12 July 2021
Getting ready to depart! Yessssssssssss!!!
Great first day. Sunday, July 11th we had our parent and player meeting and handed out all of our gear. It really hits the players when they try on the Stars 'n Stripes uniform. Reality of going abroad gets the blood pumping. A light training session to introduce our Brazilian warm up, pretty sure my Sns alumni are rolling their eyes about now. Kids off to last good meal with the family.
Monday, July 12th, meet at Dallas Love Field, boys in their red SnS tops and black SnS pants. A few good byes and some long hugs and we are off to our gate. Unfortunately we lost a player at the last minute to Covid positive test so we replaced him with another staff member, Rachel Hise as Rachel will help us photo the entire group. So we have 14 players and 3 staff and tons of excitement. Flight one to Houston, no issues, smooth and simple. Approx 3 hour layover allows the boys to mingle and chat and start to get to know each other. They will become extremely close over the next 12 days and one of the best part of our trip. Flight number two, Houston to San Jose, Costa Rica. Also smooth but lots of paperwork getting through passport control but no worries, Coach Ed is organized and has all in order so we go right through without a hitch. Handed out our first punishment and guess who it is? Most parents are praying that their son did not get caught first, lol. And the winner is, Braden Wright, and we will let him inform his parents on the crime. No worries, I can guarantee that each player will have some form of sit ups or push ups over the next 12 days so be sure to watch the videos and pics. Arrive at our Hotel Martino and what a palace it is. Unlike Coach Ed to book such a lavish accomodation but with Covid still hurting the travel industry it was affordable and the boys love it. Great first meal and no issues getting to bed right away. Phones are in my possession as well as passports and tomorrow will be our first full day on tour so wish us luck. Ciao, Ed