I'm posting this topic to solicit ideas and opinions. As most people know, the Western Nationals are being held in Aurora, Colorado the first weekend in August. Aurora is at 5500 foot. Daily temperatures will most likely be in the 90's and may approach 100 degrees. There is also a good possibility of Thunderstorms, which means there may be high humidity as well. Many of the players attending live and play at Sea Level and do not live in Regions where it gets that hot. Many of these players are in their 60's and 70's.
One of our players has been told by his Cardiologist not to go. Is this a concern for players attending? How will senior players be affected by the combination of elevation and heat? Is there anything that can be done to prepare for it? Has SSUSA considered this in their planning?

Last 3 years in the Eastern Nationals it was 95 degrees with last year getting rain Sat morning and 98% humidity so welcome to our world. The only thing we didn't have was the altitude.

Ho - Thanks for your input. Sounds like you did everything that you could to offset the affects of the weather. I'm sure that SSUSA has also taken these things in to consideration. I am just concerned about the "double whammy" of heat and elevation. There will be a lot of players that are not acclimated to that kind of elevation. Hopefully, we have no incidents.

I am sure Terry Fran , George and dave will take great care of us senior guys just as in past. I am wondering if this recent senseless killing of people at a movie place in Aurora will have any impact on the games? I am sure all will be aware of the need to be sensitive of this community and to do all that we can to support them during this time of crisis. My heart and prayers go out to all there and realize the pain they are experiencing will affect them for the rest of their lives. Sure puts less importance on winning and losing at a time like this. Hugs to you guys and ladies and look us up in 55's as we play for CJS Express. GI

GI, it probably should have an impact. In a way I am surprised this tournament would still go on in that location at this time.

Lefty-I am from Michigan originally and have lived in Albuquerque for 35 years now. The weather in the summer in Albuquerque is very similar to Denver. We play in that all the time. 95 degrees in Denver is not nearly as bad a 85 with the humidity in the east. High humidity is 35%-40%. If there are a lot of thundershowers, it will probably be in the 80's. That is not a myth-it is reality. Worried about thundershowers? We had them in Dalton this weekend. They are hit and miss in Denver and you run that risk anywhere you play. Denver is a beautiful setting and a short drive away is the mountains and cool weather if you want to plan a couple days. My son lives a couple miles away from the complex we play at. He and his family love it. Anybody who comes out will enjoy it.
Gary19, another uninformed, negative and totally erroneous opinion. Way to be consistent.

How so? Details, please.

Start drinking more water today. Hydration
is key to surviving the heat.

ShaneV

Webbie - I'm sure that what you are saying is correct and I am looking forward to going and having a great time. You mention that you live in Albuquerque, so you are at roughly the same elevation as Denver. My concern was/is for senior players who are used to playing at Sea Level. Altitude sickness is a real concern. Players need to take that in to consideration. Especially those who are overweight or have pre-exisiting health conditions (i.e.COPD and heart issues).

Lefty-I am not a Dr. so I would consult one before going if there are any questions. But unless something is wrong, you should be fine. Yes, it is thinner air-wise, but not that bad. Mornings are usually dazzling and cool. We high level players did struggle some in the humidity this weekend in Dalton, but we did fine.There was more rain than some of us have seen in 2 years. LOL

"Webbie - I'm sure that what you are saying is correct" How often has that ever been said?

And details, please.

I cannot speak for the altitude in Colorado.

What Ho says about "THEE Buckeye Classic" above was true word for word (except I believe he ment "JUNE") GREAT JOB HO and STAFF------The Mid afternoon games were brutally hot, but Akron/Barberton Ohio is only around 900/1,000 feet above sea level.

It's hot almost everywhere in the summer. Stay hydrated before games, during games, and not just water-----drink gatorades/powerades/vitamin water's and stretch. Fruit is good, especially banana's and others with potasium.

Anyone know how far the fences are in Aurora?

Jimmy - I read that they are 310 to 330. No problem for you!

John from Master Collision-you live in Denver-any thoughts? I do remember living in the east and worrying about going to play at altitude and then wondering what all the worry was really about. The hype about it is much worse than the reality. The ball will travel well, enviro-vac.

Mark,

I actually live in Salt Lake City. I'm sure it will be hot and the altitude will affect some but if everyone drinks plenty of water and sits down and rests when you have a chance then everything should be ok. If you have other health issues that could be affected by the altitude then see your doctor before coming. I remember reading last year ( i think it was a Pittsburg Steeler player) was told not to go to Denver for the playoff game due to a heart condition. Anyway i think everyone will have a great time, the fields are good and i'm sure the staff will do everything they can to make sure all the players and fans are safe.

Glad to see you guys played well in Dalton, looks like we will have our hands full just trying to keep up with you.

How come KC Kids and D&K got to play in the Major division instead of Major +?? just curious.

John Giesler
Master Collision

John the Steeler had a blood condition in altitude his blood would sickle.

Thanks Joe, i knew there was some problem he had that the altitude would affect.

John

John, Both KC Kids and DK Softball were rated Major in SPA. DK won the 60 Major so back they go to Major Plus.

And looking forward to play Major Plus. Can't wait! No Goverment cheese! See you in Las Vegas.

Sorry Webbie25, missed hooking up with you and the GSF guys for those Beers, we were running late after dinner. But we'll see you in LV in Oct. or the SPA in Hemet, Ca. around Labor Day. Stay thirsty my friend.

Kennard

Kennard--

Congrats on your teams SPA win, Vegas is the end of September for the 60's. Don't show up late (October) we need another shot at you guys.

John Giesler
Master Collision

The elevation change can certainly affect some but I think most conditioned athletes will adjust reasonably well. I live and play ball at 8,800 feet so Denver will be a 3,500 foot drop. Drink tons of water and begin now.

Looking forward to seeing Webbie there. Will be playing with your buds the Desperados.

Congratulations Kennard!

Hope to see you John and all the Master Collision boys.


Ed Andrews
Reebok Rep

Thanks You Ed,
Hey John, we'll be there and it has always been my pleasure to see and play against You and Will and the other Master Collision Ball players. You guys are a Class Act in Senior Softball. If that Tall player(man he is Tall) had came to the Championship game, I might be asking you for some "get back", When he didn't show up that Sunday Morning,...Disappointing for you guys, Well I'll leave it at that.
We'll try and be ready for you guys, good luck in LV.
Kennard
D&K #21 Major Plus

No way we go back to Major! We now turn our sights to that M+ Division and Teams like Turn 2, out of Virgina, Hey Clatta, We are looking forward to play you,Ray and all those great HOF guys on Turn 2. We are always looking to play the BEST team in our Division.
See Ya In Vegas.

PS... I'm not the best player around but I sure like playing againt the Best players in our Country. It only helps me raise my game up. Even at this age.

Kennard-we were tired to-catch u at the next tourney.

What are the fields like in Colorado ? Artifical turf ? How far are the fences ? are their concession stands ?.Are there resturants close by ?

What are the fields like in Colorado ? • 12-field complex (three 4-field wheels). Relatively new and very nice in most people's view.

Artificial turf ? • No

How far are the fences ? • Vary between 305' and 325' - Click on Fields graphic link from tournament page for details

Are there concession stands ? • Yes

Are there restaurants close by ? • Yes

John:

325' is nothing for you. You and Wayne can miss them that far.

James

From my experiences in Denver, I think you will appreciate the complex in Aurora. There are lots of locations to practice, food and beverage spots, etc etc.
Bringing bats to those that ordered them the past two weeks. Call me to hook up (970) 729-3145.

It will be a fun tournament. Great complex. Ed-good luck with the Desperados.

Forecast for Western Nationals:
Fri. 93 partly cloudy
Sat. 87 partly cloudy
Sun. 92 partly cloudy
I live in Aurora. It is very pleasant in the mornings and up until about noon. The evenings are wonderful! Remember, the humidity is low, so that will help a lot. Drink a lot of water. I played in K-City several weeks ago and we played in 107 degree weather, and the humidity was right at 90%, uhhhhhhhhh......
You will love the complex, awesome fields, outfields are like a carpet, very well maintained complex from the bathrooms, concessions, etc.
Welcome to Aurora and Colorado! San Francisco Giants are in town at Coors Field. Go downtown and be sure and eat on the 16th St. Mall, great restaurants and food! You can take a bus shuttle from one end of the mall to the other, about one mile. You can get off the shuttle at each block, just pull the cord on the shuttle. Great experience!
Be sure to go by the memorial in Aurora by Aurora Mall and pay your respects. Across the mall to the north, one block, there is every eating restaurant that you can imagine. They have a wonderful sports bar, BJ's, great food. I will be happy to give other info on sights, food, etc. on this thread if asked. Aurora Mall is 15 min. from where we play.
I hope this info helps.

I forgot to add, the bus shuttle is free downtown on the 16th St. Mall.

I forgot to add, the bus shuttle is free downtown on the 16th St. Mall.

Web: I appreciate that. Hope to help em and also to fit in with the group. Looking forward to it. I hit the new ASA Melee yesterday. You would love it. I was amazed and will swing it at Western Nationals. Has more pop than the Vector does.

d45 - great post. Thanks!
Lefty - I think you have me confused with someone else :>)

Enviro-Vac ... Why hasn't your team been moved to Major after winning Reno?

#19

Jimmy - I haven't forgotten that laser you hit by me off of the fence! A little elevation and you would have landed it in the parking lot.
#19 - Yeah Jimmy, why haven't you guys been bumped?LOL! Must be that Canadian charm!