2005 Arizona Games

A great big THANKS to Ryan Seckman for hosting yet another great highland games!  This year was fantastic, the weather was absolutely beautiful (thank you God) and all the athletes were great.  I judged a great group of B's on Saturday, and had a great time throwing in my first 40-49 Mens' Masters on Sunday.  Terri Hunt, you're just plain fun to be around!  A great attitude for a Canadian!   Paul (a.k.a Phil!), you're one great stone thrower! All you guys were great to throw with.  Brent, how about going to A once in a while to give the rest of us a chance at some gold??  

It was a real treat to have Ryan Vierra out there giving pointers.  I think I learned a lot from you, if only I could put them into use now!  This was a great way to start the year off for some of us!  See you all later! ===Al "The Highlander" Kessel

Weather was great.  Our Canadian friends got their sunburn, er, suntans for the year.  The three teenagers blew me away.  Sheer raw enjoyment of the activities.  Remember when we used to just throw?  Now we think so much we start to stink.  Is my foot right, is my breathing right, am I arching right?  You kids were a blast to  watch.

Ryan Seckman, excellent job.  Great host.  Well laid out field.  The one gallon pump action container of hand cleaner and the pop up paper towels were a great idea.  Other ADs, take note, little things mean a lot and hand cleaner does not break the bank.  Weights were all in great shape and had  new paint jobs. The weights were written in big letters and numerals so we did not need our reading glasses.

The Quality and the deph of the athletes in all fields and classes were most impressive and probably the best if not the  best I've seen since 1988.  Very impressive marks for so early a meet in the year. 

Many thanks to all the judges for your hard work and fairness and your abundant knowledge of the rules and your smoothness in keeping the games moving on schedule.

Yes, outstanding day.  The Burchett men were something to see, my prediction for KC is that they take First and Second. . . (Nathan, Issac). . without much problem. . . and set a couple field records.

Note to Cherie

HAPPY BIRTHDAY YOU SASSY LITTLE VIXEN!!!

 Ryan that was the best games I have ever been to. This was my 4th time competing at Mesa and it was clearly the best yet. I think you should have a class on how to hold the games to the other AD's in AZ.  

 I thought I was going to do good in the 190 class but I was blown away with Nathan, and Issac. I wish to be young again.  I can not wait to see everyone again.

 Now I am heading to the gym to train

Hey , Adam...

This is Ryan We took the weight from the ground to the scale and it weighed 42.3 lbs we also made sur the height of the weight was ok and re -weighed Isaac in at 187lb kilted and cleated..  We also had 2 judges verify the height before and after the throw on the tapes on both sides..

THank you to all who came out to our games this year.  I am confident that everyone enjoyed the day and I know the crowd did as was heard from the loud cheers.  We were free from injury this year and that is reason enough to celebrate..

Thankyou to those who helped with set up and tear down...  I could use a good pointer on getting more help in take down please??? 

Richard thank you for helping all 3 days as well as developing the great program for our certificates, and Thank your lovely wife as well....

Great job everyone, and now it is time to rest and look toward next years games...

Mike Wills wrote: I missed the part about it not being a 56.  I would say that is till probably a really good throw for a 17 year old though.

187lb and 17.  I thow the 42lb and it put me to shame.  I don't think it makes a difference if it was not 56lb

Ryan,

Thanks for a wonderful game!!

I cannot imagine the time and effort you, and many others put into the games to make them the quality games they are.  Your efforts were so noticed and very appreciated.

Good Crowds, Great Weather, Wonderful Athletes and many, many great throws.  However, the most important result for me was the chance to meet old friends and to make new ones.

The best thing I carry away from your games are many wonderful memories.

Thanks!!!

Daryl,

I think I might have had a couple of field records, not sure until Ryan gets the scores posted ---- like he doesn't have a real job or anything else to do --- no worries Ryan -- no hurry.

It was great to meet you, your sons and daughter.  Glad you got home okay.  Your kids are top-notch and man, what throwers, chips off the old block eh??  Was enjoyable to talk with you and your clan.  You'd always be welcome in Utah!!!!

Sorry you missed the Master's Class due to your travel plans, always fun to throw with that group.  It was also a treat to have the 60+ guys throwing in our group.  Verne, Dean and Frank are just great guys and real athlete heros, so impressed that they do what they do.

Brent    (oh Groossh!)

tell your wonderfully TALL child that she better get after it!!

Her Big Little Sis said so!! She is getting to be a grown up darlin'!

Looking forward to photos with you!! Are you two planning on coming out to Tulsa this year?

My best to all of you,

Throw High, throw far,

Cherie- Caber Flea