South Bend Table Tennis Center

The Las Vegas Convention Center is Open for Business

Already Tuesday!! For once the time difference worked in my favor (3:00 AM Vegas = 6:00 AM Indiana time) as there were not too many gambling weary folks who wanted to do laundry at 3:15 AM. Following that I had the privilege of moving from the Stratosphere ($31.00 / night & 2 free buffet passes) to the Riviera (free of charge if a volunteer). Moving of course means loading everything on your back and taking a hike!! But with weather like we were having in Vegas and knowing that 6 inches of snow was around the feet of South Bend residents made it seem like ... well, a walk in the park.

Luckily they let me do an early check in at my new digs and I did what any out of shape hiker that toted nearly 50 pounds on their back between locations - I took a nap. Afterall, I am on vacation!!

Timing was good as I awoke upon the opening of the Convention Center - So off to the arena was I.

As I approached the hall the excitement level was really starting to go up. Our team was here, they were well prepared, and the next few days were going to be great!!

After getting into the facility I was greeted by the following sign before heading into the arena - I was truely here!!

WOOOOHOOOOOO, YEEEEHHHAAWWWWW or HOOOLLLLY COOWWWW. What a sight to see!!

Tournament hasn't even started yet, but the air is full of ??? ... Ah, yes, it is full of ANTICIPATION.

So what is the best thing to calm the nerves of the team - per Coach - practice...

and more practice ....

and more practice ............

and after all that ... they leave the tables sweaty and with smiles - what a work ethic!!

Later in the evening I met with the volunteer staff and met my fellow workers. Over the next few days we would begin to know each other better. Nothing like a few fire drills to pull everybody together.

DOES LIFE GET ANY BETTER??

Well, the tournament will be opening tomorrow, so we will see.

2007 US Nationals