I'd like to thank everyone that helped make this Team Challenge a huge success, and as always a lot of fun. 

First, to the entire SoCal Team whose great playing and enthusiasm made it possible to bring the trophy back home to SoCal for the second year in a row in the tournament's four-year history. Next, to Mike Travers and his NorCal Team for making the longer trek down to Santa Maria. [ed Note: Hey, I traveled from San Diego! It doesn't get much farther than that!] Also, a big thanks goes to the very helpful and enthusiastic group of locals for maintaining Waller park in its beautiful condition, coordinating with the Parks Department and for pulling together one of the best BBQ lunches I've ever had. To the SoCal members, participants, and especially the Board – THANK YOU! A special thanks goes to Tim Selinske and Innova Champion Discs not only for a wonderful players package that included a tournament TeeBird, weighted mini, long sleeve shirt, and as added bonus, a previously unreleased Champion Edition Leopard, but mainly for Tim and Innova's unrelenting support of SoCal Disc Golf and promoting disc golf everywhere. And finally to my wife Sue (who I hope will play tournaments again someday) and daughter Audrey, who continue letting me out to play disc golf despite having a million other things to do. Thank you! 

Well now, about the tournament. The stormy skies that wet the state for most of the week gave way Saturday to beautiful blue skies, and the big winds became gentle breezes. Many players arrived in Santa Maria on Friday to acquaint themselves with the course. But with the first round starting at noon, many didn't leave home until Saturday morning. 

After the finish of two rounds on Saturday (singles then doubles), SoCal found itself with a hefty lead of 48 to 24. Thus we went to the very nice Regency Hotel with smiles on our faces. And for many of us the smiles grew larger after the complimentary beverages. 

The format, singles then doubles, was the same Sunday, but a few minor changes were made in the lineups. No one took our lead for granted. We actually did better than on Saturday, 48 ½ to 23 ½. The final score..SoCal 96 ½, NorCal 47 ½. 

Also noteworthy besides the great weather, format, package, BBQ, and disc golfers North and South, are those on SoCal's team that went undefeated: myself, Micah Dorius, Bamba Rico, Roger Curley, Greg Barnicoat, Rob Wilson, Gabe Valera, Ray Grijalva, Rhett Stroh, Steve Civitak, and Ron Brawley. 

Hope to see you all at SoCal events soon!

Mike Byrne 
SCDG #19 
PDGA #3584