Thank you, Andy!

We all owe a great big thank you to the unsung hero of the 2007 GHM volleyball season: “The Blogger.” Andy, thank you so much for setting up such an awesome web site. The photos, schedule and standings alone have been terrific, but your blog is just over the top. It’s really too bad that more people didn’t jump in and blog, but admit it, you set a very high standard – very few people can write as well and with as much humor as you do. You have a gift for deflecting potential controversy or hurt feelings with your oh-so-very-subtle jabs – like pointing out that your team beat ours not only in this tournament but in last year’s too. But we’re complimented to be the only team singled out in your tournament blog, because hey, it IS a big deal to beat us!

I think most of us have thoroughly enjoyed reading about the Jesters’ journey each week, so thank you for all your hard work and for not being afraid to step out and blog!

Thank You, Mindy!!...Part II

From everyone here at Supreme Court, a massive Thank You to you, Mindy! I'm sure we only know of a fraction of the time and effort you put into organizing everything, but what we are sure of, is that no one could have done a better job than you. The weather was wonderful, the games were exciting, and the whole day was a total blast! I'd also like to say how awesome and supportive the other teams were. We received so many great comments from many players of other teams that I was just beaming the entire day. Win or lose, the support from our friends and neighbors is what mattered the most and I will never forget that feeling. So once again, a huge thank you to Mindy and to everyone that helped make the tournament run as good and as smooth as it did. Also, a huge thank you to every team that was there. We had fun and friendly games with every team we played. There were no easy games for us. The competition was amazing and I think every one of our games was close. But those are the games that are the most fun and I wouldn't want it any other way. So thanks again and I hope to see everyone at the mixer (if we don't get rained out).

Jesters Get Knocked Down, Get Up Again

Despite finishing near the bottom of the pack in the regular season, the Jesters arrived in downtown Adamstown with dreams of golden volleyballs floating in their heads. By the time Denfield was beating us 13-0 in the first game, however, it was time to wake up.

Yes, the Jester's started off very slowly, and barely managed to avoid being shut-out by the returning champs. It was less a matter of Denfield's returning alumni, and more about the slow start syndrome that has plagued the Jesters all year long.

From here I can't tell you exactly what happened. Knowing that I am getting forgetful in my old age, I actually took notes on the Jester's journey through the tournament. Unfortunately, I can't remember where I put those notes.

Alas.

I do know that we won some and lost some in the first round. We won our first two games in the second round, including finally defeating our cross-fence rivals, Union Army, whom we have not beaten since last year's tournament. We then blew a late game lead in game three to get defeated in overtime by the Saddle Ridge Slammers. I also know that Southside kicked our southsides in the next game, then it was time for burgers and beer.

So, despite the fact that we didn't win the Golden Volleyball for the fourth time, there was still joy in Jesterville thanks to a well planned and well executed tournament. There are a bunch of pictures up on the GHM VB photo pool that capture the fun of the day. Anyone else who has some shots (and I saw a bunch of people with cameras), please add your photos to the pool.

I can't say what will become of the Jesters in 2008. To all the many teams that beat us this season, and to the few teams that we actually managed to beat, thanks for a great 2007!

Tournament Props

It was a long day, but another successful volleyball tournament was had. We couldn’t have asked for nicer weather this year!

Thank you to all the teams who participated in this year’s tournament and CONGRATULATIONS to Supreme Court for winning the Golden Volleyball. Your team played great and you deserved it!

A big thank you to everyone who helped make the tournament a success. From the planning committee – Doug Barlow, Dawn Beall, Kathy & Brian Hohl and Kathy Reges to the numerous people who stayed and helped clean up – Santo DeLuca, Kathy Reges, Michelle & Perry Perret, Dave Willis, Mike Larkin, Dave & Robin Rezash and many more than I can remember (sorry!) to everyone in between, it was appreciated! Thanks to everyone who brought a net & helped set it up and the people who brought the grills. Thank you to Perry Perret and Doug Barlow for heading up the set-up team. Thank you to Michelle Perret for being the official keeper o’ the stats. Thank you to Brian Hohl for providing the bracket template and to Mark Bankey for drawing it up. Thank you to all the people who went on an ice run for me and to Howard Souder for getting the keg. Thanks to Chad Bernota & Bonnie Monninger for providing the parking cones and to Kevin Abernathy for helping with the parking. Thanks to all the Grillmasters including the men of Goldenwood Social Club – you spent a lot of time manning the grills and everyone appreciated that. Thank you to Dave & Robin Rezash for taking the time and providing an official volleyball playlist on their ipod! A HUGE thank you to Kathy Reges who did SO much behind the scenes work beforehand (grocery shopping, storing the food and water) and at the tournament (organizing the potluck and SO much more). The tournament couldn’t have taken place without the help of all of you, and I thank you VERY much.

Next year’s tournament will take place on the Sunday of Labor Day weekend. Plan your vacations accordingly!

Thank you, Mindy!

If there were a “Has Done The Most for GHM” award, it certainly would go to you, Mindy. THANK YOU so much for taking the initiative to set up this league. Everyone who has been part of it – adults and kids alike – has benefited from having a neighborhood party every week. And a little exercise too. You make what you do look so effortless, but we all know there’s a lot of planning that goes into it, and we appreciate YOU!

Supreme Court VS Southside

With the weather finally cooperating, Supreme Court invited Southside over last night for their second rescheduled make-up. They won the volley for serve and kicked off the first game with plenty of sets, spikes, and blocks. The volleys were long and exhausting. In no time Southside was leading 16-9. It didn't seem like it was going to happen, but the Purple & Gold managed to come back to win it 21-"something close" for the first game.

The second game had the Tie-Dyers even more nervous. Southside's men were big and blocking everything, the spikes found every hole in The Court's defense, and they were digging everything that came their way. They soared ahead to a 20-10 lead. Luckily, the Purple & Gold managed to get the serve back before the South earned their final point. Little by little they chipped away at the point gap. Each team went through their full rotation before the score evened out at 20-20. The Tie-Dyers didn't know how long they could hold off Southside's final point, but at least now, 2 points were needed for either team to win. Those 2 points were earned and the Purple & Gold eked out a 22-20 win.

With the sun long set and donning fully-sweat-soaked shirts, both teams decided to call it a night and pass on an unofficial third game. Awesome games, Southside! You definitely delivered some really fierce competition.

Jesters Play Like Twosies

Jesters lose again. This time to Morland Madness in two games. That's all I have to say.

WHAT ?!?

The Inwood Spikers defeated the Saddle Ridge Slammers this past Thurs. 8/2. The Spikers used the "Old-Jedi-Master" power of persuassion and mesmerized them with their "Haloweenie colored" Orange/ Black Tee's to convince the Slammers that they were too tired from their previous Wed. nite match.