Just finished another busy weekend of judging a boy’s competition.  This time it was up in Sacramento.  As always I had a great time meeting a bunch of new people, as well as reconnecting with old friends I used to compete with, judges and parents.  One of the highlights this weekend was being able to see Mas Watanabe. In fact, this annual competition held at this gym in Sacramento is named after him: The Mas Watanabe Invitational.  For those of you that don’t know who Mas is, he’s been an influential part of USA Gymnastics for a very long time.  For a while he served as the National Team Director for the men’s side and has helped with developing the Junior level as well.  In fact, he used to come to all of the Junior National Team Camps when I was younger.  It’s been way too long since I’ve last seen him (probably about 5 years?), and it was great to see him doing well!

Mas Invite!

After the meet, I had the chance to catch up with my friend, Aki, over dinner.  Like Mas, she came to the US to coach gymnastics.  She came over to the US couple of years ago.  She’s a former world championship team member for Japan in ’99, and chance had it that she landed a job in Sacramento.  It’s always inspiring to see my Japanese friends working so hard.  I know it’s not an easy thing to do in a foreign country.

On the way back from judging, I visited one of my best friends, John, near the state capitol.  He recently started working for the new governor of California so he moved out to Sacramento not so long ago.  Glad to see him doing well and situated at his new place.  He even took me on a quick tour of the capitol!

Inside the Capitol (the Rotunda)

The Senate Chamber

View of the Capitol from outside

Overall it was a great weekend of seeing good friends!  Ready to start this week though.  One more week to go until Winter Cup and I’m looking forward to it!