We have spent the last few days training very hard. We have lifted weights in the morning followed by swim conditioning, passing, shooting and then some scrimmage with Croatia. The scrimmages have been close as we have been getting stronger and working out the jet lag. This morning we played 2 quarters and at the end of that it was 3-2 us. Our defense looks to be shaping up and doing better. Merrill and Chay Lapin have been playing well in the cage, which always helps the defense look stronger. The fact the we are winning quarters is positive, no doubt but these are just scrimmages. And I am sure there is some cat and mouse being played on both sides. We have used all players equally except for Tony Azevedo, who has not yet played at all because he has been sick. Tonight we play one more time and then tomorrow we have training on our own in the morning before we take off for Florence.
Everything has been great here. The hotel, food, and weather have all made for a perfect training environment. Of course, it helps that Croatia is one of the best teams in the world. Rijeka is a great city and the evenings have been magical. Two nights ago, we witnessed a total lunar eclipse out over the Adriatic Sea. It was spectacular! Then last night as the full moon was rising it was a deep red color, then after an hour it was orange. Wow - I have never seen anything like it.
The coaching staff and team is all getting along very well. There is a good vibe. There is a seriousness when we train but then there is always lots of laughter on bus on the way home from the pool. It is good to hear the guys laughing together. The bonds of these friendships will last these guys a lifetime. I have a sense that good things are in store as we go thru this next 13 months together.
After we travel tomorrow, we have two days in Florence before the tournament begins. On Tuesday, we will open the tournament up with the host team Italy. It is interesting how many times we get to open with the host team. Our guys have done well with this arrangement. We have beaten Australia in Melbourne in the 2007 World Championships, China in Beijing for the Olympic Games, and Italy in Rome for the 2009 World Championships. Let’s see if we can keep that string going.
Time to head back to the pool for training.
See you at the pool.
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