Alberta Provincials Predictions

[petekelly]

Alright guys my 2 cents worth from the point of view of a relatively new guy to the sport. Jeff , Del both very good points. The provincials just held in Red Deer were basically an expensive practice for me and a couple of guys from the Edmonton club said the same thing not mentioning any names. Thank god Steve Kauppi showed up his always there an a great ambassador for the sport ( He brings his boys and look out they will be a force to be watch in the future). For me I haven't made a lot of tournaments due to work but I always look forward to going against Steve or Mark. These guys are so gracious they give you training tips advice on how to win and in general they make a guy want to train hard just so you can give them a bit of competition. Steve said " PETE you are feeling stronger everytime we grip up" Mark said " PETE you might susprise yourself can't take you for granted" Even though these guys always beat me its a honour to grip up and go . They make it that way because they are such good people who truley love the sport. DEL you are the same way love to have you coming out to the club more because you like Mark and Steve ( Fort Mac )and all the more experienced pullers at are club are so willing to give any tips or advice that can help a guy get better. I would not want to pull in a tournament if you guys were only doing super matches. Yes its nice to pull guys you could possibly beat but I love the chance to beat the best in my weight division , so I lose , that only makes me stronger and more determined to get better to get the respect of my fellow peers. With regards to pulling higher weight classes I think if you pay to pull both arms
( example: provincials $ 60 ) that should enable you to pull higher weight classes with no extra expense, especially a guy who knows he will probaly lose his first two matches both left and right. That being said I am very proud to be a part of the armwrestling organization in Alberta and Canada in General they are truely an amazing group of people who I am proud to call my friends.

[Jeff Miller]

Thanks Pete, I was wondering about that opinion as well - like getting a shot at the top guys is fun for some people (not just disheartening).

I've heard complaints about cost of tourney's so I think for the West Ed tourney it will be $25/arm to a max. of $50 and at which point you may enter any and all classes you qualify to participate in (weight-wise). I'll finalize the classes soon. As for provincials, I think we need to keep it $30/arm because I'm told $10/arm goes to Nationals funds, which would only leave $20/arm for the cost of running the tournament.


Lastly, let's make a meeting w/ everyone that is truly concerned about Armwrestling's future in Alberta - brainstorm in face-to-face discussion, and that way we can all help contribute positively. This way people we could hash through all the above issues in a fraction of the time, and actually discuss path forward action. See you Edmonton guys and Fraser on Tues!