[ki6ds]

Training camp for the Raymond Bulldogs and the Merced Bears opened today. I got a phone call from my wife that I had a package from Geno arrive. I could not wait to get home from work and check out the new players and bases that Geno had sent me.

I opened the box and there they were 45 players and bases!!! Tweaked up by the master himself!! I want to thank Geno for his generosity towards my grandson. I had to buy mine, but not my grandson.

Training camp opened about 5 minutes after I opened the box. I divided the players into linemen and backs. Then I held tryouts for the backs. Geno has a couple of burners in there. I am trying to make two teams as equal as possible. I am numbering the bases 1 - 45, taking a notebook, and then making notes on every player. What his characteristics are. Fast, straight, looper, and also ranking the linemen by strength. I am using a challenge system, man on man.

Tomorrow after work, I will take the board to Tyler, and we will spend the evening having tryouts and splitting the players into two teams. After that, we will each paint our teams, decal them, and then start spring ball, getting ready for the opening game of the season.

I have never done this before, but have thought it through and think that this system might work. Won't know until I try it. Wish Tyler and I luck.

Our first tournament will be the Mid America Melee in Lyons, Kansas on April 17 and 18. We will be flying in to Wichita and driving up to Lyons. Hope to meet some board members there. Doug