July 7-11, 2006 - It was an
eager dozen CAPS that signed up to make the long trek to
Lexington,Kentucky to undergo some intense training at the
University of Kentucky AllSkills II Volleyball Camp, under the
watchful eye of the newly-appointed U.S. Junior National Team Coach
Craig Skinner, his UK staff, and the current roster of 9 Wildcat
players. At the regular Timmie's rendezvous point, Paul
Edwards, driver of one vehicle in our convoy of three, was impressed
with the compact packing job done by the five 15Us in his vehicle.
(Later that evening, he would learn why there was a somewhat
unexpected lack of 'bulk'.) After a fourteen-hour drive
taking us through the states of New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and
finally Kentucky, our weary convoy reached Lexington and the
unofficial hostess for our stay, former CAP and Wildcat sophomore,
Tess Edwards.
After a whirlwind hello to the convoy of
Canucks, Tess quickly got us ensconced in our dorm rooms, at which
time it became abundantly clear why many of the girls had packed so
lightly. Evidently it had gone unnoticed that in the camp literature
it clearly states to bring "Linens, Blankets and Pillow"!
The CAPS were resourceful though, and soon had begged, borrowed and
temporarily acquisitioned enough linen to make their stay (and mine) a
comfortable one. Thanks to Tess and her teammates for providing
many of the missing items.
The camp started the next afternoon as the
girls strutted their stuff in front of Wildcat coaches, players,
local college, high school and club coaches. The girls may have
been slightly apprehensive when they noticed that a large number of
girls easily surpassing the six-foot mark, but did themselves proud
when they were able to position themselves in groups two and three,
just below the top group of future UK recruits and hopefuls.
While camp staff tended to the organizing of camp groups, the girls
were treated to an impressive intersquad match put on by current
Wildcats, as well as 2006 and 2007 recruits. The CAPS were
favorably awed by the performance and left for dinner dreaming of what
could be.
With divisions made, the campers spent the
next five sessions spread over three days practicing all the essential
skills put to them "The Kentucky Way", including a spirited
introduction to the UK hardwood with "roll" practise. Our
U.S. cousins seemed much more comfortable looking at the game from the
vantage point of just above the wood grain as demonstrated by their
fanatical devotion to defence. Seeing this will undoubtedly
inspire our girls to hit the floor more often in upcoming
seasons.
While discussing team defence on Day Two,
Coach Skinner expressed the desire to avoid overpasses, as they tend
to lead to clean kills for other SEC (Southeastern Conference) teams.
"Point Florida!", "Point Tennessee!", "Point Alabama!"
While attempting to reiterate the point later in the demonstration, he
asked, "and what happens if we overpass the ball?", to which our
own Becky Billings provided some levity by shouting out, "Point
Canada!"
The final two sessions were reserved for a
tournament where teams of six took each other on. After all the
volleyball and the long trip, the girls looked tired, but were able to
suck it up for one last push as they dug, blocked and spiked their way
to numerous victories. All thought the experience had been
a good one and most expressed an interest to return next year.
They retreated to their dorm to reflect on their fun experience.
Several ordered a pizza which took ages to arrive and was delivered by
a character that looked like he was straight out of "Dog the Bounty
Hunter"!
It was a tired group that headed back to
Canada on the Tuesday. The various drivers decided to head back
individually in order to meet there own individual agendas. The 15Us
had breakfast with their 'hosTess' and then stole some time for
power shopping at one of Lexington's best malls before leaving in a
driving rainstorm. It was a long trip home but the girls'
strategy worked to perfection as there were many hours of sleep
sandwiched between movies and deep discussions on topics only 15-year
old girls can understand.
All in all it was a great and memorable
journey. Thanks to Paul Edwards for organizing the trip there
and back, and to his daughter Tess for her hospitality and for her
help coaching our girls. Thanks also to Paul, the Mosterts,
Donna Williams and her friend Holly for driving the girls there and
back.
Some Kentucky memories:
- Pitstops with a dozen girls (no wonder it took us an extra hour)
- No air conditioning in the Edwards van (fresh air ended up being a
very welcome thing)
- Some of the "interesting" signage along the way
- The views of Cincinnati and its cluster of big sports venues
- The accents, local vernacular (hell yaah) and American reactions
to ours (eh?)
- Pazzo's and their inspiring international beer menu
- The hitting demo by Wildcats and camp coaches (ouch!)
- The heat under the bright lights of Memorial Colisseum (Tess plays
in this?!)
- Canada pins and the wonderful reactions they inspired (note for
next year - more Canadian souvenirs)
