Dixie School for Beginners

[broncoman]

DON'T let the smiles fool ya. not really, you can't fine 2 better coaches to get with. I just hope they show up in DETROIT next month.

BRONCOMAN

[joel_p1]

Thanks to all for the comments, even the ribbing ones of who I may or may not look like nah its all good. Just trying to give back to anyone thats needs help the same as I was took under Lavell's wing when I came onto the scene. He is the master and Im still just a beginner. But I try to make some contribution any way I can to help our league get better and stronger. Hopefully we can continue to grow here and have more wonderful coaches come over and enjoy the great times we have here in S.C.
I was amazed at Bigfranco's painting on his Army team , for his first time they looked wonderful. And as always Beenutt's decals were right on the money , we missed you Bryan and we missed Bulldawg21 too.
Well Lavell and I are going to get back at it today too , so if anyone wants to come by and hang out, and of course grease your chin, we will be more than happy to have you there.
Gotta go get my game face on for today and get my groceries togetherrtfl$
Joel

Originally Posted by O-schemer

Pay attention Commissioners, this is how you build a league. One strong member at a time. Teach them everything you know and you will have a strong league. Share every aspect of the hobby that you love and keep them coming back for more.

O-Schemer has really nailed it with this comment. If it weren't for guys like Lavelle and Joel and Beenutt, who are all VERY advanced gamers, MASTERS of MF, and them being so willing and so eager to share some of their secrets, I would be so intimidated, well, I would be so discouraged, I would probably not be as excited I am about all of this.

They have practically guaranteed me that they will do everything they can, to help me be competitive in the league, if I am willing to invest my time and energy needed to compete. They are not going to play my games for me. They said they will make sure I have the TOOLS to be successful, and it is still up to me to implement strategy and practice, otherwise it doesn't how many tricks and tips they teach me, it wont add up to me being competitive.

Of course its NOT all about wins and loses, but I am just being honest, I am the type of person, if I knew I was going to get beat 50 to 0 every time I played these guys, I would probably not want to commit to PLAYING in a league....I would probably be willing to come around from time to time for some fellowship, watch these guys play some games, get some painting tips, eat some of the awesome food, and then go home and play a solitaire league by myself.

But knowing in my heart and seeing the ways these guys have taken me under their wing, MOTIVATES me to learn. And instead of wanting to just come up and hang out with some great guys from time to time. I am MOTIVATED to actually try and get good enough so that I wont get crushed in league play. THEY are the reasons I WANT to play in this LEAGUE actively and GO TO SOME National CONVENTIONS. I would have no interest in those two things at all if it weren't for the mentoring everyone in this league has offered me FOR FREE.

They have FREELY GIVEN ME things to help me get started. Welcomed me into their homes. Fed me. Loved me. Treated me like a member of the family. Held nothing back. I have never one time felt like someone was trying to grab my wallet and take advantage of my enthusiasm for this hobby. Sadly, I HAVE FELT THAT WAY many times outside of this league with others here who visit these boards who I have communicated with. Of course, I would never mention any names, but I am just saying....

You want to give someone the fever? You see the recipe. Treat new guys like they are a part of your family. Treat them as you would WISH you would have been treated when you were new to the hobby. Think about the things that you did not like when you started out and make sure you help them avoid those things. Put your arm around them. Make them feel like your brother. Not someone who represents a possible $$$ buck.

You will give them the fever. I've got the fever.

[Norbert Revels]

I remember at last years seawall brawl, after it was over, everybody was pretty much gone only afew cats were left, I had just finished packing up the car, I then took a seat in front of the hotel to just sit back and relax, Mr. Shelton pulled up and started to walk across the lot, I asked him you still here HUH, he said yes, I am waiting on the tire repair shop to open, he had a flat tire and didn't want to drive on the donut, so he took a seat with me for about an hour, that 1 hour was 1 of the best conversations I have ever had with a person, it was not just about MF, but life in general, it was very uplifting and refreshing, we just sat out front talking and had aball, I just wanted to share that with you cats.

P.S. Mr. Shelton to me, is one of the most upstanding gentleman in this sport, everything that came out of his mouth was possitive, not a negative remark about anyone or anything, Mr. Shelton, I respect you very much.

Norbert

[Geno H]

Thanks for sharing your story. I try to do the same thing here in Central Kansas. We are small and just starting the Mid Kansas League. It is seperate and more local than the Tornado Alley League that I am a part of. What I have done for the new coaches is teach them to tweak or at least attempt it. I have painted,based,tweaked and supplied a complete 33 man roster to each of them at no charge. I agree that it is the only way to introduce a coach to a new League. As you stated Big Franco if you are not competitve then chances are you wont stay in. These teams I have given out at times I wonder if they werent TO GOOD! LOL


Geno H

[Reginald Rutledge]

O-schemer and Big Franco!

Tremendous stories and messages to be learned from what you said. We try to show that same type of "Pay it Forward" thinking here in Texas.

I was inspired by your words Big Franco because you can not find a better group of people than Lavelle, Joel, Benutt and the guys from that region. Now that you've learned under those guys, its your duty to go out and recruit and do the same thing to invigorate others to come back to the game.

Great post!

Reg

[daghstrydr]

Big Franco, man we are only about 3 hours apart from each other, would love to hook up with you guys down there for some playing time. Hit me back, Leonard

Franco,

This league is stacked with great guys. I met Joel and Mark this year and they are both quality guys. I've known Beenutt for at least 6 years and consider this guy, family. Bryan is the salt of the earth and like a brother to me. Lavell Shelton is a little more than family, he's also a mentor to me and my son. I met Lavell back in '85. That was 3 years before D.C. was even born. Lavell was the same way back then as he is today. Quite simply, one of the finest human beings you'll ever meet.

Chris, I know you consider yourself lucky to have met these guys, but knowing them like I do; I'm sure they consider themselves lucky to have met you.

Take care and have fun dude...

- Don Smith

[Coach_J]

Hi Chris,

Greetings to you my friend. This is a great post. I had the pleasure and HONOR to meet Beenutt, Lavell Shelton, Joel, and Pastor Mark at The Seawall Brawl this past June. These are four quality FIRST CLASS guys and you are fortunate to have them as league mates but more important as mentors. Not only have you learned a lot from these gentleman but I am sure that when the time comes you will do the same with a new coach.

Thanks again for sharing.

Coach J