Let the Good Times Roll

Tuesday, February 24, 2009 - FAT TUESDAY

Let the good times roll!

Even though we had a little disappointment with the loss last week in Miami - okay, more than a little disappointment - the Men of Troy are still on track to have some good times ahead.

In recap of Miami: the weather was beautiful! As always, I enjoyed a little South Florida sunshine by the pool in my pre-game ritual. I decided to forego running for sunning! Obviously, it was not the winning combination for which I was hoping, but it sure was nice. It was especially refreshing since it's been frigidly cold here in Lower Alabama for FOREVER. A brief hour at the pool, all by my little self, was more than enough to get me through to May. By then it will be hot enough to enjoy some sun a little more locally.

We ate very well. Since we stay in the same hotels year in and year out, we get accustomed to the food places nearby and usually visit the same ones each trip. This time though, we ventured out to find some local cuisine for a little change of pace - and because Shorty's BBQ hasn't been very lucky for us of late. Where do you get advice on Cuban food when visiting FIU? Look no further than the head of their Men's Basketball bench at Coach Sergio Rouco. He suggested Guajieros, Comida Cubana.

The moment we walked in the restaurant we knew we were in the right place. The ambience of burlap on the ceiling and sombrero hats really set the mood for the task at hand, although my Spanish is a little rusty and I had difficulty reading the menu at first. The menu had English subtitles, thankfully. We were, by the way, the only ones speaking English during the course of our meal. I got the prize for ordering the best meal: black beans and rice, fried plantanes, pollo asado (basically grilled chicken), and flan for desert. I was unable to eat it all, but with the help of my trusty skinny friends Taylor and Barry, I think we satisfied our taste for 'comida cubana.' I was thoroughly impressed and can assure you will be visiting that establishment again!

We had a brush with greatness (or so they told me) when Antwan Walker was shooting around in the FIU arena prior to our scheduled practice time on Thursday. I honestly thought he was an FIU staff member getting in some noon-time basketball action, but was quickly reprimanded by all. Antwan Walker was doing a little functional rehab with the strength and conditioning staff at FIU as we looked on. Of course, the guys on the team were surprised and amazed that I didn't know who he was. Oh well! Think they'd know Rachel Ray if they saw her? Doubtful! I win...

Big games on the schedule again this week, even though our streak has ended. All the games are big at this point in the season. I, for one, am a little relieved that we're back to reality again.

Winning consecutive games at this point of the season doesn't really matter. I believe we've locked in a 'bye' in the first round of the tournament with no worse than a #3 seed - an accomplishment I did not anticipate at the beginning of the season to say the least. That puts us in a position to have to win three in a row to solidify some March Madness for this team. Basically, win or go home! But I think I've shared that pearl already.

I would like nothing more than to pull of a couple of wins this week; first at ULaLa on Thursday, and then at home against South on Senior Night on Saturday.

The four seniors (Josh, Kenny,Mario, and Tom) need your support in their final home game at Trojan Arena! Come out and show them your appreciation for the entertainment they've given you over the last two or four years. It's the least you can do. And while you're at it, encourage the whole team to a 'W' and wish them lots of luck in the Conference Tournament in March.

See you all soon!
Until then....Laissez les bons temps rouler!

GEAUX TROJANS!
Asteed

Troy University Athletics

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