10/03/2024
I just wanted to thank everybody for their continued participation in the league this year and to congratulate everybody on their efforts this season.
I know it wasn’t ideal for some to have the schedule issued in chunks but by doing so almost all of the games that were rained out or essentially abandoned due to the Oilers playoffs were able to be included as we went instead of relying on teams to try to find the time to coordinate and then play those games. Not to mention it allowed us to upgrade many of the diamonds which we try to do every year.
Now let’s talk about this weekend and who are the 2025 SESPA CHAMPS.
After moving from Sunday’s Thursdays, Young Guns continue to dominate the division and did so in a great battle against Limp Stick Loose Mitts for a very rare finals occurrence. Although they have been in the league for almost as long as anybody else and are one of the most passionate and fun teams in the league, winning isn’t what is number one. Having a good time being with their people is what they like best. Congratulations. Young Guns stuck to the program and took down the tournament and ended up as our division champs. Congratulations.
Aftershock had to work cut out for them against the herd who had been a force all year. But aftershock also threw some big numbers up this year and we’re not far behind in the standings after each team had battle hard and semi finals they endured the cold weather and both gave everything that they had. The herd with a history of winning in our division and many years experience playing in other leagues, brought their A game and took the C division title home In their first year in the new division. Congratulations Herd. You earned it.
NOW FOR THE A DIVISION WINNERS
Unusual year for our division, which truly consisted of our an and B teams, and as result of a smaller roster for those divisions, the two merged to create the A division. after going undefeated all weekend, Pooched found themselves in a battle against the A Divs top team Smoke. In true Smoke fashion, they were ready as always and beat Pooched in a great battle, but that was not the end of the road for Pooched at due to their undefeated run all weekend. As a result they were entitled to a rematch, which they refused to be denied. After moving up from C to the B division, only to find themselves as the lone team on Tuesdays they made themselves available to compete as often as they could on Mondays and Wednesday and were rewarded in the end as our new A div champions.
Thank you everybody for all your participation and support, whether it be just this year or for the last 15 year, I’m truly grateful. Without all of you, especially some of your old teams the league never had the growth That we had which made us one of the largest and longest running leagues in the city.
I would’ve never expected when I took over the 9 team league in 2010 after hearing from the league president that he was going to have to shut it down unexpectedly (due to some special care his soon to be born child would require) that at its peak would reach 48 teams spread over four divisions. As we grew in size, We could afford to upgrade our diamonds, increase the amount of games that we played and the amount of tournaments that we could throw. Unfortunately, with less than half as many teams trying to offer the same amount of fun became a battle every year. It has always been my intention to focus on giving as much back to the teams as possible, but I but after Covid, the league lost a lot of teams, a lot of its help. I became a Dad of 2 amazing little nuggets, and then something happened to time. It disappeared. And the one thing that you need to be able to run this league, is a lot of time.
That being said this will be my last year in this capacity. I haven’t confirmed which path the league will go, whether a group of people will take over or we merge with another league, but when the options are more clear I will be sharing with you all as your input will be essential.
Because of this league I have made so many close friends over the years, met so many amazing people, but most importantly met my beautiful wife, who has been as supportive as I could ask, sacrificing many nights and countless hours to SESPA over the years.
Thanks again everybody, for one a hell of a ride!
Bush
Ps if you have any pics from over the years, please share them.
