League Match #1

I've gotten into a lot of more discipleship-oriented discussions over the past few weeks, but with the start of league play for the 2011-12 season, I though it might be time to talk some competition. Some leagues have already begun, and several more, including ours in So. MO open tomorrow.

So, what are you trying to do in your league? This is the time of year where you should be talking about goals and setting expectations. You may have no idea what to expect from your competition, so League #1 may be about level-setting. Figure out where you are compared to the other teams and determine what you need to do better.

-----I know that some people don't like to hear about my own team on this blog, while others like to learn from my missteps. So, consider this your warning. I will talk about my guys if I feel like there's a point I can help get across to the audience that is useful. If that's not your bag, feel free to skip it, but this is the last warning you'll get.-----

Every year at James River our roster reinvents itself all down the line. This year, we have a high number of MSQ students, after two straight years of massive influx from JBQ. Our A-league group is significantly smaller than it has been in awhile. Rather than viewing this as a negative experience, we are looking at it as an opportunity to more strongly develop our younger quizzers.

I'm coaching our one A-team, and for leagues it consists of two returning national-level quizzers. These guys have a depth of experience and solid talent. My job is to continue to shape them as quizzers and motivate them to finish their work. In addition, for different competitions, we are bringing up some of our younger quizzers to add assistance and help them learn. I see this as a valuable training opportunity. We have no defined plans for a long-term system for these quizzers. We just want them to gain experience and grow in quizzing.

All of these quizzers are brand new to me, though most have heard some of the horror stories. So far, I haven't frightened any of them off. One parent actually wants me to be harder on her child than I am (which I have to say is a first). If they're up for it, we might find a way to plug them in here in some way.

For now, I want to hear how leagues are going across the nation. Post it in a comment here, or Facebook or Tweet me. Good luck everyone, and have some fun.