This Blog Site is Being Shutdown

Folks - I’m shutting down this site as I’ve now incorporated my own wordpress blog into a hosted server.  What this means for you is that any RSS feeds you currently have to goaubie will need to be deleted.  When you go back to the new GoAubie site (same URL - www.goaubie.com), you can subscribe again and the new feed will take over.  Almost all of the content I had posted here has been migrated.

Sorry for the inconvenience.

David

It’s Official - OWSI

Congratulations to Lance Carsno, Brian Akers, Emma Bauer and myself for successfully completing the Padi IE this weekend. We are all now new OWSI instructors and look forward to a busy summer teaching people the sport we all enjoy so much. I also wanted to thank Rob Aschermann, Alan Smith, and Jay Jeter at Scubaland (www.scubaland.com) for all of their work in the IDC getting us ready. We spent alot of hours with them, particularly with Rob, over the last 6 weeks to prepare. I know I speak for all of us - we’re really glad IT’S OVER!

On a personal note, I wanted to say thank you to Nick Simons, instructor extraordinaire. To think that just a 2 short years ago I just went in to learn to dive for a family vacation and now I’m going to be teaching others. He represents the type of instructor I hope to emulate - one who’s enthusiasm for diving is contagious. He makes diving FUN! He’s spent the last 2 years teaching me, mentoring me, and at times challenging me. There is no doubt that a major reason I’ve moved along as fast as I have is due to the friendship and relationship we’ve had since that 1st OW class. - Nick, my friend - you’re the man!

Vista Ridge Rangers -vs- El Paso Del Valle

Well, the Vista Ridge Men’s soccer team did good this year - really good.  But they fell short last Friday night against Del Valle on a questionable call by the referee in the 2nd overtime period.  That gave Del Valle a PK which they made and lifted them to a 1-0 victory over the Rangers.   They went on the next day to win the state championship.  You hate to see an official’s call influence the outcome of such an important game, and evidently so did the UIL.  The official won’t be working another playoff game anytime soon.

But to argue over that call is to miss the incredible game that was played between both teams.  The final 2 may have played Saturday, but Friday night featured the 2 best teams in the state of Texas.   Both left everything they had on the field that night.  I’ve seen alot of soccer games, but I’ve never witnessed the level of play that Vista Ridge goalie Trey Ponce put on that evening.  Don’t get me wrong - the entire team played well, particularly the defense.  But Trey……well, let’s just say had I been a college scout for Auburn, he would have had a full ride scholoarship on his effort alone.  So while they boys didn’t win it all - they had a season they’ll all look back on in future years with alot of pride.

Game pictures are available for viewing at my website (click the picture above) but may not be downloaded, or printed.  They are owned by PhotoTexas under the contract they have with the UIL and may be purchased from their site at www.phototexas.com and clicking the UIL link.

Next Stop - Final 4 State Championships

The Vista Ridge Men’s soccer team advanced to the Texas state championship round Friday night as they defeated Canyon High 3-1 at Hays field. This is the 1st time in Vista Ridge soccer history that either the men’s or ladies’ team has advanced to the state tournament. Congratulations Rangers and good luck next weekend.