This year we decided to start the year with a little something different. In years past we have taken the team away from campus, playing golf everyday. This season Derek decided we would head north to the central California coast for something new.
Following our trip to Carlsbad and our first game as a team at the Rose Bowl (where we dismantled K-State), we loaded the vans and set out for San Luis Obispo. We arrived late Saturday night and got a quick 6-hours of sleep before prepping for our 1st day of activities. Derek had set up a Ropes Challenge course run by a few instructors from Cal-Poly.
The day started with introductions and a few problem solving games that challenged our guys to work together as a group to achieve the quickest times. After a few problem solving exercises, the guys set out on a blind nature walk. The guys partnered up for this walk through the trees, where one partner was blindfolded and the other had to lead him through the maze of trees, streams, rocks and hills. The first time through, the partner guiding couldn't speak directions, he could only advise by tapping the blind man in different ways. When the guys switched, the guide was allowed only to speak directions to the blind. This was a great exercise to observe as a coach...
We broke for lunch, then set out for some Ropes course action...We started with walking on a wire with a partner, having to switch in the middle of the wire...all while trusting your team below in case you fell (which I did, very quickly). After that challenge, we teamed up to climb the ladder of wooden beams. All team's made it to the top, thanks to Alex and I showing everyone how it was done! Finally we ended the day with a free jump off the 30 ft. beam...what a great way to end the day.
The day taught us a great deal about our young team. They all really enjoyed the opportunity to challenge themselves in ways they had never imagined before. It was a great team building exercise that would set the tone for the rest of the week.
The next day we set out on an ocean kayaking trip through Morro Bay. We all had individual kayak's which allowed us to explore the bay at our own pace...they highlight of the day was getting up close with sea lions, different species of birds, and a close run in with a sting ray. We had a great picnic lunch and then headed out for Bishops peak. Climbing this hike was a great way to wind down the day, it was hot out there but the guy's did a great job challenging themselves up the peak...Free and I were dragging a little bit as we approached the top.
Once on top of the peak we posed for a few pictures and talked about what this team means to us. We went around the group and each guy gave a promise as to what we could expect from them this season. It was one of the coolest experiences I have ever had with a team...aside from being kind of scared of heights. We hiked back down, grabbed a nice tri-tip sandwich and passed out early.
We woke early the next morning and heading back for Westwood...along the way we stopped at one of my favorite tracks in southern California...La Purisima. The guys teed it up for the first time as a group and had a blast. What a great 3 days to start the season!
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