Oct 07 2004, 07:33 PM
Hello to all my friends, competitors and fellow golfers and organizers,

This may come as a bit of a surprise to many of you, although I've discussed it with my teammates and some others, but I am done. Sadly, I simply do not have the time, patience, finances and most importantly the passion to continue my involvement in DG at the level I'd envisioned.

As a player, I've never been very competitive, but I always had a drive to be. My desire to become competitive as a tournament player and always striving to be a better golfer, was one of the main motivations that drove me to be so passionate about the game. That passion in turn, fueled my dreams for what Hill Country Flyers could have, and should have become, as well as all my other disc golf related involvements. With the desire to play now pretty much gone for me, the desire to remain involved has taken the train out of town with it. I just simply cannot continue to pursue my vision in the sport the way I wanted to and I don't have the competitive fire anymore personally, which is where a lot of my drive came from.

I have put so much money and love into everything I've done in disc golf, and I just don't have enough of either to give to it anymore. I still believe that the vision I had for Hill Country Flyers can work if pursued by the right person in the right situation, but I�m not that person and this isn�t that situation.

I still love the game, as it is truly a beautiful thing, and I won't be walking away completely. I'll still play casually some, I'm sure, and will probably make 1 or 2 ZT10 events per year and probably Vic Open or LOSO, now and then. But the days of TDing for me, thousands of dollars in sponsorships, thousands of miles traveling to play and 20-25 events a year are over. And really, I'm okay with that.

Further, I have a responsibility to my daughter to get my life back on track. Chasing wild dreams isn't exactly a committment to that. She has suffered more than anyone else at the expense of my disc golf obsession, and that will now be replaced with some type of competitive hobby that not only I can feel better about, but something that she cares to participate in and one which doesn't take me away from home as often.

I have made many really good friends in this sport and met hundreds of wonderful people, with whom I've shared a great deal of my life. I will not walk away from or abandon those friendships, and some of them will be life long relationships, I'm certain.

To the members of Team Evolution, whom I've already alerted to this decision, I'd like to say something. Never in my knowledge, has such a fine group of golfers and outstanding human beings been rallied under one non-manufacturer or large corporate sponsor banner as were they. I never regretted any of the selections to my team, and have never been anything but proud to call Jerry Perez, Sr., Justin Kerr, Danielle Vargas, John Maiuro, Stephen Brower, Billy Nelson and Tony Bender my teammates and my friends. You guys are simply the best.

I am constantly amazed at my friends Chris Himing and Gary Duke, who each in their own way put so much of their time and their life and their love into this sport, that disc golf in Texas would be so much poorer without them that it is hard to fathom.

I�ve been employed by John Houck, perhaps the greatest course designer (even though we don�t always see eye to eye on design) ever, been mentored as a player by Vinnie Miller, who is one of the most unique and iconic golfers in Texas and a good friend, learned TDing from Chris, whose contributions to our sport although amazing, are far from yet being what they will eventually become, nominated and pushed Gary into becoming our state coordinator (which may in hindsight, with much respect to Bryan James, be one of the best things I�ve ever done), been embraced by the Round Rock Dragons, the greatest club in Texas and have had the honor of founding and running the most successful monthly mini in our state at The Resort at Lago Vista. I was blessed by taking over one of the most traditional PDGA sanctioned events in the state in Victoria, second only perhaps in longevity to Waterloo. I had the honor of running Dave Moody�s outstanding Red Rock Show for one year at one of the areas undisputed best courses. I am extremely proud of founding the Live Oak Summer Open and the Coastal Clash. These two events will certainly grow and will remain as two of the best in our state for years to come. It was an honor to found and run the Cold Turkey Classic last year at what is really my home base for disc golf, and the first course I ever saw or played on competitively, Old Settler�s Park in Round Rock, and I hope someone takes up the torch for this event, since I still believe it could work as a holiday event for Cen-Tex golfers. And perhaps nothing gave me as much joy as my involvement with the Ware Family and the golfers of Central Texas (and those from around the USA who donated) as we came together to make a real difference in the life of a child of one of our own with the Tony Ware �Flying Solo� Memorial at Lago Vista.

That�s a pretty heady disc golf resume, which I will always be proud of. And hey, I can�t forget that I was the 100th best MM1 at the best World�s ever in Iowa. :)

I have a list of people I owe money and payout to. The payouts are from unfulfilled special orders and from this year�s LOSO, where we actually ran out of merchandise for our winners. These folks will be taken care of as a priority among all my other bills, and I have been in contact with most of them to tell them that. My new part time job has helped me begin to get back on track, after 2 individuals defaulted on approximately $60,000 worth of personal loans from me and I nearly lost my home. Now that I won�t have all my weekends taken up with disc golf and travel, I have lined up more work to add to that to make this process go even quicker. To anyone who I owe that reads this, please believe that you are a priority that will be addressed ahead of many other personal needs. This is very important to me and I won�t let you down.

To that end, I also have some stuff for sale (discs, used baskets, accessories, etc.). If anyone is interested, I�ll be putting a list together shortly and will be happy to email it to you. I can be contacted at mark@zeecon.com. Obviously, any of the players to whom I owe payout will be given first consideration if they want anything I have.

I know that this was damned lengthy, even for one of my posts, but since I won�t be around the board much from now on, I wanted to get my moneys worth on this one. To all my message board friends (and adversaries), I can only say that the reason I posted here so much wasn�t because I had no life. It was because I so enjoyed you all being such a big part of my life. Okay Nick, you may now have your board back. :)

Play nice and I�ll see you guys on the course sometime.

Mark Atwood
#16523

hawkgammon
Oct 07 2004, 08:18 PM
Mark,

You defeat Paul in your bet and retire on top. Way to go out Cowboy. Happy Trails.

okcacehole
Oct 07 2004, 10:07 PM
Mark, you as the player, the TD, and the sound of Krokus :), will be missed by way too many to speak of. I am so glad I was able to enjoy your last weekend of the year playing in OKC.

Your company and Amy's was amazing and you are a friend...I will see you on the course son...nothing wrong with casual rounds...

Adam
17684

27dogs
Oct 07 2004, 10:14 PM
**** is this april first or something :eek: well hell send me a list i'll help plus you got some plastic i probally need anyways :D oh yeah like a first run buzz :cool:maybe what you need is just casual golf no pressure or money just golf. take your daughter with you. kids are great at getting discs out of the water :D:D

MTL21676
Oct 07 2004, 10:54 PM
the game will miss you mark. your a class act and a great guy.

your pal
Robert Leonard

Oct 08 2004, 04:38 AM
Thank you for all that you have given the sport Mark - you will be missed...

esalazar
Oct 08 2004, 08:44 AM
Good luck mark. It was a pleasure meeting you. I wish you the best of luck in all your future endeavers. You have done well in your disc golf adventures. You have made a huge impression on many golfers across this great state. Mark, you have made a difference and we all owe you for that.I always admired the optimism at which you pursued what you wanted. wherever the future takes you,always remain optimistic,for that is an incredible asset.

good luck, your friend, efrain salazar #21173

please send me the list as well!!!

seewhere
Oct 08 2004, 09:45 AM
I am all teary eyed . no for real Mark you have done alot for the sport and My family CANNOT THANK YOU enough for the "Flying Solo memorial tournament" also YOUR family the DRAGONS will pick up the lago Sunday mini and ensure this still happens on the 1st of each month. You know if you ever need anything PLEASE let me know and I will do my best to help you in anyway I can. Stay strong and keep FAMILY FIRST and everything will turn out all right.

PS. Go ahead and send me the list I need some new Predators. and again THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU HAVE DONE.

Now "Where's my red wildcat" :D

md21954
Oct 08 2004, 09:53 AM
i hope we cross paths sometime for a casual match sometime mark. best of luck.

vinnie
Oct 08 2004, 10:49 AM
I need not speak to his accomplishments and all that other stuff....... we all know what his is about
But this guy ain't dieing or something,just doin it a different way. He is in good hands!
Mark you know where you back rest is.And its always there.
And you know how to get a hold of us...

Oct 08 2004, 10:53 AM
Mark, you were there for me when I did not even know you! Thanks for being helping me get through a rough time. You have many friends to call upon if you so desire. What are the plans for the logo :)

james_mccaine
Oct 08 2004, 10:53 AM
I get to post after the iconic one. Woohoo. Mark, thanks for everything you did. It was much appreciated and best of luck and happiness in all of your pursuits.

vinnie
Oct 08 2004, 10:56 AM
lol shut your donkey James

Lyle O Ross
Oct 08 2004, 11:02 AM
Hey Mark,

Good luck in your future endeavours. While your play and participation will be cut back please don't disappear. For those who have only interacted with you a little and who know you primarily through your many posts, it would be a shame to be denied the opportunity to get to know you better.

Oct 08 2004, 11:04 AM
Good luck to you......and happy hurling.
GO CHARGERS!!!!!!

scoop
Oct 08 2004, 11:33 AM
Mark,

I'll wear my "I don't care how I play, As long as I beat Mark Atwood" t-shirt with a re-newed reverance and appreciation for all you've done for disc golf in Texas.

You'll be missed, but frequently thought of. I hope to see you from time to time out at Lago or Round Rock.

--Robbie

danniestacey
Oct 08 2004, 11:48 AM
Good luck Mark

my_hero
Oct 08 2004, 11:55 AM
Mark,

What do you mean you're done!!!! Have you been huffing that gold spray paint again? Didn't i tell you that it would ruin your brain?

It's been a pleasure getting to meet and know someone as unique as yourself. What you've done for disc golf in the state of Texas will always be appreciated by those that know. Luckily for me, i'm one of those fortunate one's. THANK YOU!!!!

Your letter to the world isn't your "goodbye", but simply a "so long for now." I can't tell you how many times i needed a break since the first object course i played in the mid eighties. I even threw in the towel a few times swearing off all disc sports, only to return to the game, and the family that i'd grown to love. There's just something about throwing, and then observing a disc in flight.....................

Team E will continue to be the world's best bunch of primates that learned to walk upright, albeit barely. We thank you for your support, kindness, not losing to Girlie, and most importantly....your vision.

JM

BeTheMachine
Oct 08 2004, 12:32 PM
yo mark, change is good. it was great having you around and I'm sure you will still make a cameo or two on the g-course from time to time. be great to see you for a casual round of course....WOLF!!!! I wish you the best of luck and truly hope that all of everything going on in your life works out to the fullest and as quickly as you would like. Go on and send me the list when you get it up, would love to help out. got to get me one of those shirts! :cool:Don't be a stranger!!! Happy trails....

and cware doesn't need predators, I NEED PREDATORS. I got you a red wildcat. Let me know. :D:D

PEACE ATWOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ;)
B

my_hero
Oct 08 2004, 12:33 PM
I think you and SeaHORSE need to check out a max weight Z-Flick if you like the Z-Pred.

BeTheMachine
Oct 08 2004, 12:42 PM
I haven't seen these in A-town yet...how bout you ware??
Moody, if you out there, you got these yet??
B

lauranovice
Oct 08 2004, 12:44 PM
Mark, Don and I will miss you. I don't think you really know how very special you are to so many of us.
I think Neil Young said something about it, however, "it's better to burn out than to fade away."
I look forward to the next time we pass flight paths.

eddie_ogburn
Oct 08 2004, 01:16 PM
Mark-

It was nice to finally meet you at worlds. At least now when I tell my grandkids about the legend MarkA, I can say I really met you! You will be missed by the message board. It just wont be the same not seeing the Rev at the top of the post count list. Good luck with everything.


EddieOG
#23102

bigbadude
Oct 08 2004, 01:47 PM
Mark,thank you for all you did for the sport,thanks for your sponsorship, thanks for putting the GREATEST TEAM of ALL TIME!!!!Together.Thanks Chris Himing for stepping UP!! and a special thanks to THE ROUND ROCK DRAGONS for stepping up!! ps. I need another sponsor!! See ya at WATERLLLOOOO!!!!

rhett
Oct 08 2004, 01:49 PM
Dude,

You gotta do what's right for you. Good luck with it all. I still say I didn't meet you in Des Moines because that guy looked far too normal to be Mark Atwood. :)

Kick [*****] and keep playing. Take that daughter to the course for casual rounds. How old is she, anyway? Bring her out West for a Disneyland trip sometime and we can hang out in the O.C.

I would suggest that you come out to U.S. Masters, but since it's only a month away I suggest you put it on your list for 2005. :) Seriously, they're taking ams now. It will be good to see you again.

keldog
Oct 08 2004, 01:49 PM
Hey Mark,
sure wish i could of seen you in that dress :mad:
GOOD LUCK with everything :cool:

Oct 08 2004, 02:10 PM
beat ONE girl and retire on top!

I'll wear my Atwood shirt proudly as well.

Bye marka.

Pizza God
Oct 08 2004, 02:38 PM
Mark, from someone else who has had to cut way back, I know what you mean.

When I had to decide weather or not to run for Texas Coordinator, I talked with Gary, as soon as he said he would give it a try, I jumped on the chance to take a break. We needed some new blood with new ideas.

I stand in the same boat as you right now, with the pizza business not what it use to be, and the debt I owe being a stress on me and my family, I have been cutting back my involvement. (I mean i don't even read the board everyday anymore)

Good luck with whatever you do next. I am sure we will see you again someday. Once a disc golfer, always a disc golfer.

baldguy
Oct 08 2004, 02:50 PM
marka, the right reverend, senora hackwood... you suck :)

With all the side-bets and challenges you're so well known for, I find it so hard to believe that your competitive spirit is totally gone. I'm holding out hope that it's just taking a back burner to more important things. As much crap as we've given each other (:D), you know very well that I have much love and much respect for you and what you've done for our beloved sport. I only regret that I didn't know about this decision sooner. I could have forgone sleep and gotten plastered with you this past Sat. night :) This board will be lost without it's poster supreme. The Disc Golf community will treasure your contributions and mourn your absence. Personally, I will greatly miss the challenge of "beating Atwood" at all the TX10 events.

Now, as for the small amount of money you owe me, don't worry about it. Consider it a parting gift. Of course, if you wanted to send me some HCF schwag or plastic in exchange, I wouldn't complain :) but it's not necessary. I might be able to help you with selling the rest of your merchandise, too. I'm finally finishing up the website which will host the "I don't care how I play as long as I beat Atwood" t-shirts, and I can host something for your stuff there, too. I'll send you a PM with my phone number, and you're more than welcome to call any time for help with this or anything else.

Happy trails, my friend. Via con discos.

-Josh

BeTheMachine
Oct 08 2004, 03:17 PM
and the name of the website is...?

baldguy
Oct 08 2004, 03:32 PM
well, it's down right now, but it is:

http://jdann.homelinux.com/portal/

Unfortunately, I can't do anything to get it back up until I get home... unless I can call my better half at home and walk her through bringing up a server... it'll be 5:00pm (Central) or so until I can get it back online. Even then, it might be a couple more hours until I have all the pictures up and ready to go.

Available sizes are L,XL,and XXL. Available Ink colors are Maroon, Light Green, Bright Blue, and Black. All Shirts are natural colored. The price is $10 + S&H unless you live in DFW, then just $10 and I'll meet you at a course somewhere :). In person, I accept cash, otherwise I accept PayPal. Remember that all proceeds are benefitting the Chance Ware fund. I'll have pictures of the shirts up on the site tonight. If you haven't already seen the design, Mr. Gary Duke has been nice enough to host an image on his site:

t-shirt design image hosted by <a href="http://www.lsdga.com" target="_blank">www.lsdga.com (http://lsdga.com/images/atwood2.jpg)</a>

For now, if you already know what size shirt you want, and what color ink, send me a PM and we'll work it out. Thanks! :)

P.S. Marsha, sorry to temporarily hijack your thread :(

seewhere
Oct 08 2004, 03:32 PM
yes my-hero I will send oyu a PM about some plastic.

B have not seen any flicks around here either

LouMoreno
Oct 08 2004, 03:44 PM
Baldguy, if you know anyone coming down to Waterloo next weekend from DFW, I'll take an XL with black. I'd like to get one now before I have to pay $50 for it on eBay. :)

seewhere & B, I saw some Flicks at Moody's a little over a week ago.

LouMoreno
Oct 08 2004, 03:57 PM
Oh yeah, I forgot why I was here in the first place. :o

Mark, thanks for your hard work. Good luck. :cool:

baldguy
Oct 08 2004, 03:58 PM
I'm not sure if I know anyone heading to Waterloo... but there's always PayPal :) send me a PM. BTW, if anyone does want to order one today, get me the PayPal payment in the next couple hours and I'll ship it this afternoon on my way home from work.

BTW, this is a limited edition run of only 200 shirts... so once they're gone, you might have to pay $50 on eBay for one ;)

Oct 08 2004, 03:58 PM
so, I will never figure out your username sir reverend of something

BeTheMachine
Oct 08 2004, 04:24 PM
well if you live in the DFW area...you playing the zt10 final? it's still tenative whether or not I am playing (money) but if we are both going to be there, I could pick one up then. Otherwise, I could always order one.
B

baldguy
Oct 08 2004, 04:29 PM
I will be at the ZT10 final for sure. I've been paid up for this one since spring :) I will have a full stock of these shirts then, unless I sell out in the next month! :eek:

You (and everyone else for that matter) are more than welcome to order one, or just bring your $10 to the ZT10 final. Chris most likely won't have room for them in his trailer, but find me and I'll hook you up.

the_kid
Oct 08 2004, 06:48 PM
Hey Mark you can't leave you are my Idle and who else am I supposed to talk c r a p to?

Seriously good luck, thanks for all you've done, and catch you later /msgboard/images/graemlins/smirk.gif /msgboard/images/graemlins/smirk.gif /msgboard/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

Oct 08 2004, 07:20 PM
Thanks for all your kinds words.

Its really weird, but even though last night was a tiny bit sad, I'm so okay with this that its not even funny.

My only regret is not getting to see all of you as often.

I will be in attendance at the ZT10 Finals in November (I'm not stupid ya know. How often do you get to throw a disc for $25k?)

I'm sure I'll see a lot of my friends there.

A friend of mine who I play a lot of casual golf with here was talking to me today about making a weekend day soon at Wimberley just for fun. Whereas before I would've said, "No, I have a tournament," or, "Nah, I'm burned from 5 weekends in a row of traveling and tournaments," it actually sounded like a fun way to spend an afternoon.

I'm trying to get my list of stuff together (its not much) and I've already had some inquiries. I can post it here when I'm done if y'all want me to.

As for my events, I've been talking with a few folks and rest assured things will be in good hands.

Anyway, thanks again for the posts, PMs and emails and all the kind words. I'll holla at y'all soon.

:D

slowmo_1
Oct 11 2004, 10:25 AM
Even though I've only met you a few times I am proud to call you a friend Mark. Hopefully we can still get together for some casual rounds when I come to Burnet.

seeker
Oct 11 2004, 11:43 AM
Hey Mark, I hope you, like many players, take a break for a while and then jump back in at a more reasonable/sustainable pace. :)
People don't walk away from disc golf, they are carried out by 6 friends horizontally!
Besides, I would miss your wisecracking-smack-talking-self and, in addition, you are a genuinely fun guy with which to compete and on this here board.
Did I mention sometimes entertaining, too? ;)

Oct 11 2004, 02:15 PM
Mark, I still have your speakers and stuff in storage at Red Rock! Email me when your ready to meet up and I'll at least meet you half way. Maybe at Pease. Get shone the lIght, good luck. D.Moody

J_TEE
Oct 12 2004, 12:13 PM
Big Bummer, Hey Mark you will surely be missed down here in V-Town. Youv'e done alot for this sport and have been a big inspiration to many of us. Thanx for everything and hope to see you at the Victoria Open!!! Good luck with everything and I still think this is a dream or something..
Peace Out and good luck..
Jason Terry and the rest of the Riverside Discgolf crew!!!!! :(