Troy University Athletics
A Little Different Perspective, As Always
2/17/2009 6:00:00 AM | Basketball (M)
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
It's Tuesday again and that can only mean one thing: another edition of Tale of the Tape to keep in line with what I've been doing for the last few weeks and doing my part to keep the streak alive.
The Tale is pretty monotonous around here right now, but in a good way, and in no way am I disappointed. Actually, the last week has been somewhat of a dream. We beat two really good basketball teams. We've added two to the win column and to the streak as well. We've been at home for ten nights now since our trip to Boca. And, I have not been lost all week!
Not counting that dream I had last night with the ostriches and alligators, it's been an absolutely 'good dream' kind of week. Weird, I know...don't ask.
Of course, all that goodness came to a screeching halt this morning.
First of all, I saw the moon and stars early as I got in my car to come to basketball practice. We had to practice early because of the invasion of Trojan Arena by the AHSAA South Regional Basketball Tournament that fired up this morning at 9 a.m. Then, we had a little ankle incident late in practice that has us all on edge. Thankfully, it has turned out to be much better than initially expected and I think we're well on our way to 'full-go' at game time. Rehab around the clock and lots of determination from the athlete goes a long way.
Since the early morning scare, I've watched more high school basketball than should be legal in a day's time. I've also eaten more donuts than should be allowed. Daylight Donuts and the high school tournament go hand-in-hand for those of us that work behind the scenes day in and day out.
Each day for the next three days, 16 teams - boys and girls, class 1A-6A - will play on the court of Trojan Arena. That's 24 games, with each day starting at 9 a.m. and ending around 12 hours later.
Then they will continue to play 12 more games over two days to decide who the state qualifier in each division will be...or something like that! All I know is it's a LOT of high school basketball and fortunately, I'll be in MIAMI for most of it this year!
It will be my 13th or 14th high school regional basketball tournament since I've been at TROY. It's a great opportunity for the University to showcase our campus and athletics facilities to the high school students and families of the area. It's also a good fundraising opportunity for the athletic training education program. We will park around 3000 cars in the course of the week. Hopefully the weather will hold out for them and they won't have to park cars in the rain. Been there, done that!
Hosting the tournament is also a great reminder of why I don't teach high school anymore. I definitely appreciate my job, the freedoms it allows, and the lovely trips I get to take in the process!
Speaking of a wonderful job and lovely trips, I'm leaving on a jet plane in the morning to go to MIAMI! Did I mention that already? We're flying AirTran this time, the airline my older sister flies with and I'm fully intending an upgrade...hint, hint, Alysia!
We will face Florida International on Thursday night in a tooth-and-nail battle to continue the streak. Historically we don't play well at Pharmed Arena (from very quick search of Alyson-memory). Pharmed Arena is unique in that it houses the only open-air locker room we experience on the Sunbelt tour. But it is Miami...I'd wear shorts year-round and have an open air something in my house too if I lived there. Let's hope we take full advantage of the fresh air.
The more games we win, the more nervous I get and the more I begin to wonder how long it can possibly last. We will be playing a totally new FIU team this time because they've had some players return from being injured and ineligible that weren't on the court when we won the match-up in Troy. That makes it hard for the team to prepare and me even more nervous. I'm sure the coaches have watched enough film to prepare, as always, but you never know which way the ball will bounce.
I can vaguely remember the sad feeling after losing last to ULaLa in January (and the many other times we've experienced it) but I think the more you win, the more you want to win, and the farther from the reality of losing you get. Maybe it is all just a dream...if it is I don't want to wake up yet!
I had lunch with my basketball athletic training predecessor, Bobby Templin, who is a math whiz! We enjoyed each others' company and the great food at Sisters' in town while counting proverbial chickens (other than the literal one I had-fried- with mac and cheese and creamed corn). He can do all the tie-breakers in his head and said something about winning out and needing some help. I'm not quite sure if I know what he's talking about, but I do know the more games we can win, the better off we will be. Personally, I'm hoping for a birthday celebration in Hot Springs, Arkansas! I'll keep you posted on the status of that.
I don't know what else I can say at this point...I've got my fingers and toes crossed that we win at FIU (and at ULaLa and at home, obviously). After that, it's win or go home. Whatever will I do with all my free time? Probably watch some baseball...but that's just off the top of my head.
Until next time...
GO TROJANS!
ASteed
