May 13, 2007

MCLA National Championships Player Journal

Journal 1 - Day 2 - Brad Ferriell

Once again the Michigan Men's Lacrosse Team has brought the Ann Arbor weather with them; except this time the hometown weather had been amazing.  Dallas has provided for us, thus far, with beautiful 80 degree weather compared to last year's unbearable high 90s.  I can remember that 1^st round game versus Oakland and the visible heat haze from the heat rising off the field full of dead brown grass.  Jeff Hess waiting on the sideline with ice-cold towels to drape over your head when you needed a break because you could neither breathe nor see straight.  Our current weather is a Godsend. 

Like all our trips begin, I was up earlier than I had been since the previous plane trip to SBT07.  Scooped up my man, Keeper-of-the-Cage, Kaufman and headed to the Tennis Center.  I must have been still asleep while boarding the bus because my absent mind got the best of me; Gigs yelled at me that my car door was wide open as the bus was leaving the parking lot!  I would've been more embarrassed, but those sorts of things happen to me on a daily basis.  I never thought I would say this...Thank You Gigs!  Just kidding, but seriously, thanks. 

Despite Mr. Hess' absence on my final trip (I'll miss you greatly Jeff), airport and travel dealings went smoothly.  I speak for the team when I say that we are all happy to be in the exact same hotel as last year with the boundless choice of surrounding eateries and the ever so important Chipotle that I need to survive any given week.  The addition of the SleepNumber beds was an added bonus, as well.  "What's your number?"  Mine is 85 (I have a bad back).  However, the hotel has chosen to terminate the 6pm cookie give-away we, and the parents, abused last year. 

The first outdoor practice in Dallas yesterday went as planned...everyone was stiff, slow, aching, and whiny from the early day's start and uncomfortable plane ride.  But, the intensity and focus has been in everyone's mentality for the past couple weeks and I feel that is the most important ingredient in our success this week.

Today marked the team's last full practice.  The past month has been full of so many "lasts" for me, the novelty is starting to wear off.  The practice was awesome.  We got to scrimmage the University of Dayton's team for the first hour of our practice which was a great opportunity to see some fresh match-ups than we're used to in practices.  I believe it will prove to have been very beneficial leading up to round 1 versus Northeastern.  It was very relaxed as I would find any chance to rag on Coach Vinnie Lang (who I've known since freshman year), but at the same time both teams performed with immense vigor as we both understand the importance of my final college lacrosse tournament.  After all, this is a business trip for the Boys in Blue!

After debunking Northeastern in our game plan meeting this afternoon, the team traveled to Andrea Sinacola's house in Plano, TX.  Andrea is a very close friend of mine, as well as Ryan Kaufman's girlfriend (or as I like to say, Wifey).  Her wonderful family awaited our arrival with a full-out Texas BBQ.  While the man of the house grilled the meat, the team was swimming, playing basketball, hiking the property, and watching the Red Wings LOSE...HAHAHA (I don't even watch hockey).  The hospitality was astounding and there are not enough words to thank the Sinacola family for the party.

After a persistently entertaining and surprising 30+ viewing of Entourage in the basement, all boarded the RoadRunner (our bus) as we traveled back to our cookie-less lobbied hotel with our own personal SleepNumbers.  Goodnight!