Forward Momentum (Day 12.2 of 365)

Forward Momentum (Day 12.2 of 365)

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The Mint Discs Team Tryout ended a week ago!

This is also now the only way only way to get on the team as a player.

We started hosting the tryout last year.

Why? We get an overwhelming amount of requests to join the team.

I'm pretty numb to it. Until we hosted a tryout, I had to tell someone no every day. 

Yup, at least once a day, someone was laying out their case for why they deserved to be on the team. 

That isn't fair to either us.

I also just don't like saying no to people. I want to help everyone if they ask for it.

There were other people that expected us to "ask them" and would be upset when we didn't. Again, not fair to either us.

So with all that, hosting a tryout makes a lot of sense.

It solves a lot of the "problems".

The course gets to play favorites now.

The format for Tryouts is unique after all.

Players will have to complete 2 Rounds of PDGA play at Sprinkle Valley and 2 more Rounds on the Sprinkle Canyon Putting Course.

We have published tee times and a set schedule for the PDGA rounds.

But putting is a different beast...

The players have to figure it out. They have to schedule when their round happens. They could be piss drunk if they want. I don't care. Figure it out. Show me you can figure it out.

We originally included putting because we have a putting course. It was just meant to be a test of skill.

It has ended up being a better test of character and preparation.

If you don't understand why I say that, then come tryout next year.

You will learn a lot about yourself.

The 2025 Team Tryouts was special.

Our team shows up to help run this event. We hosted a private team holiday party on Saturday night after Round 1. 

The team gets together a lot throughout the year. They share houses at tournaments. They take road trips to Majors.

This event isn't about those tournament trips. They show up for different reasons.

They are there to hang out with their friends. They are there to welcome the next generation of Team Mint. They are there to interact with all the people that travel across the country to tryout.

They are there to be a friend to disc golf.

I think that's an important part of why this event feels so special.

Our entire team, including people like Des and Mason show up at some point. They all make time for you and the rest of their team at their own cost. That's cool. That doesn't happen on many other teams from what I know.

If you played the event and weren't aware, every single volunteer we had out there was a team member.

The people helping you on the putting course. The people calling your name out at Hole 1. The spirit squad dancing in costumes on Hole 17. The people refilling the waters and snacks.

That is Team Mint. That is what you join if you win a spot.

We welcomed 26 new team members last Sunday.

  • Jessica Hopper
  • Hannah Shoemaker
  • Allen Ruiz
  • Grant Wilburn
  • Jaxon Clay
  • Joshua Wolfe
  • Zach McKelvey
  • Bobby Waldron
  • Greg Wilganowski
  • Ryan Corcoran
  • Cody Rios
  • Matthew Pedraza
  • Mike Savely
  • Tyler King
  • Cade Woolley
  • Landon Williams
  • Todd Moore
  • Michael Sykos
  • Austin King
  • Mark Lozano
  • Steve Mills
  • Edward Gardere
  • Rich Harpel
  • Brian Felgere
  • Nathan Tucker
  • Ryan Ridley

Make sure to check out the photos here as well from the awards ceremony.

All of these people have a story. I don't know that much about many of them. 

That's a large part of why I waited a week to start this blog.

I know of them, but I don't know them.

That opportunity is exciting for me. 

That being said...

Mint Discs will no longer host the Mint Discs Team Tryout.


 

 

 

Our Team will run it.

Truthfully this tryout isn't just about impressing Guy and myself.

You have to impress our Team too now. They are the gold standard for us.

So this is now their event if they'll have it.

Guy and myself will be there to help them, and to get to know you.

I want to know your story when you make the team.

I can't do that when I run the event.

Until tomorrow.

Upcoming Blog Topics:

  • 1/12: Happy Birthday Jessi
  • 1/13: Community Hero
  • 1/14: Thoughts on PDGA Rule Changes
  • 1/15: Weekly Team Recap
  • 1/16: Brain Dump
  • 1/17: Local Events
  • 1/18: Wildflower Disc Golf Tour

1 comment

  • I am very pleased to have made the Mint Team. Everyone I met was excited to be there and most helpful in answering my questions about Mint and Sprinkle Valley. I am 63 years old and played MP50. I registered with PDGA in 2008 and started out as a rec player. Moved up to Pro Grandmaster in 2012. I was the Treasurer of the North Side Chain Gang for 4 years during which time we ran Texas States here in Houston. ( I had no idea how much work was involved in running a big tournament but I have a lot of respect for Tournament Directors). I play as often as possible because its fun and keeps me healthy both mentally and physically. I have already heard from Matt Hall and Adam Case when I posted about needing some Mint Discs. I have known them for a long time and am thankful for their help. I think Team Mint is going to be a great help to my game and I hope to introduce Mint Discs to others. Thanks again for a great weekend!

    - Edward Gardere

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