I will say that after playing in the Pot Of Gold Tournament this weekend, Fairbanks teams are at a distinct disadvantage, especially when playing an Anchorage team on Cartee 3 & 4(I believe those are the correct numbers for the all-turf infields). Although both Fairbanks teams finished in the top 8, our teams were no match for any of the TOP teams. With Fairbanks being a much smaller city, the talent pool from which we have to choose from is considerably smaller. In order for Fairbanks to put 1 or 2 TRULY competitive teams on the field, we would have to rob all of our other C teams of their best players to make 2 "powerhouse" teams, eliminating nearly ALL of the local competitiveness. While this won't stop a few of our teams from traveling to distant tournaments(Pot Of Gold, Mugshot), it is definitely discouraging. I also understand that Fairbanks teams have swept D-League state in current years, but not without a fight. Some of the teams were noticeably weaker than others, but other teams STILL played at competitive level, giving the Fairbanks teams all they could handle. I'm not saying Fairbanks is looking for any sort of reclassification, because some of us REALLY enjoy playing against the best-of-the-best. How else are we going to get better, as individuals? As teams go, however, there is a noticeable disparity among Fairbanks teams and Anchorage powerhouses. I'm still looking forward to all of those teams willing to travel up to Fairbanks for the Golden Days Tournament, as well.

-Kareen "Buzz" Achman, #23
Jose Body & Paint(played RF for Auto Trim Design during the Pot Of Goldy tourny)

Carlie