This year, SJC (St. John's College HS) was traveling to Bradenton, FL to play against IMG Academy, the Ascenders. I had never heard of IMG until last year. They are a private school dedicated to pairing elite academics with state of the art athletics. To say the least, I've only heard the best of the best athletes come out of this school. It's what they do!
This would be the first time our players would ever fly to a game. This was going to be really exciting for everyone involved. Joe wanted me to come to this game with the team. I was worried about the timing of it all, being the first week of school, but it all worked out.
I always enjoy coming along on football trips and watching the players and coaches prepare and execute! I remember the excitement when I was in high school traveling to competitions and such. There were a lot of great memories for these kids being made. The team traveled on Jet Blue from Ronald Regan Airport to Tampa. We took a bus and traveled to Bradenton, which is really near Sarasota. We settled in, had dinner and then got ready for an evening practice at the IMG Stadium.
My job was to take pictures. There were thunderstorms that interrupted practice. We were wondering if the weather would do the same during the game.
That evening the team got ready for bed and the coaches were busy making sure things were winding down in the hotel while I relaxed in my hotel room! Ahhhh....
My father and sister live in Florida and were going to come and watch the game. So, the next day, game day, I said goodbye to the team during the day and would return for the game that evening. I met up with my dad in the morning and headed to St. Armands Circle in Sarasota to walk around and have some lunch. My sister was working and was to join us later.
We were just walking around popping into stores here and there. My dad bought me a new pair of shoes. Just having the time to shop for a pair of shoes that I really like is tough at home, so when I found a pair of shoes I liked, he bought them for my birthday. I remember my mom always liked to buy me a good pair of shoes I might not ordinarily buy for myself - I thought of my Mom.
Then we entered into an organic juice place and got some lemonade with blueberries and strawberries smashed into them. We sat there and chatted, caught up, perused Facebook together and took pictures of each other.
Afterwards, we headed over to the Old Salty Dog for lunch. Yah, doesn't sound so appetizing, but it was one of those casual seafood restaurants on the water. We had a great lunch that was delicious! I had my favorite of course, raw oysters!!
What's a good time without oysters, right? Yum.
Afterwards, we went to Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. My dad has had meetings here regarding Reef Buds but never really looked around the aquarium part. We decided to hang out there till Joy arrived. Usually, if there is an aquarium in the schedule my kids are around, but this time I was the child with my dad! It was fun just walking around casually and enjoying all the animals.
We headed back to my hotel and met up with Joy and headed to another yummy Thai food restaurant near Sarasota. We caught up, ate another meal and then headed over to the football game. There we caught up with Joy's fiance', DJay. I headed to the sidelines to take pictures of the game.
As the game began, they were introducing some of their players on their jumbo tron thingy. The players looked huge and their reputation were intimidating. It was really exciting it being the first game of the year, being in Florida and playing a really competitive team!
The game began and right away we score a touchdown! Then we scored again and then again. By the second quarter, I was pretty sure we were going to win this game. I was sort of shocked that the score wasn't closer together. We were playing really well and they weren't. That's my game analysis for you.
Under Armour is closely linked to our school because the owner, Kevin Plank is an alum. He not only dresses our athletes with cool clothes, he gives a lot of support to our school and to the football program. Not only monetary support but with his words and actions. We are very thankful for all he does for us. So, it was a big deal that he flew into Sarasota just to see our game. I wanted to make sure I found him to give him our thanks in person. Kevin is a busy man with celebrity-like status, so I always feel a bit intimidated approaching him especially when he has his "people" all around him. We normally get invited to his Preakness party and sometimes get a glimpse of him there or get to wave at him, but my chances were better at a high school football game.
I found him walking back to the private box on the top of the stadium. I approached him and I honestly don't know exactly what came out of my mouth, but I do remember saying my thank yous for coming to the game and for all his support, blah, blah, blah...mission accomplished. He was very sweet and invited me to walk with him up to his private box and watch the game from there. On the way up, I was getting to know his son, traveling with him too, and asking him questions. He also introduced me to some of his "people". All I know, is that when I'm nervous, my words come out really jumbled and I sound and feel like an idiot. Have you ever watched Bridget Jones before? When Bridget is talking in front of a lot of people? Yes, just like that. Anyway, Kevin was just kind and sweet. I didn't stay long because my family was waiting for me in the stands, but before I left I made sure to get a picture.
Thanks for the picture, Kevin!
I got back to the stands and watched the rest of the game. We won, 35-2! The players and the coaches were on cloud nine the rest of the night! What a great win for them. It was a perfect trip. Great memories for those boys.
Kevin Plank came down from his box and gave the kids a talk after the game which was really positive. They all gathered around him and sang the school anthem. I didn't see him, but Joe said Kevin seemed to really enjoy the players!
Anyway, I went out with my family and had some more food! We had drinks and dessert! Had to celebrate.
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We were also out to celebrate my upcoming 40th birthday. Thanks Joy!!
I miss my mom.
This is DJay, Joy's fiance'. They will be getting married before the year is up.
The evening ended and I went back to my hotel and waited for Joe to discuss the game his take on the evening. The next morning, we all left on an early afternoon flight back to DC. It was great to be home again after a great weekend.
