New Year, New Expectations

So the team has gone through its own changes through the years: some good, some bad. Upholding the New Year's tradition, let's reflect on this past year.
The team started off strong. We had over 25 people at our interest meeting. About 17 of these students showed up to our actual first meeting. We had some even distribution of males and females on the team and, for the most part, everyone seemed to be getting along just fine. We had several returning veterans, myself among them. Unfortunately, due to Paradise's disappearance, we are unable to letter this year due to a lack of competition to compete in (DCL being gone and all). We have, however, compensated to some degree with our semi-regular visits to Rock'n and Jam'n and the several of our climbers have competed in some of the Spotlight Bouldering Series comps.
But all did not continue as we would have liked. Several of our members could not seem to find the motivation necessary to keep their grades up where they needed to be, and were therefore cut from the team. Attendance became a problem soon after. So, in the best interests of the team, a decision was made. The team was put on hiatus for the last two weeks of the first term, putting an end to practices until the 17th of November. Once practice resumed, the team was approached with a different mindset. We lost more members and are down to our usual rag-tag group of teens, with a minuscule amount of females on the team. Team spirit, on the other hand, has definitely increased and I can attest to some evidence of team bonding happening (aw, how touching XD).
Our yoga practices have been wonderful and we've been testing some new ground, particularly with Shiva Ray (sp?). Our most intense workout was an upper body routine by Shiva and I have to say I was not the only one groaning at the end. So what did we do? Waited a couple of days and did another workout of course!! The lower body routine was not as intense or physically exhausting, but it was fun all the same. Yoga keeps us all humble in the physical sense, that's for sure.

As the new year approaches, I will admit I am a little apprehensive as to what will become of our beloved team. I remember my first year on the team. Ah, now that was a team. Everyone was close enough to know each other and no one was afraid to be who they were (even if the rest of us begged them not to show us...). I hope the team can regain what was there when I joined this team. As a member of this team, of this family, I am going to put my best foot forward and try to instill some of what I feel was lost over the last couple of years. I invite my fellow team members to join me in this pursuit and build something we can all remember with fond memories for years to come. Happy New Year guys.

Update

Our first practice at Rock'n and Jam'n went really well, a few waiver issues not withstanding. I do have pictures, but haven't had a chance to upload them yet, so stay tuned for those.

We have had a few losses from the team, and the roster has fallen from 25 students to 20, but the team is still looking super strong; I'm excited for the way things are shaping up. We've done some yoga and some meditation, too. Pilates is part of the plan this week, and next week we're going to talk about food!

Next week is Nutrition Week. We're going to be watching SuperSize Me, talking about what we put in our bodies and why it's important, and if all goes well, on Saturday we're going to head to Boulder for the Farmers' Market. It should be fun!

1st practice

The first official practice of the 2008-2009 season was today. We did our basic introductions and played a few get to know you games. I think the team is off to a great start- there is certainly a lot of spirit! This could well shape up to be a really strong team. I'm looking forward to seeing this group tapping into the amazing potential that I see.

We'll be at the Flagstaff Trash Bash this year, of course, but we're waiting to see when the first DCL comp is going to be before we can commit to the Flatirons project in October.

Stay tuned for pictures... I forgot the camera today, but I'll be sure to bring it tomorrow!

Two-Week Practice Session

At our interest meeting, we established that for the first two weeks of the team, everybody is required to come to practice everyday unless otherwise unable. Our next practice is Wednesday, September 3. Starting the 3rd, we will have practice everyday for the next two weeks (September 3 - September 17). Attendance is mandatory. If you have problems, call Devin. If you didn't get his number, ask one of your fellow climbers.