The “Comeback” Season of 09’…and Final Thoughts

So, the final two AVP Qualifier tournaments I played in (Hermosa, Manhattan) we’re not very good showings as I went one-and-done in both events. One thing I noticed over the season was that although my game was good at most times, I didn’t really get better as the season went on. I felt fit and in shape however due to my lifestyle on the road and away from the beach, my time in the sand was minimal at best. I went all season long just competing on the weekends…and sometimes with two-week breaks in between events. Not the best formula for optimal performance!!!

I also hurt my low-back in a CBVA tournament (Hermosa) recently that took me out for a few days. The good thing is that I heal quickly these days…attributed to good training and taking care of myself physically and nutrition-wise.

Another post-season set back was the discovery of a melanoma on my back! After my first skin check with a dermatologist, I had four spots checked out (scrapped off and sent to the lab) for skin cancer…and sure enough one of them came back positive. I’m recovering from the procedure I had last week to have more of the area removed…and the pathology report indicates it’s all gone! Yay! Bad news is that I’m now susceptible to more melanoma in the years to come…so I’ll be even more cautious about my time in the sun and protecting the largest organ on my body. No, not that one, my skin!

Despite the late-season losses, low-back issue and melanoma news, I’m still positive about next season’s outlook and view these things as temporary setbacks. If you know my story, temporary setbacks are a way of life and just something to put into proper perspective. I WILL keep playing the sport I love and will continue to strive making a main draw appearance again on the AVP…only next season I’ll be 39 and it would mean that much more to me.

I have several positive takeaways from competing again, including the following:

• Victories over players and teams who have recently qualified into AVP main draws
• Became well-conditioned and able to serve and block for an entire tournament
• Improved my jump serve and able to apply pressure with it
• Bump setting was solid all season, even for “picky” partners
• Rekindled many friendships originally fostered on the beach…somewhere or another
• Enjoyed tremendous support from my wife, Jo
• Got to experience the rush of competing again
• Enjoyed seeing how  the game has progressed and athletes are becoming more and more fit
• Much, much more…love the sport and lifestyle of Beach Volleyball

Off-season training, here I come! Hopefully I’ll be able to get my feet in the sand more and more to improve for 2010. Wish me luck!!!