Buffalo Part Deux

7/31/11

Busy day today. We started early this morning with some unit time—forwards working on lineouts and backs kicking—followed by breakfast, practice prep and practice. Practice, despite it being our first in over a month, felt good. I think everyone had their noses to the grindstone after camp, and we’ve come in ready for our pre-Cup preparation and the Nation’s Cup. Also, my “Skills Team” won (we had a little competition between groups of 5 to see who could get in the most skills reps), so big thanks to everyone who helped me get in some kicks and passes back at home in VA.

After practice, we had a brief lifting session, concentrating mostly on explosive movements (power clean stuff) followed by a team meeting. There we learned that we were “freaks.” Kind-of funny, but definitely true when applied to the explanation our Specialist coach gave. He said that what we do is abnormal—that most of the population wouldn’t choose to do this—so that made us freaks. I suppose I’ve always known that there was something a little different with rugby players, and I suppose that’s why I was drawn to them and the sport.

The meeting was followed by our second practice of the day, in which we worked a lot on defense and the game plan versus England. I’m super excited about playing in my first international match, especially against a really good team.

In off-the-field happenings, there was some accidental food stealing. One of the players is Jewish and eats only kosher foods, so she has brought some of her own meals. Last night, a couple of the stragglers (some of the ladies from further west, who got in a little later than the rest) made a meal out of her chicken and potatoes, and then stuck the picked-apart chicken carcass back in the refrigerator. As a consolation, one of the culprits offered, “Well it was really good.”

First Leg of My Nation's Cup Trip

7/30/11

My first international rugby experience has begun. Actually, we’re still in the states, but will be traveling to Canada in a couple of days to play England.

I arrived in Buffalo, NY around 3:30pm and arrived at the University at Buffalo (most of us are wondering why it’s the University “AT” Buffalo instead of “OF”—if anyone knows, share) in time for a team meeting, followed by a long overdue dinner and getting our new kit. Our kit includes two pair of shorts, two pair of socks, a bag, a track suit and a mouthguard. I believe my mouthguard was switched at birth. It doesn’t fit—those aren’t my teeth impressions and it’s too wide—but I’m sure I’ll get that straightened out tomorrow.

In our meeting, we talked a lot about our challenges and opportunities. Some of the non-rugby opportunities I like the best are possibly getting a chance to see Niagara Falls and maybe trying some genuine Buffalo hot wings.

Right now, I’m winding down and getting ready to hit the sack. We have two practices tomorrow and a couple of meetings.

Video of the OTC

As promised (just a little late), here's the video of the "suite" at the OTC: