Hey Kansas gang!

I'm in the process or reworking our Vinton-Shellsburg (IA) Viking dual meet tournament into what I hope to make into a huge event by time we open our new high school in 2007.

We currently have a five team dual meet tournament, but my plans are to double the field size by then, turning it into either a 10-team, two-pool dual meet tourney, or a straight round-robin, much like Baldwin's great tournament format. We'll have the capacity for four mats.

Here's the great part: Vinton is located roughly two hours from the state lines of Missouri, Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota. My hopes are to have a team from each of those states, along with a Kansas school, with the rest of the field filled by Iowa schools.

Everyone will get five matches, and while there are still many details to workout, we already know we'll be able to provide free housing for the teams and have workout facilities available for Friday (if needed).

Our tournament takes place the second weekend in December. This would be a great opportunity for all of us and we'll put on a first-class operation (and I promise a first-class hospitality room!!!!). If you're even remotely interested, email me at ajh1109@aol.com or leave me a post here.

Hope this finds you all well. It's great being back coaching in my hometown, but I miss all my Kansas friends and think of you often.

Peace,
Jeff Holmes, Head Coach
Vinton-Shellsburg Vikings

(ex-Immaculata, Maur Hill and Atchison)