Winners

I had an e-mail from someone I didn’t know but knew of him. He was asking if anyone in greater Phoenix would host a group of 19 students for a Women’s Lacrosse Nationals Tournament. I had a sneaky suspicion that no one would step up. I also know that Anne and I love to have groups in our home to have an opportunity to show in a tangible fashion Christ’s love. So when I finally connected with one of the team captains she was thrilled to hear that someone would actually step up to help. After listening to the simple reality check that the team didn’t have much funding and that to stay at a high end resort close to the tournament would cost a couple of thousand not including food.

My son had just moved out so our house had a little more space so housing 19 wasn’t going to be too difficult. I know that the coach was a little Leary of initially saying yes until she knew that our house was large enough and that we actually had the transportation to make it happen. This was obviously a big tournament for all of the top College Women’s Lacrosse Teams in the US. The fact that University of Washington made it to the finals was amazing, regardless of whether they would win any games. I was also thrilled to hear that my College, Cal – Poly had also made it to the finals.

So as the night arrived for them to land in Phoenix I asked a few to help with picking them up at the airport. We had the van, truck and little yellow car. It was relatively easy to get them and it wasn’t too long before we arrived at my house with the little dogs welcoming them by barking. They were obviously ‘high’ from flying out and we offered some snacks and drinks and they slowly got settled and we were able to do a few introductions.

The next morning we fixed them a gourmet breakfast, which prepared them for their long day ahead. We got everyone ready and filled up the van and truck. The Scottsdale Sports Complex is the perfect field I am sure for any sport like Lacrosse or Soccer. We found the sports complex after about a 40-minute drive. The coach found out how to register and then discover they were supposed to be at the fancy Marriott’s around the corner for all of the awards and special announcements. It was also clear that everyone else was dressed for success in beautiful dresses and they came in their shorts.

As the four days whizzed by it was great to get to know these college gals between doing breakfast and dinners together. I was able to watch two games and see that Lacrosse wasn’t too easy to play and that regardless of how it looked it was a contact sport that produced large bruises on most of the girls. Most of the girls had real homework, papers and even tests they had to do while away.

We had some interesting conversations as I ‘played’ with a few of them and asked about whether they were attached and had boy friends. We talked about commitment and the ingredients for a good relationship. Anne, as usual, got involved and did her discussion on sex and how being intimate without a real friendship was pointless and more so going to be harmful. I was pleasantly surprised at their level of maturity when it came to this topic. They are some impressive young ladies who are driven to pursue excellence. Most of them were some type of science major that required taking difficult classes, which I have, a vague memory in my college days.

As I got to know the coach, Vinca, who herself was an amazing lady. She worked full time and coached both a High School and this College Lacrosse Teams. I asked her impression of her team. She was quick to say that they were too nice, too friendly and more like ‘pussy cats’ and that this would be their downfall. She described most teams that make to the finals as being mean and aggressive. As I watched a couple of games I could see what she was talking about.

We discussed about doing at least one fun activity while they were in Arizona. I decided to push going to Sedona and Slide Rock. After a little discussion and showing pictures and a video of our visits it wasn’t too difficult to persuade them that it was worth doing. So after their game on Friday we were able to leave around 1:30 to see the red rock and enjoy the cold water. We took both the truck and van because of the ‘stuff’ we needed to bring. It was a rather easy ride going there without too much traffic. We did make a stop for Starbucks and Taco Bell. Otherwise the girls all started to look amazed as we started to see the breath taking red rock first at a distance and then close up. Driving through Sedona is always enjoyable and tempting with all of the shops.

We drive through Sedona and then another 20 minutes and we are close as we pass Oak Canyon and then the turn off. As we drive through and see an empty parking lot I know this is going to be a refreshing couple of hours. We get our normal spot and unload everything. I push everyone to walk up to the slide and see the jump zone. I quickly get in, knowing that I will be cold and get the group going. It isn’t too much longer and I am jumping off the 10-foot rock. It was so much fun and yes the water was chilly and the wind didn’t help either.

We had a great time watching everyone get their nerve up to jump and land in the frigid waters below. It was fun bugging a younger couple to get their nerve up to jump. I think I must have jumped at least 3 times before they even stood on the ledge. Yes, they finally do it and realize it wasn’t that difficult to do. Everyone gets wet and refreshed in our 2 hours and Slide Rock. We pack up our little spot and head back to the van and truck. We decide to do Mexican as we approach Sedona. There is a familiar place, Oxcaha, which we select and get seated quickly. The view is amazing from our table and the chips and salsa are great.

The drive back is captivating because of one of the team leaders wants to know more about what we do and why. So this begins a couple hour discussion about life that finds her talking about her situation, choices and decisions. I am thrilled that she is very open and venerable about her life choices and how she needs to think more about bigger life issues. It was great having similar conversations with many of the student’s parents who came out for the finals.

The last morning we had to leave too early to get to the complex by 7AM. I could tell that they were all tired but still wanting to play their last game with determination. The sun was out and it was actually warm. The team they were playing was Boston College and was fairly matched with them. The game was never more than a couple point difference from either side. I could tell that they really wanted to win and continued to push themselves in spite of the officials who seemed to call too many times and stop the action instead of just letting it go. The last few minutes saw the other team score two times and end up with a one-point lead. The time was beginning to get down to a minute and then I could tell that BC was going to keep the ball and that U W wasn’t going to get a last minute chance to tie up the game. As the foghorn sounded off we were all hot and tired from yelling our hearts out. The parents were proud of their students who played hard and at least made a record, the first UW team to actually win a game in the finals.

After pictures we all made back to the house where there were a few hours to shower, pack and be ready for the long flight home. Yeah, we were crazy to host 19 in our house but it was a lot of fun between the little dogs barking, the various conversations, tests taken and then great food we shared. I will miss Vinca and her team.