ENTRY #8
Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2011
Pilot Fans ---
I have little to report on the soccer end of things due to the fact that we had a weekend without games. However, I am happy to report that the team is rested and ready to begin conference play. In our first conference game we will be playing at BYU this Thursday. For those of you that want to watch the game, but do not want to fly to Provo, you can catch the game on Fox Soccer Channel at 6pm.
Since we are on the road this weekend I have decided to write about the 10 things a soccer player must make sure to bring with them when they travel. Here they are:
1. An inspirational sports movie. Remember the Titans, Miracle, Mighty Ducks, Hoosiers, or Glory Road it does not matter, just as long as you have one. You never know when your flight is going to be delayed or you are going to be stuck in traffic, so having a pump-up movie handy will make sure that you are ready to go for the game no matter what the circumstance.
2. iPod with good ear buds. Your ears will appreciate not having to listen to the music that your coach picks for the van or static radio music playing on the bus. And the headphones will ensure that you will actually be able to hear your music and not your neighbor’s conversation.
3. Pre-wrap. Make sure to grab a roll of pre-wrap in your favorite color (I prefer neon green) so that you are not the one who lets the ball roll past you because you could not see it due to your hair covering your eyes.
4. Uniform. You actually want to be able to play in the game, so you should probably grab this. I think it is definitely worth checking to make sure you have it every time you get that gut feeling that you may have forgotten it…even if you get that feeling every two minutes.
5. Cleats. Last time I checked you don’t where your running shoes in a game.
6. Granola bars. Who likes paying for expensive airport food? I don’t think anyone does, so instead of buying a five dollar Cliff Bar at the airport, stash a couple of granola bars in your bag. If you like to snack on fruit, then instead of buying the ten dollar cup of four day old fruit, bring a couple of apples.
7. The “yes, I know we all match, we are on a team, and no we do not play volleyball/basketball/softball we play soccer” mentality. Yes, it does look a little funny to your average traveler to see a group of 20 people wearing the same outfit walking through an airport, so just accept the fact that they are going to stare. And I know that Taylor (who is 5’3”) does not look like a basketball player, but most people just don’t think of soccer when they see a team walking around. So just smile and nod and repeat this phrase, “Hi, no, we actually play soccer for (insert club/school name). “
8. Homework. As much as you don’t want to bring it so that you can’t do it, you probably should. Because doing homework when you’re bored at a hotel beats staying up late on Sunday night to do it.
9. Money. You get to travel to a lot of cool places on a soccer trips, so having some cash around so that you can buy a cool souvenir key chain comes in handy.
10. ID. Flying without an ID is about as difficult as licking your elbow, so I suggest bringing not only one ID, but maybe two. You never know when you are going to lose your ID, just ask Cloee.
Well I’ll make sure I have all of these things as I pack up to head to BYU today.
Until next time,
Erin Dees
PREVIOUS ENTRIES
- Entry #1 (Aug. 17, 2011)
- Entry #2 (Aug. 24, 2011)
- Entry #3 (Aug. 30, 2011)
- Entry #4 (Sept. 7, 2011)
- Entry #5 (Sept. 14, 2011)
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Entry #6 (Sept. 20, 2011)
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Entry #7 (Sept. 28, 2011)
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- The Emma Nelson Blog (Fall 2010)
