I don't even know where to start with this one. I've had a great week reflecting on life, in general, and many of my positive thoughts have been polluted with issues that have come to head since the most recent youth state wrestling tournament.
I serve as the Women's Director on the Wisconsin Wrestling Federation board of directors. I was initially scared to take the position because I was afraid my legacy in the Wisconsin wrestling community would be women's wrestling. However, I have grown past that thought and strive to do what is best for wrestling overall, regardless of age or gender. That's why I'm concerned.
I run a very successful wrestling school. We have testimony after testimony from athletes and parents who have become better wrestlers from their time spent at Victory School of Wrestling. What's more, these individuals are quick to reference the individual growth that is taking part in all who participate - athletes, coaches, officials and parents. We are positively influencing people and lives are being changed. That's what youth sports are about, right? So it probably comes as no surprised when I reveal that I am not a fan of youth wrestling tournaments.
Don't get me wrong, I love competition and I think children need to be in competitive environments and experience the thrill of victory and the sting of defeat. However, the youth wrestling environment has been infiltrated with arrogant, self-serving, uneducated coaches and parents set on devouring each other. They are so prevalent, that I fear the lasting impact these events are now having on children.
When I was a little kid, youth tournaments were fun! Now, they're scary. As a second grade wrestler, I remember the announcers were always smiling; today it seems like they're always reprimanding someone. The energy in the gymnasiums was always positive, but today the energy is so negative it hurts to be inside. We focused on having fun, now the focus is on winning and parents will do whatever it takes to see that their child is the winner. Unfortunately, in the end, that child and parent are the loser. They lose because of the missed opportunities to develop as a human being, to use wrestling as a tool to build life skills and to have fun enjoying youth sports. You're only a kid once.
There's no way that I could put all of my feelings into one blog post and I'd rather not take time writing on negative topics like this. I attended a large youth wrestling tournament three years ago that sums up my thoughts. It was a dual meet tournament and I didn't agree with the format to begin with, but I thought it would be a good experience for my middle school athletes and help me evaluate their progress (and mine as new club).
I was appalled by the attitude of many of the coaches. They were cut throat and did whatever it took to win. Before the tournament started, they manipulated the weigh-ins and brackets to get a head start on their quest to win the tournament. During the event, they were nearly violent with their attitude towards the officials. While coaching, they were extremely negative and caused enough fear in their athletes that there was no other option but to win. It worked. The team with the coaches that were the biggest jerks won. Imagine that: kids will respond when they're scared out of their mind. It was a rude awakening for me.
Humbled, I sat my team down and had a heart-to-hear with them. I had assembled a group of kids that were top-notch in the character category. The first thing I said is that I was sorry they had to be a part of such a lousy experience. I admitted that I was not prepared for the conduct of the adults (and athletes) at this event. I mentioned that they lost today, but will continue improving and what makes them "winners" is that they competed with good sportsmanship and are developing the "right things the right way" and they'll get what they deserve. I told them that I'm the wrong coach for an event like this because I will not belittle a child or scare them into winning. I pointed out the history of one of the clubs that destroyed our team. They are quick to burn kids out, they have a history of high school athletes getting in trouble and they don't experience success at the next levels of competition, not to mention the coaches had never experienced high level success their own. It's like the blind leading the blind. That was three years ago and my group of athletes has soared past nearly every individual on the other team (believe me, I'm tracking the progress of that team).
I'm scared for the future of the sport that I dearly love. Budget cuts and school boards are not putting our sport in jeopardy; coaches and parents are. No one is above self-reflection on this topic. Everyday I ask myself if I am on the right path with my athletes and if I'm presenting the sport to them in a way that promotes individual growth and retention of athletes. I strive to have a positive influence on every single athlete - leaving no child behind. I don't want to be "that guy" who is responsible for someone having a negative experience. Are you that guy? I hope not. If you are, it's time to think of others.
"You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedome to indulge the sinful nature, rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other." - Galatians 5:13-15
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Saturday, April 24, 2010
US Open - Cleveland, OH - Friday, April 23rd
Today was a very successful day for the NYAC women's team. The girls wrestled a total of 10 matches throughout the day and won all of them, placing six girls in the semi-finals tomorrow.
It's difficult to say how everyone will do tomorrow. The schedule is set in a way that gives the girls a very long break each day. It seems like no one is able to develop momentum or to get on roll. I think this will help the best wrestler win the tournament instead of rewarding the athlete who has the best day.
During the break, I walked to the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame. I didn't know what to expect and as a result, I didn't give myself enough time. It wouldn't have been very cost effective to purchase a ticket for less than an hour in the museum. I'm a history buff and the history of music is one of my keen interests. I want to be sure I get my money's worth if I go in the museum. Maybe I'll find time Saturday afternoon.
To follow up with a few stories I touched on earlier this week, Jesse Thielke did not place in the Senior Greco-Roman Open (he took 1st in FILA Junior Greco-Roman), Ryan Shapert didn't make it into the arena and TJ Hill defeated Jesse West.
Thielke is a special athlete. He has the talent to be the best in the world. This tournament was great for him to see that there is a very large gap in competing at the junior and senior levels. He'll be ready in the future, but this isn't his time yet. The senior level is a game of inches. The basic skills are very important and the athletes who win at the highest levels are the ones who are most proficent in the basic skills. Foot movement, head postion and hand position is where national champions are made. It comes down to a lot of tedious work and repetition while paying close attention to detail.
Poor Ryan Shapert didn't make it to the tournament because the night before (staying with TJ Hill, mind you) he had an encounter with the police. According to Hill, he was tazed three times. He pulled the barbs out of his skin after the first two attempts. It's been a very entertaining and comical story, but also very sad. Why was he hanging out with TJ Hill?
TJ Hill attempted his sixth or seventh comeback from retirement, but it ended prematurly after he lost his composure and cursed out an official and threw water bottles across the arena floor. At the Sunkist Open in 2005, Hill took his shoes off and set them in the middle of the mat after his third place match signifying his retirement. It's an honorable gesture done by some the world's best wrestlers, including Rulon Gardner, but not intended for someone like Hill. To cap of that gesture, he wrestled a few weeks later at the NYAC Open. It hasn't stopped since, but it has to. It's getting old.
It's difficult to say how everyone will do tomorrow. The schedule is set in a way that gives the girls a very long break each day. It seems like no one is able to develop momentum or to get on roll. I think this will help the best wrestler win the tournament instead of rewarding the athlete who has the best day.
During the break, I walked to the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame. I didn't know what to expect and as a result, I didn't give myself enough time. It wouldn't have been very cost effective to purchase a ticket for less than an hour in the museum. I'm a history buff and the history of music is one of my keen interests. I want to be sure I get my money's worth if I go in the museum. Maybe I'll find time Saturday afternoon.
To follow up with a few stories I touched on earlier this week, Jesse Thielke did not place in the Senior Greco-Roman Open (he took 1st in FILA Junior Greco-Roman), Ryan Shapert didn't make it into the arena and TJ Hill defeated Jesse West.
Thielke is a special athlete. He has the talent to be the best in the world. This tournament was great for him to see that there is a very large gap in competing at the junior and senior levels. He'll be ready in the future, but this isn't his time yet. The senior level is a game of inches. The basic skills are very important and the athletes who win at the highest levels are the ones who are most proficent in the basic skills. Foot movement, head postion and hand position is where national champions are made. It comes down to a lot of tedious work and repetition while paying close attention to detail.
Poor Ryan Shapert didn't make it to the tournament because the night before (staying with TJ Hill, mind you) he had an encounter with the police. According to Hill, he was tazed three times. He pulled the barbs out of his skin after the first two attempts. It's been a very entertaining and comical story, but also very sad. Why was he hanging out with TJ Hill?
TJ Hill attempted his sixth or seventh comeback from retirement, but it ended prematurly after he lost his composure and cursed out an official and threw water bottles across the arena floor. At the Sunkist Open in 2005, Hill took his shoes off and set them in the middle of the mat after his third place match signifying his retirement. It's an honorable gesture done by some the world's best wrestlers, including Rulon Gardner, but not intended for someone like Hill. To cap of that gesture, he wrestled a few weeks later at the NYAC Open. It hasn't stopped since, but it has to. It's getting old.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
US Open - Cleveland, OH - Thursday, April 22nd
I'm in my hotel room and I'm only a parking lot away from the arena that the tournament is being held in. I just returned from the venue after picking up weigh-in cards and credentials for the NYAC women. I also needed to get my coaches pass (from Tony). Traditionally, a group will go to a nearby pasta restaurant (Olive Garden is always popular) as the athletes start the re-hydration process after weigh-ins. Noel Thompson, the NYAC Chairperson for Wrestling, called a NYAC dinner meeting at 6:30, so I have a few hours to relax and get caught up on NFL Draft buzz.
Although not a part of the NYAC any longer, I did invite both Alaina and Deanna to join us at dinner. Both former athletes of mine, Alaina was resently named the head women's wrestling coach at the Cumberlands and today marks one year that Deanna lost her brother. A lot has changed since they were my pupils. After the "team" meal, I plan on returning to the hotel and watching the NFL Draft.
The best part of the day came courtesy of Ryan Shapert, a former D1 All-American from Edinboro. He started the day by "cutting weight" on the arena floor in stone washed jeans and steal-toe boots. It was later found that he was NOT registered for the event. Really? We had no idea. So he took his guitar and went outside and preached the Gospel. It was quite entertaining, but also somewhat sad. This was a man who had completely "lost it." He claimed that he had just come from the woods and didn't have Internet access to preregister. He put up a scene for almost an hour that included a lot of security, fire-and-brimstone preaching, police officers and Mitch Hull. Mitch granted the man his wish and entered him into the tournament.
With an abundance of former NCAA and USA national champions, there's no doubt Mr. Shapert is going to steal the show tomorrow. I think people were first intrigued by the homeless-looking man shrieking at security, but we know his story and it's sad. I think you had to be here to understand...
Although not a part of the NYAC any longer, I did invite both Alaina and Deanna to join us at dinner. Both former athletes of mine, Alaina was resently named the head women's wrestling coach at the Cumberlands and today marks one year that Deanna lost her brother. A lot has changed since they were my pupils. After the "team" meal, I plan on returning to the hotel and watching the NFL Draft.
The best part of the day came courtesy of Ryan Shapert, a former D1 All-American from Edinboro. He started the day by "cutting weight" on the arena floor in stone washed jeans and steal-toe boots. It was later found that he was NOT registered for the event. Really? We had no idea. So he took his guitar and went outside and preached the Gospel. It was quite entertaining, but also somewhat sad. This was a man who had completely "lost it." He claimed that he had just come from the woods and didn't have Internet access to preregister. He put up a scene for almost an hour that included a lot of security, fire-and-brimstone preaching, police officers and Mitch Hull. Mitch granted the man his wish and entered him into the tournament.
With an abundance of former NCAA and USA national champions, there's no doubt Mr. Shapert is going to steal the show tomorrow. I think people were first intrigued by the homeless-looking man shrieking at security, but we know his story and it's sad. I think you had to be here to understand...
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
US Open - Cleveland, OH - April 21st
Today has been spent playing with Isaiah as today will be the last time I see him until Sunday afternoon. Liz works until 3:30, then she's taking Isaiah to Madison for a couple of days. My flight to Cleveland isn't until tomorrow morning, though.
The preliminary brackets were released today. I took part in the pre-seeds on a conference call with Terry Steiner and the other club coaches. Everything was fairly straight forward in regards to the seeds, however, some coaches always find a way to argue and disagree just for the sake of arguing and disagreeing. The seeds at 55 kg were the most difficult and could have gone a multitude of ways. My girl, Helen Maroulis, drew the short straw and fell to #5. Since only the top 4 are seeded in the bracket, she was drawn in and was lucky to get a wonderful draw with a first round bye then the #2 seed (who she's already defeated twice this season).
I browsed the brackets for the men's freestyle challenge tournament and the Open. There are some interesting bouts in the first round. Two athletes that I used to compete against are pitted in the first round of the challenge tournament at 55 kg. TJ Hill (still representing DSWC, which disbarred in 2001) will take on Jesse West. Hill is 30 and West is 32 years old. Gentlemen, it's time to move on with life and find a hobby that isn't so physically demanding, like golf or bingo, seriously. I'll be sure to watch that match. I guarantee injury time.
I'm also excited to watch homegrown star Jesse Thielke. I contacted him this week to wish him luck and offer my assistance. If time permits, I plan on sitting in his corner. He drew University Greco-Roman champion Niko Triggas from Ohio State. This is going to be a very intriguing match-up. Don't sleep on Thielke, I think he's going to make a big splash this weekend in his senior-level debut.
Others with Wisconsin ties who I'm expecting to do well this weekend are Alyssa Lampe, Deanna Rix, Andrew Howe and Tyler Graff. Lampe is from Tomahawk, WI and I was privileged to coach her in high school. Rix moved to River Falls three years ago to train with Alaina Berube and other Victory athletes. Both are top seeds at their respective weight classes. Howe and Graff are both wrestling the Open instead of FILA Junior Nationals. However, a slew of Wisconsin athletes will compete in the FILA Junior division.
I'm even more excited than I was yesterday. I've never been to Cleveland. The forecast doesn't call for great weather, but I'll be inside most of the weekend. I am, however, excited to soak in the atmosphere of a playoff basketball team. I could see LeBron dropping 40 at least one night that I'm there. I'd still like to hit the Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame, too. Tony drove to Louisville, KY and toured the Louisville Slugger plant today. It should be a nice weekend. Plus, the Twins trounced the Tribe last night (in Minneapolis) and I'm going to sport a Twins hat in the rival city.
The preliminary brackets were released today. I took part in the pre-seeds on a conference call with Terry Steiner and the other club coaches. Everything was fairly straight forward in regards to the seeds, however, some coaches always find a way to argue and disagree just for the sake of arguing and disagreeing. The seeds at 55 kg were the most difficult and could have gone a multitude of ways. My girl, Helen Maroulis, drew the short straw and fell to #5. Since only the top 4 are seeded in the bracket, she was drawn in and was lucky to get a wonderful draw with a first round bye then the #2 seed (who she's already defeated twice this season).
I browsed the brackets for the men's freestyle challenge tournament and the Open. There are some interesting bouts in the first round. Two athletes that I used to compete against are pitted in the first round of the challenge tournament at 55 kg. TJ Hill (still representing DSWC, which disbarred in 2001) will take on Jesse West. Hill is 30 and West is 32 years old. Gentlemen, it's time to move on with life and find a hobby that isn't so physically demanding, like golf or bingo, seriously. I'll be sure to watch that match. I guarantee injury time.
I'm also excited to watch homegrown star Jesse Thielke. I contacted him this week to wish him luck and offer my assistance. If time permits, I plan on sitting in his corner. He drew University Greco-Roman champion Niko Triggas from Ohio State. This is going to be a very intriguing match-up. Don't sleep on Thielke, I think he's going to make a big splash this weekend in his senior-level debut.
Others with Wisconsin ties who I'm expecting to do well this weekend are Alyssa Lampe, Deanna Rix, Andrew Howe and Tyler Graff. Lampe is from Tomahawk, WI and I was privileged to coach her in high school. Rix moved to River Falls three years ago to train with Alaina Berube and other Victory athletes. Both are top seeds at their respective weight classes. Howe and Graff are both wrestling the Open instead of FILA Junior Nationals. However, a slew of Wisconsin athletes will compete in the FILA Junior division.
I'm even more excited than I was yesterday. I've never been to Cleveland. The forecast doesn't call for great weather, but I'll be inside most of the weekend. I am, however, excited to soak in the atmosphere of a playoff basketball team. I could see LeBron dropping 40 at least one night that I'm there. I'd still like to hit the Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame, too. Tony drove to Louisville, KY and toured the Louisville Slugger plant today. It should be a nice weekend. Plus, the Twins trounced the Tribe last night (in Minneapolis) and I'm going to sport a Twins hat in the rival city.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
US Open - Cleveland, OH - Tuesday, April 20th
We're only a few days from the opening round of the US Open in Cleveland, OH. I will be leaving River Falls early in the morning on Thursday, April 22nd. I'm the head women's coach for the New York Athletic Club. Last season, we won the team title, but didn't know until after the tournament because one of the champions tested positive for a banned substance, thrusting a NYAC athlete to the top and giving us a team.
This year, the NYAC women are laced with inuries. Two of our returning national champions will not compete due to injury (Adeline Gray and Jenna Pavlik) and another one of our athletes in on the fence and will make the decision on Friday morning if she'll compete. The rest of the line-up looks good on paper, however, the ladies will need to compete well to do what is expected of them. Our line-up is as follows:
48 kg - Mary Kelly
48 kg - Sara Fulp-Allen
48 kg - Victoria Anthony
51 kg - Katherine Fulp-Allen
51 kg - Amy Whitbeck
55 kg - Helen Maroulis
59 kg - Leigh Jaynes
63 kg - Veronica Carlson
I don't think we have enough depth to win the team title this year, especially without an athlete at 67 kg or 72 kg.
I'm sitting at my computer, reviewing results from 2009-10 and preparing for the seeding meeting. US Coach Terry Steiner will call a few coaches, including myself, this afternoon and togehter we'll seed the tournament. All participants are pre-registered, but the final seeds will be done after weigh-ins.
I'm getting anxious for the weekend. Regardless of how the NYAC women do, I'll get to spend a weekend watching the nation's best (men and women) and visiting my brother, among other things - like the Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame, perhaps.
This year, the NYAC women are laced with inuries. Two of our returning national champions will not compete due to injury (Adeline Gray and Jenna Pavlik) and another one of our athletes in on the fence and will make the decision on Friday morning if she'll compete. The rest of the line-up looks good on paper, however, the ladies will need to compete well to do what is expected of them. Our line-up is as follows:
48 kg - Mary Kelly
48 kg - Sara Fulp-Allen
48 kg - Victoria Anthony
51 kg - Katherine Fulp-Allen
51 kg - Amy Whitbeck
55 kg - Helen Maroulis
59 kg - Leigh Jaynes
63 kg - Veronica Carlson
I don't think we have enough depth to win the team title this year, especially without an athlete at 67 kg or 72 kg.
I'm sitting at my computer, reviewing results from 2009-10 and preparing for the seeding meeting. US Coach Terry Steiner will call a few coaches, including myself, this afternoon and togehter we'll seed the tournament. All participants are pre-registered, but the final seeds will be done after weigh-ins.
I'm getting anxious for the weekend. Regardless of how the NYAC women do, I'll get to spend a weekend watching the nation's best (men and women) and visiting my brother, among other things - like the Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame, perhaps.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Target Field Inaugural Game Was A Memorable One
April 12th, 2010 was a historic day for Twins fans all over the world. It marked the Inaugural Home Opening Day at the new Target Field. During the 50th year of the Twins franchise, the team has returned to play home games the way they're intended - outside. It couldn't have happened on a more beautiful day as the rain subsided and players and fans endured a sunny 65 degree afternoon.
The game was scheduled for a 3:10 start time. The local news stations had been building the anticipation of the game by mentioning a pep rally and other outdoor activities beginning as early as noon. I knew that I had to be on the grounds for this great day in baseball history, so I left River Falls at 10:45 and headed for Minneapolis.
I had no intentions of going to the game because I had to be back in River Falls for practice, however, I knew that if I didn't go to at least be in the environment, I would later regret not being a part of the Twins Territory christening of the stadium. I drove around downtown Minneapolis, soaked in the energy and decided I would park and walk around the stadium. There are a few spots where you can actually see the grass from outside the park. I buckled and gave in to the temptation...I just had to go inside this beautiful building, so I bought a ticket from my new friend Jay. He's my new peddlar of choice for this season. He sits on the corner of 3rd Ave North and North 5th St.
I paid for my ticket and savored the moment walking towards Gate 3, scanned my ticket and walked up the stairs. All of the world's problems disappeared as the sounds around me became silent. It was a surreal moment as if I was walking into a sanctuary; and I was. Isn't that what America's game is supposed to be about? Well, Target Field definitely delivered. Here I was, inside an amazing piece of architecture focused on one thing - enjoying baseball.
I was inside the gate by 12:30 and enjoyed an hour of batting practice. The Twins players were in seventh heaven, just like me. They joyfully shagged balls in the outfield and hit home run after home run into the stands as if they knew it was their responsibility to provide everyone there with a souvenir. I didn't catch a ball, but many people around me did.
When the Twins were done hitting, I decided to take my time exploring the stadium. I checked out the shops, restaurants and bars at a leisurly pace. I bought a Big Dog with onions (similar to the Dome Dog, but much better) and the hallways started filling quickly. With over an hour and a half before the opening pitch, the stadium was nearly full. I took the chance to sit in seats all over the stadium, and I didn't find one single place that wouldn't be a wonderful place to sit and watch baseball. It was all spectacular and, again, surreal.
My ticket was Section 330, Row 16, Seat 25, but I wanted to enjoy the stadium until the last possible moment. I was checking out section 211 when I noticed commotion in sections 330 and 331 and the announcer introduced former Twins stars who were members of divisional championship teams. They were to raise the flags for their past titles. They were in my section, so I tried to hurry across to see them up close. I was too late. I passed Corey Koskie, Brad Radke, Shannon Stewart and Bert Blyleven on the stairs going to my seat. Bill Smith actually sat in the exact seat that was on my ticket as he raised the flag! How did I miss that!
Finally, after arriving at my seat, I took the chance to "drink it all in." I was in the top row and felt as if I was able to look over everything that was going on. I had enjoyed sitting in the home run porch during batting practice, walking across the plaza and enjoying the variety of food, particularly the Vincent Burger from the Hennepin Grill for only $12. However, from Section 330, Row 16, Seat 25, the feeling that I had can only be described as religious. It was all bigger than life and almost too much to comprehend.
Hundreds of individuals unraveled an enourmous American flag that covered the entire outfield and a combination of Minneapolis gospel singers belted the "Star Spangled Banner" that was capped off by a fly-by from four F-16 fighter jets. The moment moved me to tears and it was followed by almost a full minute of cheering and clapping. We were simply living in a moment that we'll never forget. It was priceless.
Before I purchased my ticket, I knew that I had to leave early. Up to this point, it had been worth every bit the price of admission. Then the game started. The first pitch, the first strike, the first hit, the ovation for Joe Mauer during his first at bat. All the firsts. I was there. I experienced it all first hand. I saw these moments live and I'll cherish those moments for the rest of my life. Baseball history was unfolding before my eyes.
I had to leave during the third inning. Although I sincerely wish I could have stayed until the end, my first experience at Target Field was absolutely perfect. I bought the shirt, got the free inaugural game Homer Hanky and brought a pennant home for Isaiah. I have much from the day that will help me relive those moments, and I will visit those memories often.
Next to my wedding and the birth of Isaiah, it was the greatest day of my life. This is what the Twins were aiming for and as far as I'm concerned, they hit a home run!
The game was scheduled for a 3:10 start time. The local news stations had been building the anticipation of the game by mentioning a pep rally and other outdoor activities beginning as early as noon. I knew that I had to be on the grounds for this great day in baseball history, so I left River Falls at 10:45 and headed for Minneapolis.
I had no intentions of going to the game because I had to be back in River Falls for practice, however, I knew that if I didn't go to at least be in the environment, I would later regret not being a part of the Twins Territory christening of the stadium. I drove around downtown Minneapolis, soaked in the energy and decided I would park and walk around the stadium. There are a few spots where you can actually see the grass from outside the park. I buckled and gave in to the temptation...I just had to go inside this beautiful building, so I bought a ticket from my new friend Jay. He's my new peddlar of choice for this season. He sits on the corner of 3rd Ave North and North 5th St.
I paid for my ticket and savored the moment walking towards Gate 3, scanned my ticket and walked up the stairs. All of the world's problems disappeared as the sounds around me became silent. It was a surreal moment as if I was walking into a sanctuary; and I was. Isn't that what America's game is supposed to be about? Well, Target Field definitely delivered. Here I was, inside an amazing piece of architecture focused on one thing - enjoying baseball.
I was inside the gate by 12:30 and enjoyed an hour of batting practice. The Twins players were in seventh heaven, just like me. They joyfully shagged balls in the outfield and hit home run after home run into the stands as if they knew it was their responsibility to provide everyone there with a souvenir. I didn't catch a ball, but many people around me did.
When the Twins were done hitting, I decided to take my time exploring the stadium. I checked out the shops, restaurants and bars at a leisurly pace. I bought a Big Dog with onions (similar to the Dome Dog, but much better) and the hallways started filling quickly. With over an hour and a half before the opening pitch, the stadium was nearly full. I took the chance to sit in seats all over the stadium, and I didn't find one single place that wouldn't be a wonderful place to sit and watch baseball. It was all spectacular and, again, surreal.
My ticket was Section 330, Row 16, Seat 25, but I wanted to enjoy the stadium until the last possible moment. I was checking out section 211 when I noticed commotion in sections 330 and 331 and the announcer introduced former Twins stars who were members of divisional championship teams. They were to raise the flags for their past titles. They were in my section, so I tried to hurry across to see them up close. I was too late. I passed Corey Koskie, Brad Radke, Shannon Stewart and Bert Blyleven on the stairs going to my seat. Bill Smith actually sat in the exact seat that was on my ticket as he raised the flag! How did I miss that!
Finally, after arriving at my seat, I took the chance to "drink it all in." I was in the top row and felt as if I was able to look over everything that was going on. I had enjoyed sitting in the home run porch during batting practice, walking across the plaza and enjoying the variety of food, particularly the Vincent Burger from the Hennepin Grill for only $12. However, from Section 330, Row 16, Seat 25, the feeling that I had can only be described as religious. It was all bigger than life and almost too much to comprehend.
Hundreds of individuals unraveled an enourmous American flag that covered the entire outfield and a combination of Minneapolis gospel singers belted the "Star Spangled Banner" that was capped off by a fly-by from four F-16 fighter jets. The moment moved me to tears and it was followed by almost a full minute of cheering and clapping. We were simply living in a moment that we'll never forget. It was priceless.
Before I purchased my ticket, I knew that I had to leave early. Up to this point, it had been worth every bit the price of admission. Then the game started. The first pitch, the first strike, the first hit, the ovation for Joe Mauer during his first at bat. All the firsts. I was there. I experienced it all first hand. I saw these moments live and I'll cherish those moments for the rest of my life. Baseball history was unfolding before my eyes.
I had to leave during the third inning. Although I sincerely wish I could have stayed until the end, my first experience at Target Field was absolutely perfect. I bought the shirt, got the free inaugural game Homer Hanky and brought a pennant home for Isaiah. I have much from the day that will help me relive those moments, and I will visit those memories often.
Next to my wedding and the birth of Isaiah, it was the greatest day of my life. This is what the Twins were aiming for and as far as I'm concerned, they hit a home run!
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