End of Season Picnic

End Of Season, But Definitely Not Over

The first to grab grub and chow down

What a beautiful day for a picnic in the park.  September was the perfect time to celebrate the end of an AAU season.  The morning was brisk, but opened up to a much more warmer afternoon.  Board members showed up around 11:00 am to set up and arrange the tables.  It was a cool morning, you can definitely feel that fall is here.  But this cooler than expected morning weather wasn't about to disrupt our picnic.  We were expecting a wonderful turnout and very excited.  The first to arrive was the Singh family, ready with warm KFC waiting to be eaten.  Soon after families started arriving, with food in hand and smiles on their faces.  Kids headed straight for the Spiderman basketball/slide combo jumper.  Parents greeted eachother and enjoyed the company.  The Yabut family fired up the BBQ and grilled delicious chicken wings.  There was so much food and too many to describe, but there was good variety. 

Football with the 7th grade and 4th grade teams

The park has a very large open grass area next to the two sectioned picnic area.  It's ideal for jumpers and outdoor sporting activities.  The open area allowed a cool breeze to blow through the party.  As the cool air drifted over the food table, it brought with it the smell of fresh tantilizing aromas.  There were enough pop up tents shading several white table cloth covered picnic tables.  Modern lively music played from an iPod and there were coolers of drinks surrounding the food table. 

Everyone enjoyed an array of games.  The jumper was never without kids jumping and sliding.  There was an exciting football game going on next to a fast paced volley ball game.  Boys engaged in a water fight with water guns.  Younger kids enjoyed the short walk to the playground and warm sand.  Many kids stopped long enough to grab a quick bite to eat or drink, but went right back to playing.  All ages, mixed together played and socialized.  It was as if the basketball season was still on and we were waiting for a tournament game; just killing time.  Many haven't seen each other in weeks.  Most have started basketball in other leagues or CYO.  However, coming together once again, it was as if no time has passed. 

They were all friends again.

Thank you Dr. Salins for all your support

Time flew today.  We presented our Gold Sponors with plaques:  Dr. Salins, Balentine Dental and RT Western.  Dr. Salins was present today to receive his plaque and provide Uptempo Hoops with a ice cream.  Kids cannot get enough ice cream as they all dove in digging through the ice to find their favorite flavor.  One of our Silver Sponsory, Maryann Rensch of Bianca's Boutique attended bringing chocolate chip cookies and a face painter. Children lined up to get tatoos on their limbs or masks on their faces. Our sponsors were very much welcome and appreciated.  They enjoyed the atmosphere and good food.  We are very fortunate to have the sponsors we have and look forward to long term relationships.  Thank you to Yvette Cruz and Alpine Awards for the beautiful sponsor plaques.

Board members were thanked with a gracious speech by our President, Rene Noriega.  I thanked the hard working coaches, the backbone of our organization.  They are the reason we've grown to be the success we are.  Muriel Irwin dedicated her time to find the right coach's gift.  She purchased personalized game boards where they can write up their plays during AAU games in UH style.  They glistened with the coach's name and "Uptempo Hoops" shining brightly.  It was the perfect gift.  Mrs. Irwin wasn't done.  She even spent time to make the players' certificates.  They also came out perfect in our team colors of blue and gold.  Players' names were written in black caligraphy and they looked very professional and sharp.  The teams broke up into their 4 groups and the coaches presented the players with their certificates.  Every speech more enduring than the previous.  Players gleemed with smiles as teammates clapped and cheered.  Families watched with love and pride as they see the success of their player. 

Mrs. Irwin's hard work.  Great Coach's gift. 

After the speeches were done, it was back to playing and clean up time.  Food was divided among families.  Most didn't wait til home, we just kept eating while we were there.  Everyone pitched in to clean up the picnic area.  Once the jumper was ready and deflated, the kids found other things to do.  The boys split up and played either basketball or baseball.   The girls found the sidewalk chalk and added their own inspiration to the pavement. 

Sidewalk art by siblings of the 4th grade, 5th grade and 6th grade teams.

This picnic was a time to show appreciation.  It was a time to reminice over the season.  Moreover, it was a time to strengthen the bonds of our families.  We could picnic anytime.  However, to have a picnic with this much emotion means so much more.  The families remember why they are part of Uptempo Hoops and the coaches are reminded why they coach these wonderful kids.  As stated earlier in the day, UH is expected to grow and we look forward to the talent which awaits UH.