Sunday, November 2, 2014

Welcome home boys!



After 4 nights away from the comforts of their own homes (and mum's), the boys arrived back at school with big smiles across their faces. Some were even lucky enough to have their mum's surprise them at school! 



We've have had an awesome time touring with the guys. What a great bunch of young men they are, and we couldn't have asked to have toured with a better group of students. Our highlight of the tour was the end of tournament banquet last night, and all of the other teams were segregated across the floor. However, our guys decided to link tableS with the host school (ASK), and mix with the boys and girls from their teams. 


Although we didn't come home with a trophy (it's okay, it's okay), our school left a lasting impression on ASK, and with the label as the tournament good guys. We received compliments from other team's coaches regarding our team and the way they approached games with a high level of professionalism, and sportsmanship on the court. Off the court, they were continuously making new friends. 


Thanks to everyone for their support, and keeping updated through the blog. It's been great fun. Next up is the EAC (ECC) champs at DIA this Saturday. Watch out Div. 1 teams! 



See you then,


Mrs and Mr Wood




Saturday, November 1, 2014

Homestay Memories with Miles and Conner




Miles and Conner with their lovely home stay hosts. Thanks Katia and George.


As a host, I always expect to have guests that are pretty serious and very quiet. But, when Miles and Conner got into our car and started cracking up jokes, I knew we were in for a treat. I never knew you could get so close to someone in less than a week, but we did. Conner, Miles, my brother and I became very good friends over this NESAC tournament. Saying that, I feel obligated to let you all know a few of the memories I have together with both boys.

Miles:
As soon as I saw Miles, I thought to myself, “This kid is huge”. When we got home the first night, Miles spent over 20 minutes with Conner, trying to pick what snacks they wanted to eat for the first day. After they had finished filling the bag with snacks they liked, Miles told the bag, “You are the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen,” and then he kissed the bag. The next day was the first day of the tournament. I woke up first, so I decided to wake both boys up so that we wouldn’t be late. Miles had slept with his headphones on, and I couldn’t get them off his head. I tried shaking Miles’ head to wake him up, but the noise of the shaking only woke Conner up. When Conner woke up, he tried helping me wake Miles up. It took us 15 minutes to get him off the bed. We urged him to get off the bed, and he responded with “fine.” When he did get off the bed, he crawled on all fours, and slept on the floor for another 10 minutes. 
Wake up Miles, the game's started!

In between games, I went into the gym to drop my bag off. On the other side of the gym, I saw two boys sleeping on the couch. I thought to myself, “How can they sleep with so much noise?” I looked closer, and it was Miles and Conner sleeping on couches right next to each other, and sleeping the exact same way. I decided to take pictures of them sleeping, and it was possibly one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The picture turned out a lot better than I expected. The next night while Conner was taking  a shower, Miles and I spammed his phone with selfies of Miles and I, and we made them Conner’s home-screen and wallpaper on the phone.  Miles continued to amuse me with his endless jokes, which never ended, throughout their whole stay.

Conner:
Let me begin with saying that Conner has the biggest appetite I’ve ever seen a person have. Ever. In my entire life. And I’m not even exaggerating. After the first day of the tournament, we went to TGI Fridays for dinner. Conner had a Philly Cheese Steak sandwich, and some mac and cheese. After dinner, we got a bunch of little Mentos packages. There was one candy in each package. Conner took all 6 of them. When he tried opening the first one, It didn’t open. So I laughed at him, and told him he was a disappointment. He then said, “No I’m not.” As soon as he said that, the Mentos package dropped, and the Mentos shattered into pieces. After that, he tried opening the second package. It took him 7 minutes to open it. He actually, and genuinely broke a sweat trying to open it. 
Apparently Conner does this in class all the time!

When we got home, my mom told Conner and Miles that she had made pumpkin pie. Conner sprinted up the stairs and into the kitchen. He had four slices of pumpkin pie, and he chugged a liter of milk. Miles was encouraging him the whole time. Conner then claimed he was pregnant with pumpkin babies, because he had so much pie. The next day, my mom made pumpkin pancakes since they liked the pie. Conner was the first person to wake up, take a shower, and get ready. I was still in my PJ’s while Conner had already sat down to have breakfast. Conner always made me laugh with his Kanye West jokes, and our ability to make Miles feel bad about the picture we took of him sleeping.

Conner and Miles will continue to be my friends, and I’m glad I will get to see them again in February for the JV Basketball tournament in Qatar. I will miss seeing them everyday, and having breakfast with them. They were so polite, and sweet and they have the best qualities a person could have. I hope they had an amazing time at our home, because I know our whole family did. Thank you, Conner and Miles for an amazing experience!

Your Greek hosts,

Katia and George

Our trophy!

We may have finished 4th, but across the road from the school we found a trophy store and a convenience store. Every young man's dream come true.

Who needs a trophy when you have a large inflatable volleyball!


Semi vs AISK (Kuwait)


Unfortunately our boys went down to AISK in the 3rd set, 26-24. 



3rd set timeout

The boys went down in the 1st, and fought back in the 2nd to claim a 1-all game. We started the 3rd strong, and at the switch scores were locked at 15-15. The momentum of the game swung back and forth, until we had match point. Unfortunately, AISK called an ‘illegal’ timeout which disrupted the flow of our game. After a few minutes of heated discussion between the ref and opposition coaches, AISK broke serve, and served for the win that booked them a spot in the final against ASK.

Anticipating the serve
As coaches it is our duty to lead by example, and model sportsmanlike behavior regardless if the result is fair or unfair. Our boys demonstrated sportsmanship right throughout the tournament. They have been gracious in defeat and shown respect towards their opponents. So much can be gained from a tough loss, and the boys can take with them the positives and move onwards and upwards.

We are proud of you Dragons. Our 3rd place playoff will be against AISR (Saudi Arabia). Let’s get ready for our final game of the tournament, and finish on a high.

The crowd right behind the Dragons.


                    Abdi leading the pre-game chant. I believe!