"Defining moment"

I believe yesterday when we rolled out our own on-line "Team Shop"will be what we call a "defining moment" in the legacy of the GCSG!
In conjunction with Team Sport Outfitters Inc. our athletes ,sponsors,board,commissioners, volunteers, athletic directors, coaches, can all go to www.tsoaz.com and receive a 15% discount on all athletic apparel and equipment! Just tell them "Wid sent you!"

Thanks Ron!

Wid

"Wow,you can't buy that!"

Americas number 1 show American Idol,and my favorite, was on last night.I was paying particularly close attention to Glendale native David Hernandez's bio when to my amazement they showed a picture of him as a young man accepting a medal at a gymnastics meet and he said "one of my highlights as a youth was winning a medal at the Grand Canyon Olympics!"
I rushed to call Tara to see if she saw it........she said"Wow, you can't buy that!"

Wid
ps My pick is still Mr. Archuleta........

"It's more than just a GAME"

Last evening I had the distinct pleasure to host the recipient of the "Lifetime Achievement Award" at the National Football Foundations 27th Annual Banquet,one of the six boards I proudly sit on in town. Mr. Bill Post,Chairman of the Board at APS, and his wife Mary Kay were extremely gracious and I was pleased the chapter chose them for this prestigious honor! Very deserving!

A significant sidelight was to reunite with Mr. Posts presenter Mr. Bill Shover who reminded me that he and my father had worked together many years ago on bringing the anchor of the USS Arizona back from Pearl Harbor. Also, good friend Ted Updike our "Chapter Leadership Award Winner"and his impressive family, told a cute story......he didn't need to be so kind!

Equally outstanding were the 24 scholarship award winners and there coaches! So inspiring it made me realize what an important role FOOTBALL has played in my life!From family, to attitudes, a source of strength, ,perseverance,leadership,humility, and life long relationships with friends. "It's more than just a GAME"

Wid

"Take it to the BANK"

In the world of sponsorship your only as good as your last deal! I'm particulary proud of our distinguished list of loyal sponsors that have embraced the ongoing vision of the GCSG! I have a separate story to tell with each of the 65! But at the end of the day, it's all about the people!

Such is the case with our newest member. I can't remember a more enjoyable negotiation than the long process that came to a positive close yesterday. Troy, Hope, and Judie were delightful,smart,professional,and sincere! Welcome US Bank and a new three year deal as a "Gold" sponsor to the family........and you can "take it to the BANK!"

Wid

"Presidents Day"

Normally I don't like three day weekends! Tough to find anybody to get anything done!
This was different:
1. Saturday morning visited our wiffleball tourney at Grand Canyon University!
2 .Saturday afternoon participated as the chief judge in the first annual George Washington Carver talent search! The concept has a chance.
3. Sunday morning volunteered at the Muhammed Ali walk-a-thon----humbling!
4. Sunday evening took care of some plumbing with neighbor Dave. House needs some work.
5. Monday went to work and started the day off talking to Jim Zorn ,the new Head Coach of the Washington Redskins. Great fun.....I was his college coach.
6. A visit from good friend Lew brightened my day------we have a plan!
7. The phones were quiet so I felt very productive. I'm ready for today.
8. Finally a call from great friend Todd....... he's going to help my son Dallas with an interview on Wednesday! Thanks!
Oh yeah----who's going to be the next President?!!
Wid

"Call Wid"

Valentines Day was a true sea of emotions! It started with a new garden hose(one to replace the "mass destruction" from my daughters dog Doug as you remember) and a beautiful card from my bride.
Then it was off to downtown for a meeting with Earl and Mary Rose. It went well and I was reminded that "laughter" is the best medicine.
Next up a very important sponsorship presentation..........I believe the outcome will be positive.
When I finally arrived home after a long good day, built myself a fire(Cinda was flying),poured myself a glass of wine, the phone rang and it was Cin. She had talked to Jane( my dear cousin Lynn's wife) earlier in the day. Lynn passed away on Dember 30 after an 8 year battle with prostate cancer. Jane said that Lynn never gave up and until his final days thought he was going to win!
Jane mentioned to Cin that in going through his things she ran across his journal.......Lynn's last entry was "Call Wid".

It's just a hat!

I woke up at 3:30 am with a feeling of excitement as if I were going to compete in the Boarder/Cross race at the days GCSG ski/snowboard competition at the Arizona Snowbowl. I waited as long as I could to call Snowbowl GM JR and Patrica to make sure the weather was good and banners, registration materials and t-shirts had made it up the hill ok.

I then jumped in my truck and rushed to Flagstaff. Upon my arrival I was thrilled to see what a beautiful day it was,skiers with bibs everywhere, shaking hands with old friends,plus JR and Linda I think were glad to see me!

JR had a plan! We first stopped in the pro shop where JR picked out a hat for me,then on to the lift to view the race beneath us. 165 athletes were registered and the Snowbowl crew had worked feverishly for two days to build a terrific course! It was great to see Brian working the finish line as the racers propelled themselves down the mountain with true competitive spirit in hopes of winning a medal! As the day went on I was somewhat embarresed at the preferential treatment I was receiving.

At the end of our journey JR sped off to watch his daughter race. I then realized it was much more than "just a hat!"

Wid

REMARKABLE!

Can you imagine we had 3,671 essays this year! 49 states were represented and one entry from the Armed Services in Europe! This brings our thirteen year total to 41,152.

Until this year we have never had an entry from outside of Arizona. REMARKABLE!

Wid

We are who we are, and we do what we do!

I have to admit I waited with great anticipation for this mornings Super Bowl Sunday edtion of the Arizona Republic! Our Winter Games ad was to appear......there it was a midst the hoppla for the Super Bowl and the FBR Open. I hope our sponsors are pleased!

Sometimes I feel we take a back seat to the pro element in town,but that is OK! We are who we are and we do what we do!

Wid