So how do we get the national champion to our ncnca master races? Well, doing our best to ensure that he comes from the district sure would increase the odds.
But how do we do our best to ensure the nation's best master comes from our district? Well, we send an all-star team to nationals. I know on my team participating in nationals isn't a sponsor requirement and I think it's that way across the board. If a sponsor objects to ncnca masters joining together for nationals, I suggest using a rising tide lifts all boats argument. If we can bring back the stars and stripes jersey, our stock as a district rises and the teams in the district will have more prestige and prestige is always good for sponsors.
Now I'm not saying this is a great idea and we should start right away organizing an all-star masters squad for nationals. However, I do think this idea could possibly work, but it needs thoughtful feedback and further refinement.
The first obstacle to overcome is how to fund this venture. I'd kick in $250 and if I could find 29 other like contributors that's $7500, which should be enough to buy some kits, give the squad gas money and some coin for hotel rooms. If a squad member wants to bring friends or family with him, it's on his dime, but he'd still get an equal portion of the contributed funds. I'd need help finding 29 other contributors.
The next obstacle to overcome would be selecting which category to race: 35-39 or 40-44. I'm leaning towards 35-39 since, I believe, the 40-44 year-olds can race down in age but it's not visa versa. Besides, from what I've seen, the all-star caliber masters in our district who are 40 and over can easily compete with 35-year olds.
Now onto the nuts and bolts... how to select the squad? I propose:
- Giving one vote to all the ncnca masters who finished in the top 3 of any 2006 masters 1/2/3 event.
- Voters would submit 10 names to an election official. Then the official would tally the names.
- The top eight names from the vote would be on the team.
- I think we should send nine masters to nationals and since the electorate might leave a deserved someone off the squad, the eight elected members would vote on the ninth.
- If there's a 4 to 4 tie, the top vote getter from the first vote would have two votes toward selecting the ninth member.
Michael Hernandez
Dan Martin
Jeff Poulsen
Michael Hutchinson
Dean LaBerge
Kevin Metcalf
Nathan Parks
So there it is. Critique, deride, support, but please remember its just a thought.
8 comments:
Not all inclusive and I don't know all the guys yet and have no idea if they get along, but others to consider in addition to your list:
Bryant
Bosch
Nolan (45s)
Reaney
Clark (is he racing this year?)
Gregorios (45s)
Allen
Angerman
I don't know all the guys either, but by allowing for a semi-large, yet selective, pool of voters who'd submit 10 names, the election result should accurately represent the ncnca's best masters.
You've hit on the x-factor: "if they get along." But hell, it's just a couple of days representing a district that deserves to have the national champion within its ranks.
yeah if were pulled off I am sure the guys would have fun racin' together
now about that 7250 we'd still need to raise...
The money might be a little tough to raise, but hardly impossible.
I'm more concerned with putting in the effort of organizing a vote only to have two or three of the eight guys selected say they can't go.
The more I look at my write-up, the more I think there needs to be an system for selecting alternates. Maybe ask the electorate to submit 15 names instead of ten? That would give us a pool of seven alternates.
Thanks for thinking of me Mr Bank...zzz
Briggs?
Briggs?
Briggs?
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