WNT Camp Day 4

6/25/11
12:45pm PT

So I guess I’m a day late on some of this stuff, but here’s another interesting thing that has happened here at camp.

USADA (the US Anti-Doping Agency) held a meeting with us, yesterday. Basically, they went over policy, what’s legal/illegal, how we can search stuff we’re taking (like Tylenol and other OTC meds) to see if they contain banned substances, and then they told us that we are now on their list for random drug screening.

What this means is that we have to submit our schedule for the next three months—when we’re at home, the hours we work, when we train, any scheduled appointments/activities/vacations. If any of these events changes, let’s say practice has been cancelled and we won’t be there, we have to notify them via text, online, smart phone app, or email. You pretty much have to be where you said you would be if they come looking for you, and they can come-a-lookin’ at any time. Kinda nuts, huh.

Well, if you think that’s nuts, consider this: it’s fairly lenient compared to the WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) policy. International athletes (includes all of our Olympians) have to be at a set location every day for an hour, just in case WADA wants to test them. If they’re not there, they receive a “Missed Test.” Basically, we’re being watched by the “Secret Police.”

In rugby related things, we seem to be gelling as a unit here. Our offense is coming together and our defense is showing very few weaknesses. I’m not as overwhelmed as I was when I arrived, and I think that getting to know my teammates alone has helped that. And the coaching staff is amazing with their feedback and being upfront and honest with the players about their expectations.

Regardless of whether or not I get selected to the Nation’s Cup roster, I’m elated that I’m a part of what’s going to be an awesome US Eagles team. I’ve learned a lot these last couple of days and picked up on some of the nuances of the game, and I’ve also been able to discern holes in my own game (boy, do I need to work on kicking). It’s been a great experience.

9:50pm PT

The afternoon session went really well. We scrimmaged the last 25 minutes, and I think everyone had a great time. Though we were all tired, the effort never waned. We’ve really made progress this week.

I made a nice hit on one of the opposing forwards—one of those that spectators can hear on the sideline. After we had finished, she walked up to me and said, “I haven’t been hit that hard in a long time. I liked it.”

I love playing with ladies like that—with that sort-of competitive spirit. I think a true competitor relishes in a strong opponent. I think being bested gives that true competitor one other thing to work on and improve in their game, so that they won’t be bested again.

Again, I’ve had such a great time out here in Cali, and I’m hoping that I get to spend some more time with the Eagles at Nation’s Cup.