A Happy Thanksgiving to all! My thanksgiving feast consisted of 2 return trips to the Chinese buffet in Orlando, FL reminiscent of a scene from "A Christmas Story". I made the drive down to see the Messiah College men's and women's soccer teams compete in the D3 Final Four. The men were shooting for their 4th straight title while the women looked to capture their 2nd in 3 years. The Messiah turnout was amazing and both teams fought valiantly, but the men came up short in the semi-final while the women made it to the National Championship game before dropping to Wheaton College (Ill.).
Although the outcomes weren't as we all had hoped, it was still a great time. I stayed with college friend and current Messiah head baseball and assistant men's basketball coach Bryan Engle. He put the hurting on me not once, but twice in mini-golf! Through one of his Kentucky friends (hi Mel), we had the opportunity to check out an Orlando Magic vs. Miami Heat basketball game. Had an unreal Sundae at Ghirardelli's in the Disney Marketplace. This was fun. I was sitting at a table with my buddy Bryan, his friend Mel who works with the NBA's Orlando Magic, her roommate Jackie who has the most amazing job.... The job every kid dreams of having.......she trains dolphins for a living!!!! Her friend Peter rounded out the group. Peter is a Air Force training pilot. He actually flew an Air Force plane to Orlando to visit. Such an insanely diverse group of people with some of the coolest jobs around. It made for some very interesting and educational conversation!
It was a very relaxing and fun weekend until I began the trip home. Ignoring my initial instinct to drive through the night (as I did on the way down to avoid traffic), I left Sunday morning and was stuck in some of the worst traffic and congestion I've ever seen!
In our training, we're doing some testing this week to gauge improvements (at least hopefully) in clean, squat, bench, push press, snatch, standing long jump, overhead shot, and 328m run. I think I have my tentative indoor schedule set and is posted online.
I know I've slacked in updating this blog so I will once again make a conscious effort to update more frequently. Again, thank you to all for your constant encouragement and support!