Central Texas Basketbrawl Wrap-Up
The Nothin’ But Net Management Team would like to thank God first and foremost for keeping us strong enough to clear the HURDLES and jump through the HOOPS to make our first tournament a reality and we would like to thank God for making it successful.
We would like to thank Regents School of Austin for the use of their facility and for giving someone new a chance. Our tournament was a learning experience and although we know we did many things right, there are some things we are going to improve in our next tournament. Experience is the best teacher.
Thank you to the many people that came up to us and offered positive feedback and encouragement. Thank you to the coaches that offered their wisdom and understood we were embarking upon a new venture. Thank you Pastor Mitchell for saying a prayer in both gyms before the games started.
We want to thank our timekeepers, drink concession and raffle workers. The timekeepers did an amazing job and we received more than one comment of appreciation from parents who were able to just enjoy watching their child play the game. For the older kids games we will have the most experienced timekeepers because basketball is SERIOUS BUSINESS and some of the games were so exciting and close that one can not become caught up in the game.
We want to thank the Vipers Football team for their presence and support and for doing all manner of jobs.
The photographer we had lined up was unable to make it and we want to thank the volunteer who took pictures for us. We were unable to get every team in action as we wanted but next time we will have a back up. If you took pictures please email them to us and we will put them up and state the source. One of our vendors did not show and to this day we still do not know why. We plan to feature different entrepreneurs at each event until we find the people right for us.
We want to thank the official who helped us out of a tight spot by providing a timeclock when the one at the school gave out. In fact, we want to thank the officiating service. There was only one game that was brought to our attention where the winners and losers were unhappy and we did not see those officials again.
We want to thank the Security service we retained. He did a great job and was right in the mix of things. He also helped with whatever we needed.
We also want to thank the Austin Toros mascot. We don’t know who enjoyed it more the parents, kids or NBN staff. Thank you so much Toros Basketball.
The competition level in some of the brackets was fierce. We want to thank the teams that traveled from Bryan-College Station, Killeen, Fort Worth, Smithville and Port Lavaca to participate. It is nice to play teams that you haven’t played before and you get a true picture of how you measure up. We want to thank the Austin teams that committed to playing in our tournament. Especially the Austin Horns for joining us in the 4th & 5th grade boys bracket for the team that forfeited at the last moment, which could have cancelled this bracket.
Our 8th grade girls bracket almost made. We had several girls teams in this age group that wanted to participate. We are asking all coaches to sign up or state your intent before the deadline so we don’t have to turn good competition away. We had two traveling teams in this age group, as well as one local team that was one of the first to inquire, but had to select another tournament because they just wanted to play. Two other local teams would have joined us in the bracket but it was too late.
One of the positive comments we received was that the game times didn’t change and the games pretty much started on time. We want to thank each coach again for your commitment to our tournament. We found out it is different being a parent complaining about the scheduling and being the one to do it. You can not make everyone happy, but we are going to continue to improve on this also. We recieved so many compliments about the music. We plan to have it at all of our events.
We didn’t hear any complaints from any of the athletes and in the end it is all about them. They want to play in good tournaments and their parents and coaches want that for them. People tend to forget this. For our next tournament, we will be sure to order more Large and X-Large t-shirts for the winning teams and for purchase.
Finally, a word about our team: We are truly a diverse, unique team and we all wear many hats. At different points throughout this venture, everyone has stepped up and took the lead. The NBN team has worked tirelessly for many months on our marketing efforts and we have come up with great ideas collectively. For everyone that doesn’t know, attention to detail and hard work really does pay off. Thank you for giving us a NATURAL HIGH for our efforts.
Everyone showed their good side at this tournament. There were so many people doing so many good things for others. There was camaraderie among all participants. Everyone got to know each other and did unexpected acts of kindness from referees, to coaches, to parents and players alike.
We know that you enjoyed it because YOU TOLD US YOU DID. We look forward to seeing you at our next event.