Our trip to Virginia was highlighted by the fact that the University of Virginia let us use their facilities for our practice before going to the tournament. I know our guys liked being on a D1 practice floor. It was pretty impressive and even included a side basket with an NBA 3-point line. Of course we were all trying to show we could be NBA 3-point shooters. haha
They had the banners on the wall and then a cool montage of UVA greats.
We used the practice floor instead of the main floor because UVA had a women's basketball tournament going on. However, they walked us out through the main floor and the guys got to see what it would be like to be an ACC player walking out onto the floor.
After playing Hampden-Sydney, which was NO DOUBT the best team we play all year, we stopped at a local place, Macado's, to have some food. My Dad had been there for lunch and recommended it to us. He said they had a heated.....yes, he did say heated.....outdoor patio that we could eat at. Well, techinically there was heat coming out of the heaters, but it wasn't exactly as heated as we thought! haha But it was still good food and a good time. And we especially appreciated the support from one of the local women who was completely enjoying her birthday party, which was highlighted by a lap dance by her friend. I'm guessing if we go back to Virginia that our guys will insist on going back to Macado's and convincing someone that it is one of their birthdays : )
All in all it was a great trip for our guys as they played against some great competition and enjoyed so fun experiences along the way. Definitely a trip we would be interested in doing again. I'm a big fan of these trips regardless because they seem to bond a team even tighter than it was, and this was no exception.
Next year we are returning to Bluffton, Ohio to open up their new facility and play against one of our former assistant coaches, which should be a blast. Plus we are planning a big trip to either Vegas or San Antonio. So it should be another great year of trips next year too!
Coach Strickland