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2006 CEVA Regional High Performance
Junior Regional Team
- Travel Journal
Daily Journal (click on a date): Click here for Bring It USA/2006 Global Challenge Tournament information
Thursday, July
20, 2006 by Sam Pimental After a sweet day of practice during our 5 day mini-camp at University of Portland, (we totally finished "EL DRILL"!!! And exceeded the goal of 12 by like 8 or something like that) we took a shower and I met up with my parents and they gave me my newly cleaned laundry. This was much needed by the way, me and my father had a field day with re packing my Italy bag because everything got unfolded and ended up not fitting in the bag. That was hilarious. Everyone could hear us; not that we are exactly quiet to begin with but we were also yelling on top of the natural loudness. Everyone was hearing phrases such as “YOU HAVE LIKE 45 SHIRTS SAM!!! Yes and I need every one of them dad! OK, I’ll keep this one home.” Everyone else on the team thought it was hilarious too, thank goodness. After the whole packing incident with my father, I went and hung out down at the big team send-off BBQ. That was fun. We also hung out with the campers from the business camp going on at U of P. That was a blast because they take so much crap from us about the fact that they are at BUSINESS CAMP! LOL. Funny, I know. But anyways back to the BBQ. Harmik was there and he was funny. Nothing really specific honestly, but nice little memory; although there was good salad. But others enjoyed the rest mucho. Then my family left and stayed at a friend’s house in the Seattle area because our flight left from SeaTac early the next morning; it was fun. Today was my first airplane trip ever. And I wasn’t really even all that nervous until I actually got on the plane and it started. I was fine boarding and sitting there but when it turned on I most definitely got butterflies in my stomach like the really bad kind. But then once I was really on the plane it was all good once we were up in the air. I even took sweet pictures of the clouds. They look AWESOME when your like basically surrounded by them they are SWEET! I didn’t really have any problems other than the take off. More to come tomorrow, flight to Italy is on it’s way it’ll be here soon. So I’m gonna go. See ya on le flip side! CIAO, Sam Pimental
Friday,
July 21, 2006 by Ryan Goodwin Allix was looking quite green by this point, but we thought nothing of it at the time. Next we boarded our bus to our main Italian hub of Pordenone. We needed to rename the bus the "struggle bus" as Allix performed for us her rendition of Stand By Me. A few barf bags later we were ready for our first meal in Pordenone, well maybe everyone but Allix. In true Italian fashion what did we have but PASTA, I might add it was fantastic and much needed. I don't know where Schnitzel fits in to Italian cuisine but it was good as well. We got to our hotel at about 4:45pm; we will spend 4 nights here. We were able to get an hour at a local gym to stretch out our legs. I don't think anyone felt like exercising but we ALL needed to as demonstrated by the amazing "cankles" we were sporting. We broke a sweat and ended up having a pretty good time. Chris, our guide, walked us down to dinner in the center of town. I think everyone was past wiped out by this time and conversation was merely a few grunts and a couple of weak "Gratzie's". The theme of the rest of night was SLEEP, which everyone was glad to shower and crash for the night. We are off to Venice in the morning. Until later, CIAO!!
Saturday, July
22, 2006 by Allix Strahon Ice is hard to find in Italy, however it was no challenge for me. During lunch I dumbly asked for some and it seemed as if the waiter was appalled. He then began joking with us and brought out some ice for our water. Jordan and I luckily had our empty water bottles out and he took them and filled them with ice water. Our lunch, consisting of pizza, was brought out on a two by four plank and placed on top of jugs. It was amazing. The place was very crowded and after the warning of pick pockets and gypsies I became extremely cautious of how and where I held my bag. I was hoping that gypsies would resemble hippies and that would therefore remind me of home (Eugene). During shopping and my quest to find things reminding me of home I spotted peace flags and cheap Birkenstocks. All in all the day was very fun. I enjoyed seeing the architecture of the old buildings and the people were very kind. Hopefully the rest of the trip will go as well as today.
Sunday, July 23, 2006 by Amber
Kraaz Next we went to roam the city. Since it was Sunday nothing was open so we just marveled at the beauty of the buildings. As a group of us were walking, we noticed a cruise ship so we sat on the pier with our feet in the water and watched it take off. Trying to find a place to eat was difficult because most restaurants didn't open until 7:30. We walked around forever trying to find something open. Finally we decide to ask someone for help. Everyone was afraid to ask except Sam; she just casually walks up to a guy and asks. He points us in the direction of the train station were we found a sandwich shop. The ride home consisted of a few laughs, some pig Latin, a serenade by Jordan to Sam, and then sleep. The nap seemed short but it was worth every second. A few miles from our hotel we started to see flashes of lightning in the sky. It was awesome to watch. First thing when we returned was a gelato run. I had to fulfill my goal of having a cup of gelato everyday. So far so good. Ciao!
Monday, July 24, 2006 by
Wendy Stammer Here in bella Italia, Monday is also the entire Country's day of rest. So, today, we really did have to rest. We had no problem getting the girls to just hang out, since all that we had to do today was show up for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Italian cooking is what I want to talk about. Think of your favorite Italian restaurant in America and times that by 100. Cappucino e Brioche (Croissant) is the Italian way of breakfast. What a great way to wake up in the morning. Breen, Ryan and I look forward to starting the day with a good shot of caffeine, Italian style. One Cappucino is enough or you might be climbing the walls all day. Lunch and dinner are a production to say the least. They start with the 'primo piatto' which consists of a pasta or risotto dish. Next is the "secondo piatto' which is the meat and vegetable stage of the meal. Our vegetable was always French fries, which seemed a little odd for everyone... Americans in Italy eating French fries. We have had enough fries to last me the rest of my life time! After the second dish comes the salad, then dessert and espresso if so desired. We always passed up the dessert stage so that we could have an Italian gelato after dinner. Lucky enough, the gelato store is right across the street from our hotel. Are you hungry for some good Italian eats yet? Arrivaderci, Wendy
Tuesday, July 25, 2006 by
Dannielle Pimental Ok, so at first I was disappointed that I got to do the journal entry on a day that we travel, because what is so entertaining about 6 hours in a car?! Well I was pleasantly surprised to discover that we had opening ceremonies that same night. The entire day proved to be VERY eventful. We started off by not knowing which bus we were going to be on, and facing the prospect of having to be split up. Well after a few stormy convos the IVA team we were sharing the bus with moved to the top of the double decker bus, and let us have the lower level to ourselves. Afterwards Sam was elected to go up top and clear the wind, she apologized and the IVA team brought us lollipops and did a little "Copra" show. The rest of the ride we spent playing cards, bugging the coaches and Breen, and sleeping for a little bit. The gym we are going to be playing at for most of the time, is brand new, it is beautiful. The walk to our hostel though is definitely 20 minutes and NOT 10. But it's really not too bad, we're getting used to walking everywhere now. The opening ceremonies were typical. They were at a ski resort, so it was cooler than the city. We danced in the grass, and took a bunch of team photos, we did one with a pyramid, and it turned out REALLY cute. After about another 30 minutes of nothing the actual ceremony part started, and all the teams were introduced, and our very own BREEN GOODWIN got an award, for something or other, but it's still really cool! Sam Jordan and I went on this cool track thingy down the mountain, and I was scared TO DEATH!!! Jordan flew down the mountain, Sam went about 3 mph, and I went at an absolute snails pace! But it was still loads of fun. Allix and Janelle went after dinner and both of them flew! That dinner was our second encounter with Slovenian food, and it wasn't too bad, but I will say that I didn't eat much. This is a strange new culture and with every passing minute and meal, we learn something new!! It's cool, but we were soo spoiled in Italy, that now we are kind of getting shocked. But through it all we still have LOADS of fun!!!
Photos from Opening Ceremonies
Wednesday, July 26, 2006 by
Paige Thom We played the Croatian youth national team. 11-25 10-25 18-25 were the final scores of this match. Great momentum was gained in the third game. Moving on, during the 20 minute walk back to the dorms we stopped at a local grocery. It was very interesting to see the European market. When we returned lunch was eaten. Then we went to a pool on an island in a river. It was so much fun, the weather was beautiful and the water was so refreshing. While at the pool we met some Slovenian guys. Did I mention how cute Slovenian guys are. Anyways we had a wonderful afternoon at the pool except for the mile up hill walk back. The match tonight went to five games, we played Rijeka a Croatian club team. 25-18, 15-25, 21-25, 26-24, 14-16 these were the scores of this match. It was a very hard fought match, we all played extremely intense. We ended up loosening by two points in the fifth, but in our hearts we won! To conclude our first day of playing internationally we headed back to the dorms for dinner, laundry, shower, and bed. Today was an ilarious-hay (Pig-Latin) day and tomorrow will be even better. Link to Journal written by Allix Strahon for Global Challenge
Thursday, July 27, 2006 by
Janelle Miller For lunch we had some really interesting stuffed peppers and mashed potatoes. Soon after we walked to the bus station to go to our High Ropes Course. We got on the wrong bus and had 2 ten-year-old Slovenian boys help us find our way. We were supposed to take the #6 bus and we took the #6-1 bus. WE JUST HAD TOO MUCH BUS! Our ropes course was so much fun. There was a Pendulum Swing, the Pamper Pole, and then there were the Pohor Jets. The pendulum swing was a lot of fun because you didn't have to do anything except for pull the cord that your hanging from to release you. The Pamper Pole was the most challenging. You have to climb an approximately 30 ft pole and then stand on the 8-inch diameter top of the pole. Then turn 180 degrees and then jump off the top. Overall the best time was J-Gibs (Jordan Giboney). We headed down the mountain in the Pohor Jets, which is like an alpine slide. Everyone enjoyed the jets. Then we ended our adventure on the mountain by playing soccer with the Southern California boys. We took the right bus to Maribor where we got ice cream and then tried to get McDonalds. But the restaurant wouldn't take cards or Euro. Sam (Pimental) got stalked by a special Russian hockey player. It was HILARIOUS!!! She had to run to Ryan for help to get away from him. Then we headed back to the dorm and ate dinner and just chilled in the coach's room and slapped each other around a bit. Then to bed.
Friday, July 28, 2006 by TBA After thoroughly stuffing our faces, we proceeded to turn Breen and Wendy's room into a sauna by packing 11 people into the quaint dorm room for a movie night. We most definitely bonded. Then came the night that we won't forget anytime soon! We started off with our usual "terrorize the California girls and male foreigners with Jordan's laser pointer" but Scham (Sam said with a lisp) managed to get herself caught by one of the chickadees down there so that lead us to singing... loudly; loud enough to drown out their rap music which had been blasting from a tiny boom box in the courtyard. We first started off with a touching number by Aerosmith ("I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing") and then followed by various Gospel/Sunday-School-type jingles (courtesy of Aige-Pay) accompanied by interpretive dancing created by Janelle. Once we had our fill of terrorization, a couple foreign girls got a hold of the intercom and gave us a few good laughs. Soon the scene was back under control and the coaches had tucked all their kiddies in their beds. Tomorrow is our last day of tournament play and we're not holding a single thing back! This has been your neighborhood friendly, Jordan! Catch ya later!
rainbows and bunnies.
Saturday, July 29, 2006 by
Ryan Goodwin We played well in spurts but could not muster enough consistent play to seriously challenge them. In a slight surprise we only played a 2 out of 3 match and lost 14-25 and 14-25. I had changed sides and had my game plan for game ready for game 3 when I saw everyone shaking hands, oh well that’s the breaks. We rested up and got some food in preparation for our last match of the tournament versus the NCVA Junior 2 team, which we saw earlier in pool play. Previously we lost in 4 to them in a very evenly played match. This match did not start well as we came out flat and unfocused losing the first set quickly 13-25. Wendy and I challenged the players in between games to play CEVA style of volleyball and do it with sincerity and emotion. They responded well taking the next set 25-17, highlighted by Jordan and Amber playing OH and getting a ton of kills. The next game saw us controlling the pace of play taking a lead late in the game—18-16. But we let it slip away in the end 20-25. Game 4 was a war and we had everyone playing well from the start. Rachel was getting kills from everywhere on the court. Kaitlinn and Maggie were passing and digging machines. Allix set a brilliant offense and Sam was our emotional leader. We came away with a win 25-22. So that brings us to the fifth game, both teams were spent from the long days and tough play. Each side started well and the lead never got past 2 for either team. Janelle got a block and a few kills early and served very tough. Paige came in the game and made a huge difference with her defense and passing. The middle of the game belonged to Dannielle who took over with some big swings and very good defense. Neither team could take control as the set was tied several times past 11. Then, Allix and Rachel decided to take over and bring it home for CEVA. They connected for several kills in a row to push us to victory—18-16!! It truly was a team effort, everyone play their role and added their own unique talent to ensure our victory! What a match and a great way to end the tournament. I am so proud of the way we played—our ten players are a class act. We celebrated with the parents and took some photos with the NorCal team. Then back to the dorm for a lazy afternoon of trading gear with other teams and movies and a very deserved nap! We closed out the day with a thunderstorm which thankfully cooled the hot temps and a trip to watch the championship match of the Junior level. Croatia bested the Czech Republic in 5 sets; great match and the level of play was extremely high. Cory and Tim closed out the tournament with awards and many thanks. Those guys, as always, had one more surprise up their sleeves—they rented out a local disco for the girls just down the street from the dorm, which they all literally ran to in order to start dancing. After a few sweaty hours of techno music, they all turned in for the night after a very eventful day! In closing the book on the volleyball portion of this trip, I want to pass along a few thanks. First, I want to thank Wendy for coaching this team with me. She has been a great support and extremely fun to be with. She has taught the girls and me a lot about the game and I can’t thank her enough for her impact on this team. Also, to Breen, who has had many thankless jobs this trip; your attention to detail and selfless nature have made this trip more fun for everyone else! Finally, to the team, I thank you for being so fun loving and low maintenance; you have truly shaped this experience for all of us. We have undoubtedly bonded as a team and have had more fun being with each other than any other team here. Thank you for letting your unique personalities shine through and allowing each other to see who you really are. And thank you for representing CEVA and the Northwest, you guys make quite a positive impression on everyone you meet. Okay, enough sentimental stuff its time to have some fun in Vienna! Having a blast in Europe, wish you were here! Take care! The MANchild
Sunday, July 30, 2006 by
Rachel Femling When we got there we split into 2 groups and went each of our own directions. I first went to the Vienna Opera House. It was amazing. We took a tour around and learned all about it. We learned that there are standing seats available in the house and they only go on sale 1 hour before the show. They only cost 2 Euros because they want everyone to be able to enjoy an opera any day of the week. They never have two shows back to back and there is always a different one each day of the week. Next we walked around into some tourist shops to get some things from Vienna. We then headed onto the big cathedral, St. Stephenson. This church was built in around 1137. I am so amazed at the skills that they had to build something so massive and beautiful. When the bells went off it was just an orchestra that played on and on. It was something that you could listen to all day long. We then ate dinner and headed to a chocolate shop quickly so we could run and catch the bus. Vienna is an amazing city and I would love to go again. When we got back to our dorms and were getting ready to go to bed we all herd some loud screams and a door slam. We didn’t know what it was so we went down to Breen and Wendy’s room to see if they knew anything about it. We were walking down to their room and they were both out in the hall looking like something was going to get them. We found out that a BAT had flown into their room and was diving around them. Wendy had run out the door and shut it leaving the bat in with Breen. We finally got it out and that was a fun adventure to close an amazing day. Rachel Femling
Monday, July 31, 2006 by
Kaitlinn Moody Bye for now!! See you all in 2 days. Kaitlinn
Tuesday, August 1, 2006 by
Maggie Rivers The afternoon was slow as all of us were waiting out the rain in our rooms. In the mean time we discovered an American TV show, the Gilmore Girls (in English if I might add) and that seemed to be a highlight. As the rain slowly subsided, we ventured out into the downtown area of Izola and checked out the beach and of course because we are girls, the shops. Later this night we met up and headed to a little pizzeria in an alleyway for dinner, very quaint and very good! All the girls were hungry beyond all reason and scarfed down their food in no time at all. As some girls decided to go back to the dorm rooms, others continued their night life and went for a last time, late night gelato. Raining on the way back, many decided to jump puddles and play some pranks on each other. I am sure Paige Thom will gladly oblige in telling you her experience =). As tonight ends many of the girls, including myself are so excited in realizing we are going home soon that all of us decided we should end the night early, after all we have to wake up in about 5 hours.
Wednesday, August 2, 2006 by
Breen Goodwin The 10 hour flight back to Atlanta was long but not as bad as I thought it might be. It took about 30 minutes to wade through customs, reclaim and recheck our baggage and find our new gate. The Atlanta to Seattle flight was delayed by about 40 minutes. I can honestly say I only remember the last bit of the flight as I fell asleep before we even took off. I think the whole team was very excited to finally land in Seattle and get off the plane for good. We met up with many parents at baggage claim and after many hugs and stories our bags FINALLY arrived. We said goodbye to everyone, took one last team photo and all headed off in our separate directions home. The entire trip from waking up to leaving the SeaTac airport lasted 30 hours; this does not included the time it took for families to either get to their hotel in Seattle or drive all the way back home. This trip has been an eye opening adventure for me personally. I have fallen in love with Slovenia. The country is absolutely beautiful and the people are amazing. I was shocked at the amount of English people spoke. At times it was wonderful, like the day we got on the wrong bus and has the ask two 10 year olds for directions. At times, I really enjoyed having a language barrier. A language barrier makes a country seem more real to me; having to order a meal and hoping you got it right, trying to give someone a gift and hoping they understand what you are doing. We are all familiar with Italy and Austria but after asking all of the girls and parents; none of us knew what to expect from Slovenia. I can honestly say, I can't wait to go back and explore. I would like to send out a very heartfelt thank you to all the players. You were all able to represent CEVA and the USA is a very mature and respectful manor. You were able to deal with adversity and find your happy places; who knew how important ice really is to us! You learned how to say please and thank you in three different languages; two simple words can go a very long way in a different country. I will never forget the time I spent with all of you; this trip has been amazing. To the parents, thank you for being a part of this amazing adventure. Your support has been wonderful. For those who traveled with the team, thank you for your flexibility and it was great to have some people cheering for the CEVA during our matches. To Ryan and Wendy, you two made this trip! You prepared the girls for an adventure of a lifetime. I truly appreciate the countless hours you spent getting the team ready not only for the tournament but also the cultural experience they were about to embark on. To Stefani and Martina, you two were with us everywhere we went. Thank you for your commitment as alternates for this team. The two of you had the most difficult position of all and the team and staff cannot thank you enough for your time and commitment. Lastly, to the High Performance Committee, thank you for your support. This program offers such a unique experience and it would not be possible without the help and direction of the Committee members. Thank you Doug, Harmik, Steven, Richard and Mike...lets start getting ready for next year!
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