28 July 2013
July 30th - and it all ends!!!
Dear SnS families and players, all are home safe and sound and I am exhausted so I know its been a good tour.
We have had a blast with kids from Pittsburgh, Dallas, Shreveport, Denver, Boston, and Rhode Island. Lots of chat about returning on tour which is always a good sign as well.
In 3 weeks we have made so many memories, made so many friends, and accomplished so much that I feel good.
I feel good about our football
I feel good about our American patriotism
I feel good about our ability to sing and chant
I feel good about our closeness as a family
I feel good about our Ed Pace
I feel good about our lack of gaps
I feel good about Amanda staying behind and chasing her dreams
I even feel good about Lennart, the original
I feel good about the team sit ups
I feel good about no soft drinks, no chips and unhealthy snacks
I don't feel good about those who cheated and ate McDonalds, hope it was worth it
I feel good about the girls doing sit ups for not locking their rooms
I feel good about not using the elevators
I feel good about our hotel and food in Sweden
I feel good about our opening ceremonies in Sweden
I feel good about Mini Meg reciting the opening oath
I feel good about our one team per room in Dana
I don't feel good about the smell in those rooms, including the girls room
I feel good about the chocolate bars we won at Liseberg, thanks for sharing
I feel good about the Cosio's in Dana, but not the bottles the Boys B stashed in the other room
I feel good about all of the walking, its only a few minutes away
I feel good about our dress up night in Dana
I feel good about the ferry trip, but not the night ferry and freezing temps
I feel good about our late night transfers, but not the whining involved
I feel good about Renee and her eye, and her toughness
I feel good about the Brazilian warm up
I feel good about the team Ticki Ticki Tonga
I feel good about the boys B walking up to the girls game and raising their level with their chanting
I feel good about all 3 teams advancing to the A finals in Gothia and 2 of 3 advancing in Dana
I feel good about winning in pks boys B, but losing in pks Boys B - after 9 rounds
I feel good about Stars 'n Stripes and what we stand for
I feel good about the quality of kids both on and off the field
Its been a great tour and for that I feel good.
To all, please stay in touch, keep up on social networks like our SnS facebook page, etc.
Thanks to all for your efforts and your patience and your openness to experience new things.
Yours in Soccer,
Ed
Stars 'n Stripes Awards
- Player of Germany - boys A - Derek Gabel, boys B - Ben Watson, Girls - Megan (Mini Meg) Pitcock
- Player of Gothia Cup - boys A - Eric Mancias, boys B - Carlos Gonzalez, Girls - Megan Paul
- Player of Dana Cup - boys A - Yoda Deery, boys B - Adam Witte, Girls - Allie Gipson
- Player of the Tour - boys A - Solomon Monteczuma, boys B - Drew (Tank) Stiles, Girls - Jenny Slack
- John Koutoupis Award (Ambassador) - Boys - Hamza Alkadri, Girls - Katie Wilson
- Golden Boot - Boys - Eddie Puskarich, Girls - Amber Devine
- Goal of the Tour - Boys - Drew (Baby Drew) Collari, Girls - Peyton Hasik
- Patriot Award - Renee Lyles
- Lennart Award - Solomon Monteczuma, Addie Jacobs, Cory Wright
- Coaches Award - Lindsay Meehan, Matt (Hoppy) Hopkins