  Pitch two and he cracks the bat and took off like a shot.  It was a pop fly.  "Oh, please drop ball" I was praying.  The first baseman caught it in the air.  OUT!  I caught his facial expression when he saw the ball in the first baseman's glove.  He was completely defeated.  His head dropped.  It was as if I could hear everything he was thinking.  "I just cost us the game."  "I just let down my team and my coaches."  He ran into the dugout fighting tears and fear.  He just saw his giant face to face (disappointment).  I could not stop myself from running to him.  My heart felt like a hot poker had just pierced through my chest and tears were running down my face.  I just faced my giant as well (my child in pain).   I gave him my best moms got your back fist bump and sent him to his dad who is keeping stats in the dugout.  I had to walk away.

It turns out that we were not meant to win this tournament.  The boys took it hard.  They cried and were mentally defeated.  I applaud our coaches and parents.  We scooped up those boys and held them tight as to transfer their pain to ourselves.  The coaches gathered them around and talked to them like men.  I could not hear what was being said but I snapped a quick shot that would speak for itself.  The emerged from that huddle, stronger.



Although winning was not our destiny this weekend, I feel like we won something more.  Life lessons that cannot be taught but must be experienced is what we won.  Not only for the boys but also for the parents.  We faced our giants and came out better for the battle.  Stronger!

Monday, June 20, 2011

Dizzy Dean State Tournament


Here we are.  Three weeks of intense preparation will climax with the Dizzy Dean Northwest Florida State Tournament this weekend.  Thursday, June 23rd, hundreds of families will begin descending on the Pensacola Bay area in hopes of capturing the coveted Dizzy Dean championship.  Many of these teams will move on to the Dizzy Dean World Series held in Georgia in July.  So parents, the question is this.  Are you ready for some intense baseball?  We have been polling traveling teams, past players, and parents on what to expect, what to bring, and how to encourage your player for this action packed weekend.

What to bring to the field:
  1. Cash for entry fees and the concession stand
  2. Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses (especially sunglasses for your player)
  3. First aid kit with Zip Lock bags for ice
  4. Toilet paper, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer
  5. Chairs, umbrellas, and portable shade tents
  6. Water, Gator aid, or electrolyte replacement beverages
  7. Cooling aids such as Frog Togs, cooling bandannas, or face cloths that can be placed in the team coolers (label your items with Sharpie)
  8. Snacks such as peanut butter crackers, frozen grapes, frozen peaches, nuts, and Chex Mix are great to keep your players metabolism running.  Avoid candy, dairy products and heavy or greasy foods between games.  Don't forget sunflower seeds and bubble gum.
What to expect:
  1. Heat!  Be prepared to keep yourself and your family cool.  Perhaps, keep your own cooler in your vehicle with drinks and snacks that you can go to in between games.
  2. Official Dizzy Dean Rules.  Some rec leagues may play slightly modified Dizzy Dean rules.  Check out this link to brush up on the official tournament rules.
  3. Rain delays or bad weather.  Games will be postponed or rescheduled for severe weather.  Be sure to have your hotel room secure for such events and in case you need to extend your stay.
  4. Delays in between games.  Check out other players in action (remember to support your local teams) or bring along a travel game if your player tends to get board.
How to prepare your player for the big weekend:
  1. Sleep!  Your player (as well as your family) must have significant sleep when playing in tournaments.  The heat and level of play will be intense and rest is critical.
  2. Proper fuel.  It is essential that your player eats properly days before they start a tournament.  Start restricting fast food, candy, and sugar days before the big weekend.  Start hydrating days before they play and increase carbohydrates and potassium the day before the tournament starts and continue throughout the weekend.
  3. Limit swimming and any extra physical activities during the tournament.  Most young athletes do not know their physical limits.  You do not want them running out of steam on the diamond.
  4. Talk it out.  Remember to talk about what this weekend is all about, what they will be seeing and hearing, and the amount of people.  Ease fear and tension by constantly talking calmly about the events of the weekend.  Stay positive and let your player know that you have their back no matter what the weekend holds.
  5. Just in case.  Know the nearest emergency room or hospital.  You never know but it is always best to be prepared.
Make the best of the weekend and make some cherished memories.  Take pictures and be silly.  These are the moments that you want to look back on with fond reflection and joy.  Their only this age once.
  
As always, Almega Sports has you covered for everything you need for the upcoming baseball and softball tournaments.
 


Monday, June 13, 2011

Almega Sports One Year Later

 
 
We are here in the Atlanta market buying our 2012 lines for Almega Sports.  Mike and I knew that we were taking a huge risk with opening a sports store in a struggling economy but God had bigger plans for us and our fear.  Here we are, one year later and we are back at the market.  I must tell you the looks on the representatives faces were of surprise and relief all at once.  Surprised that we made it and relieved that we made it back to buy more product.  I did notice that there were far less buyers this time around, most likely victims of the economy.
 
We have learned so much in this past year and we are truly grateful for every experience that we have had.  Mike and I would like to take this moment to thank the people that were instrumental in helping us open Almega Sports. 
 
Mike and Marie wish to sincerely thank (in no particular order):
 
David Keith and The Keith Family - you are our inspiration my friends
LB Signs - this is a true father and son team of great Christian strength
Garner IT Consulting - We cannot say enough for teaching us so much and getting us up and running
The Write Place - Pat Sabiston is a true friend
Neil Jones / Gulf Management - thanks for taking a chance on two folks that had a dream
HeatherWalkerPhotography.com - thank you for the great pictures
Jim Gable - we would not have made it without you Papa Gable
Ovelia Thomas - thank you for keeping us straight!
Tillman Media - thanks Kevin for your incredible eye
Jose Ortiz - man you have been beyond a friend
 
To our customers:  The team accounts as well as the individuals that have blessed us with the opportunity to earn your business.  You have taught us far more than we could ever have imagined and we are so grateful for each of you.
 
To our family member who put up with us being late, disorganized, stressed out, last minute, wrinkled, and hungry....we would like to thank...
  • Linda and Ted Walker
  • Sharon and Gregg Blair
  • Rita LeBoeuf
  • Keith and Kellie Walker
  • Ted and Heather Walker
  • Frankie Coatney
  • Olivia Coatney
  • Dustin Gibson - we are so proud of you and who you are and who you are becoming!
Lastly but certainly not least, I would like to thank our children for putting up with mommy and daddy.  I know you can't read this now but one day you will.  This is all for you babies and for your brothers and sisters to come!  Mommy and daddy love you to the moon and back!
 
We believe that there is a perfect plan for everything and that everything has it's perfect moment.  We are living examples of God's wisdom and perfect timing.  Thank you all for following us, supporting us, lifting us up, and supporting Almega Sports.
 
God Bless!
 
Mike and Marie Walker

Monday, June 6, 2011

Keeping it Real!

As most of you know, Almega Sports is a family owned and operated business in Panama City, FL.  What most of you don't know is that we do not have a major PR company that writes our postings, blogs, emails and coupons.  Everything you see is a collaboration between the two owners and operators. This once a month blog is a little peak into the window of our very busy and often hysterical lives.  Enjoy! 



We knew the first days of opening Almega Sports would be uncharted waters for us.  Little did we know how uncharted the first week would be!

Picture this.  July 2010, Almega Sports is open for just a few weeks.  It's softball tournament season and we are busy, very busy.  Softball players are in and out all day getting what they need for the weekend.  The door opening and closing every few minutes.  Out of the corner of his eye, Mike notices a customer standing in the front door holding the door open and a look of bewilderment on his face.  A few seconds pass and curiosity gets the better of him so Mike walks up to the customer, which happens to be a close friend of his, to see what is going on.  The pair stare into the parking lot as they are trying to figure out what is literally hopping across the scalding asphalt.  As it gets closer they determine that it is a small cat.  Closer it gets.  No, it's no cat, perhaps a tiny dog?  No, not a dog.  The pair continue to stare in amazement as the creature gets closer and closer.  You got it, it's a sewer RAT!  A big one at that.  So one might think that the duo would close the door so the rat would not get in.  No.  They are so in awe of the size of this rat that they are still standing with the front door wide open.  The rat proceeded to hop right into Almega Sports!  Realizing what had just happened the pair jump into action.  They are chasing this sewer rat all throughout the store.  So now the image in your head should be of two football coaches ,well over 6 foot tall, and with long arm spans crashing into clothing racks and bouncing off the walls with merchandise flying behind them.  Not only are they chasing the rat and wrecking the store but they are doing so with a $300 softball bat.  Yes, I said the same thing, "What were you guys going to do, beat it to death with the really expensive bat?" Of course, a female customer walks into the store as this chaotic event is unfolding.  Noticing what they are chasing the lady begins to scream and tries to jump onto our window display box to protect her self from the now Olympic distance runner rat.  Finally, after the rat made a marathon tour across the store, they chase it out of the very place that it had entered.  Looking over their shoulder at the mayhem that had just occurred and with a very rattled female customer coming down out of the window box, the three began to laugh uncontrollably. 

Now that's a Thursday!

Almega Sports has your covered and keeps it REAL!