2008 Summer Nationals

[edew]

Reels and machines are placed on the ends and tables, respectively, but are not wired together. Armorers will be doing that (today and Monday).

[dcrocket]

Strips all set. 60 strips done in 3 hours. That's 3 minutes per strip! (And, ooh, my aching back! And arms. And knees. And fingers.)

Thanks to all who did the set up!

[lauralitz]

Articles in todays San Jose Mercury news:

http://www.mercurynews.com/sportsheadlines/ci_9741984

http://www.mercurynews.com/othersports/ci_9741983

Another article in the local Los Gatos Weekly about a mother daughter duo:

http://www.mercurynews.com/saratoga/ci_9686375

LL

[KD5MDK]

Massialas' voice echoed through the hall as he recalled when a 10-year-old Meinhardt first learned about the Olympics.

"Gerek asked me to send in an entry form for him because it sounded like fun," he said. "I had to explain to him that there's a lot more involved."

Too funny.

[bigdawg2121]

W00t...just found out that I'm actually going to SNs this year. It's no longer in limbo...I'll see everyone tomorrow

[brtech]

Everything is ready to rock and roll tomorrow morning.

Yesterday was indeed a great first set up day, with a large crowd of very hard working volunteers. I am grateful for each and every one of you. Some union disputes made set up more difficult than usual because we were not allowed to use the pallet jacks we normally use to pull the crates down the line just ahead of the people pulling strip sections out of the crate. We had to hand carry, or furniture dolly the sections from the crates in their original spotting positions. In spite of the difficulties, 60 strips were laid, reels, machines and stands distributed.

Today the armory staff and several wonderful volunteers hung the machines and wired the strips. All 60 strips are ready to go.

We started equipment checks around 1pm and continued to 6:30. The line got a little longer than I would like, because I could only keep 3 armorers on the line; the other 2 plus 4 volunteers completed setting up strips. The most experienced, and fastest 3 armorers worked the line. I am sorry that the line got as long as it did, but it really wasn't all that bad. We're cautiously hopeful that we moved enough fencers through the checking process that tomorrow morning, traditionally the worst line, will not be very bad. Do be prepared if you are planning to have your equipment checked tomorrow morning.

I will have at least 8 fully manned test stations, and may have one or two more. Everyone will be working the line unless we have early strip calls. Please do remember:
1. Having your equipment out and available, as has been discussed on this board makes the line move MUCH faster
2. Don't get in the line unless you are fencing tomorrow morning. After around 10:00 when the line thins out, we'll take other fencers.
3. Unless the line gets crazy, we're limiting to 3 cords, 2 lames per fencer for the morning rush.
4. Vendors are open and available for your last minute purchases, but if you need it for fencing you MUST get cords, lames and masks (and saber gloves) checked

Swordmasters, the official repair station, is late arriving. Apparently they had a truck breakdown. I do hope they will be set up and ready for repairs when the venue opens at 7. As usual, other vendors will do limited repairs so you usually have options.

We're not having any special problems with personal equipment, just the usual stuff. Every machine on every strip has Score and Timing, with remotes. I even have a couple of S&T spares. We're really short of remote spares, so directors: treat them gently, and don't leave them in your pocket

If you have any armory problems or questions, ask for me, Brian, at least until the 5th, when Ted Li takes over.

[teacup]

To bad the remotes can't be remotely set off to vibrate and flash similar to the ones that restaurants give out to tell you your table it ready.

In general some way to give the refs, who leave them in their pockets, a remote controlled shock or too as a reminder to bring them back.

[happy]

Went through the equipment check today in record time - we got in after 5pm and the line was very short so the team must have done a great job at clearing the lines. And the venue looks great. Good work!

Any reason there isn't a raised strip for the GM bouts? I thought the raised strip w/ black background they had at Miami was very nice and made for a good show.

[Cyano]

Any predictions for the up coming nationals?
All events welcome.

[notalent]

To bad the remotes can't be remotely set off to vibrate and flash similar to the ones that restaurants give out to tell you your table it ready.

In general some way to give the refs, who leave them in their pockets, a remote controlled shock or too as a reminder to bring them back.

Refs walk off with remotes? Im SHOCKED SHOCKED to hear this.

[notalent]

Any predictions for the up coming nationals?
All events welcome.

I predict I will not do well in V40MS I predict I will fit into all my gear and that my Jacket will be loose

[Allen Evans]

I predict at least one coach will have a meltdown in a Youth event over a call that only he or she sees.

AE

[Guymelef]

I predict at least one coach will have a meltdown in a Youth event over a call that only he or she sees.

AE

What's the over/under on it being a national coach?

[epeemike81]

What's the over/under on it being a national coach?

well, given that's a binary issue, I'd put the over/under at .5...

-m

[Redblade]

I predict some will win; some will lose. ... Some were born to sing the blues.
And the tournament will go on and on and on and on.

(Heaven's just a funky moose?!)

[peet]

I predict at least one coach will have a meltdown in a Youth event over a call that only he or she sees.

AE

Really going out on a limb there, eh?

-p

[peet]

well, given that's a binary issue, I'd put the over/under at .5...

-m

Not binary.
Boolean.






(sorry...)


-p

[Cyano]

I predict at least one coach will have a meltdown in a Youth event over a call that only he or she sees.

AE

good call lol

[epeemike81]

Not binary.
Boolean.






(sorry...)


-p

Actually, either is accurate...

for an example of binary being used in this context, let's take yet another WW quote:
Toby, in response to the question "How pregnant is your ex-wife?": "As I understand pregnancy, it's a binary state. You either are or you aren't."

-m

[jkdjeff]

I predict that I'll be laughing at all of you trying to fence in San Jose in July.