Lock your message is an important one… Yes there are going to be trophies and awards, but more importantly there are going to be rewards. The kind that makes you glad you were a part of something special. Last year we had a lot of coaches here in Tidewater and it was wonderful, but I couldn’t help but think about my brothers who couldn’t attend because of various circumstances. You, Vic, Roo, EddieV, DMC, and Bill were all very much missed. Yes we had a ball, and yes the show had to go on, but you guys really helped us get this puppy off the ground; I just wish you all could have tasted the fruits of your labors. The atmosphere was ripe for fellowship, and those that wanted it made the most of it. I recently read a post about treating a coach like a rock star, but to tell you the truth I’d like everyone that attends to be treated well. After all the festivities are over I hope everyone leaves feeling glad that they spent the weekend with us here in Tidewater.

We can’t govern people’s emotions… all we can do is provide a decent venue for friends and family to have fun… the rest is up to them. I hope everyone has a great time at whichever tournament he or she attends. Try to make a new friend, hangout with old friends, or mend fences with ex-friends. Either way you’ll be making some great memories. At my home I have a lot of trophies and awards. All they do is get old, collect dust and then (after a while) I box them up and put them in my shed. The rewards I’ve gotten from every tournament I’ve ever attended, stay fresh and clean in my mind and never get old.

Peace,

Don Smith