I am continually amazed at my timeliness. Once again, the Dogwood Tourney was a success (at least in my humble opinion) and we had a great time. The fun began on the way down with a fine book on tape (Pastime by Robert B. Parker). The Expo Inn, despite being in close proximity to the highway, provided quality accomodations. Friday night was pretty uneventful except for hanging out with the Florida guys and hearing about Jeff Turner.

Saturday, the polo began. We had a nice warmup game against Tennessee B, although with us, every game is a warmup game becaue we don't get in until the whistle blows. That might have been due to the weather, but I sort of doubt it. Anyway, then I slept for a while until my parents showed up. They were feeling guilty about missing the UNC tournament, so they came down to Knoxville. We watched Raleigh edge Orlando in OT, then we played Florida. And it never fails. Before the game, we all say, 'Don't get countered.' But it takes 3 or 4 goals before we start saying, 'ok, now we REALLY won't get countered.' Actually we played pretty well, only down 6-5, but then Todd 'The Bod' (I can't support 'the shoplifter') schooled me with the wet shot, we blew a man up, Aaron scored from about 5m, Angel scored (forcing me to break the 'NO PROFANITY' rule), and that was it. Oh well, I played ok, although Renus thouroughly outdid me, humiliating Dom on several occasions. Dom was thinking about his impending boxing injury and couldn't concentrate. I should say though, without Dom, the score would not have been close for as long as it was, so he gets credits (and yes, I know that is incorrect English but 'credit' is too proper). And dammit, Rojas, when the hell are you going to get better? Sat around the pool for a while, in prep for Ga. Tech at 7:10pm. Saw Tennessee beat Florida, 7-6 in OT. Great game.

Hopped in at 7:09. We were up 5-0 in about 30 seconds, and began to liberally sub, playing everyone and taking it easy. I have been on the losing side of games like that, and it ain't no fun. Of course, then it started raining and lightning and the game got called at halftime (7-3). When it turned out we were going to have the pleasure of continuing at 7:30am the following morning I began to regret that move. If we would have been up 12-0 like we could have, maybe the Jackets would have been less eager to play, but as it was, they thought they could win. And given what our typical Saturday nights are like, I can't blame them. So we got to get in at 7:29am Sunday and survive to win 7-4. How enjoyable. My personal GT highlight (beside the Sat night powwow in the aquatic center - I wonder if that guy got to drink or not, too bad they couldn't get in at 6:45, and yes, we are lazy for getting in one minute before the game) has to be the timeout they took with 29 seconds left to sub 6 new players in. What is this, Senior Day? But that mercifully ended and I got to sleep until 11:30, we played Orlando at 12:10. We played ok that game, aided by two Orlando guys getting gamed. Including their goalie with the Confederate Flag stiched on his cap. We won 10-6 and headed for home. I see that 'Raleigh' won it all. My congratulations go out to them, and Atlanta, and Charlotte. Thanks to Mike and Jason for doing a great job. See you in the FALL!!

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