As many of you know, I took over as publisher and editor of the USCA's Croquet News at the beginning of the year. Finally, on this third issue, I've found a way to add in a publisher's letter. Space is of course tight, so the print magazine has a website URL and QR code for mobile devices that directs you to this web posting. We've done the same for Michael Rumbin's Nine-Wicket Update. It's maybe not the most elegant solution, but at least we can say we are giving you a full magazine and more. And, we are absolutely committed to keeping the USCA up to date with all of the latest trends in digital media.
Susan (my wife) has just come in with the mail and I see my advance copies of the issue have arrived. Hopefully that is a good sign that USCA members will see their issues later this week and ideally before the holidays arrive. I will note that this issue was challenging. All kinds of events converged on what should have been production week and that along with my desire to cram new elements into this edition nearly sent me over the edge.
Those new elements include a letters section which you will find on page six along with a quick "Shooter's Tip." On page nine, you will find website URL's for many of the key resource pages on the USCA's croquetamerica.com website. Rankings for the top U.S. players for Association Rules and Golf Croquet are located on page 10.
And, you'll find main features on Seniors/Masters, U.S. Nationals and Solomon Trophy. It was tough to see our team lose the two-test streak they had going in the Solomon series, but the event produced awesome croquet photographs. The photo of Britain's James Death taken by Donna Finley is possibly the best croquet photo I've seen. Had it been an American player, I would have given it a full spread.
USCA member Rich WatsonBen Rothman is on a super hot streak having won Nationals, the U.S. Open and GC Nationals, so it is fitting that he made the cover. Our player profile is Sherif Abdelwahab, who along with Rothman recently returned from the Golf Croquet World Team Championships where the American team won it's block to advance to the semi-finals before falling to New Zealand (more on the GC WTC in the Spring 2013 issue).
I do hope that all USCA members enjoy the magazine and consider it a benefit. My vision of the magazine is that it provides a history of all the key events for the USCA while also serving as a teaching tool. As we go along, I hope to add more strategy and shooting columns (Association Rules strategy is high on my wishlist). And nearly as important, I want to produce a first class sports magazine that any member would be proud to pass along to a prospective player -- something that says, "Hey, this is a big-time sport."
Each issue represents a significant effort and it takes a great team to put it together. I won't recap the entire credits section (listed on page three), but I will say the office staff in West Palm Beach put quite a bit into each issue and I am always grateful for their assistance. There is a massive list of contributors that I badger for articles and photos between each issue. Their efforts and patience are greatly appreciated and certainly make it all possible.
I will have a letter here for each issue and you might tune back in on occasion as I will likely post magazine info here from time to time. In the meantime, have a great holiday season and enjoy the croquet Christmas tree photo submitted by USCA member Rich Watson just after press deadine.
Dylan Goodwin, Publisher
uscacroquetnews@yahoo.com