We are only two weeks away from the Golden Llama, the Dizzy Llamas annual award and casino night. For those who will be going for the first time, a flat fee covers your dinner in chips. We eat, play, drink and have fun. It is the greatest “Green Tie” event in town.

For more details and award nominees, check out the information post on the message board here: http://members.dizzyllamas.com/index.php?topic=1487.0

We also have a set of awards call the Llamas choice awards. Separate from the player-of-the-year for each sport, the Llamas Choice awards are a chance for all our athletes to select their peers in categories like captain of the year, most improved and Rookie of the year. You can find the link on the information post or you can vote here: http://www.dizzyllamas.com/sports/awards/2009/

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The winter season is mostly underway, despite a few weekend snow storms. If you’re still interested in playing some sports we’ve have some mid-season openings. Check out the about page on the DL website and email that’s sports coordinator to get started.

We are also fielding a pair of basketball teams this January after the success of our Summer basketball league, but we are still looking for players. If you played in the summer or would like to play indoor on Wednesday nights, signup on the message board here: http://members.dizzyllamas.com/index.php?topic=1492.0

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Some changes are afoot with the Llamas! Three Llamas were recently presented with numbers. Adny Hatin will now don number 34, Sean Morgan 55 and Greg Martinage (Don’t tell him. He doesn’t get it until Tuesday). Also, Soccer Veteran Mark Goodman will be taking over the club’s soccer program for Mike Bizier, whose teams earned a championship and finals appearance during his year at the helm.

Congratulations to all of you and good luck in your new roles in 2010.

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Finally, our Little Llamas sports equipment was a huge success. A lot of thanks to go around once again, but we easily topped last years total. Well done everyone. There will be a lot of happy tykes once the weather warms.

See you on the Field!

2009 kicked off with a bang as nearly fifty Llamas packed the Verona Restaurant in Watertown to celebrate the 2008 Golden Llamas award winners. Thank you for everyone one who made 2008 great, and here is looking to 2009 as a year that will eclipse it.

If you were unable to make the festivities, here is a rundown of the 2008 Golden Llama recipients:
Llama of the Year - Thomas Boates
Dodgeball Player of the Year - Shane Knowles
Softball Player of the Year - Jen Kuzmick
Soccer Player of the Year - Andrea Nykiel
Volleyball Player of the Year - Caitlyn Cassara
Basketball Player of the Year - Patrick Brown
Rookie of the Year - Scott Tarentino
Captain of the Year - Dave Claffey
Most Inspirational - Caitlyn Cassara

Most improved:
Dodgeball - Mike Bizier
Softball - Victoria Catalan
Soccer - Mark Goodman
Volleyball - Thomas Boates
Football - Danielle Sullivan
Ultimate - Erin Calamari
Basketball - Matt Guerra

The Outdoor 7v7 soccer season ended friday night November 7 on a tough Penalty Kick Loss to “Thats what she said” an exceptional team.  The game was a hardly fought battle all the way through.  The oppisition scored on a blasted ball off of a out of bounds free kick about halfway through the first half.  The llamas spirits stayed high all the way through the first half, ending that half with a 1-0 deficit. With the defense of Allie Greer and Matt “thrill” Gill leading the way as well as the help of Dave Claffey and others rotating back wonderfully to help out.

At Halftime Captain Andrea Nykiel went over some of what she saw in the first half and made the necessary adjustments.  As the second half began it was obvious that the adjustments had worked and the Llamas controlled the second half. Spending the majority of the time in the offensive zone. With around 10 mintues remaning, the llamas got a great cross from Captain Nykiel that was finished off by a hustling Dave Claffey.  That goal knotted the match at 1. Which it would stay at until the end of regulation.  Leaving only penalty kicks to decide the playoff match.

Rookie Goalie Mike Bizier who played his heart out during regulation was prepared to face great shooters fromt the oppisition.  The penalty kicks were set up as best out of three.  And after the first two shooters for both teams, none of them had reached the back of the net. Both Saam Batmanghelidj and Nick Sotak rocketed great shots that were just blocked by the keeper. The third shot by “thats what she said” did in fact find the goal and Captain Nykiel’s shot went just wide. Ending the match in a 1-1 tie with a 1-0 penalty kick loss for the Llamas. Thus ending a incredible comeback season.

This season was a great success for a llama team that struggled during the full field outdoor season.  With a bunch of new recruits and stellar talent.  The llamas soccer program is back on its feet and ready to mount a championship run.