Ottawa 62 Bethel 23

Great football last weekend when the Ottawa Braves beat up on the Bethel Threshers (I was amazed to discover that the mascot is not a bird, but a piece of farm equipment - odd).  I watched Brenton's girlfriend, Cady, play softball in Ottawa, and then made the trek to Newton, KS (yes, the van did make it there - surprise).  Poor Cady played 25 innings of softball and then drove to Newton, making it right after half-time.  The Braves scored so fast (and so often) the outcome was never in doubt.  Next up - McPherson - pumped after a huge win over Friends.  Should be a very tough game.  Keep your fingers crossed!!!

Kickoff

Brenton getting advice from the coach

Brenton congratulating suite-mate, Matt Gross on an awesome play

First Band Performance of 2010

The Rompin, Stompin, Raider Band took to the field for their first performance of this season's half-time show, Jekyll & Hyde.  The weather was very wet with a steady mist throughout, but the band sounded great. Shelby is the section leader for the "pit" and they were of course wonderful.  My P.E.O. sister, Michelle Wilson's daugher, Emma, is the co-captain of the Pacesetter dance team and it was great seeing her perform as well.  The show looks very complex so it will be interesting to see how they do at competition (I NEVER agree with the judges - except for the year we won it all).  Will keep you posted.

Shelby - pregame

Emma Wilson - 2nd from right

The Pit

1st Down Classic - Ottawa 24, Baker 14

What a great game last night in Ottawa, KS where our own Ottawa Braves defeated bitter (and bumbling) rival Baker Wildcats.  Ottawa took the opening kickoff back for a touchdown and the Braves never looked back, taking the season opener 24-14 in the Victory Sports Network First Down Classic. It was OU's second straight win in the First Down Classic.  We had an awesome tailgating experience before and after the game (had to feed the victorious boys).  Cady received her championship ring at half-time and the weather was perfect!  After watching Baker and Ottawa play 7 on 7 this summer, I thought Baker had a better team.  However, throw in superior linemen and pressure the quarterback and what once looked good, completely falls apart.  Next up is Bethel (get to drive to Newton, KS for that one).  Go Braves!

Shelby and Kalie

Me, Brenton, and Shelby

Don't knock it, it obviously works

Cady getting her ring

You know the ring is big when you can see it from a distance

Dee Dee

No, Brenton is NOT smoking on the field (but get whatever that is out of your mouth)

Green and Gold Scimmage

The Rompin Stompin Raider Band premiered the first two numbers of their 2010 halftime show at the Green and Gold Scimmage Thursday night.  The show is Jekyll & Hyde (music from the Broadway musical of the same name).  It was a beautiful evening with cooler than usual temperatures.  The band got to wear their new band t-shirts and did an awesome job.  I was hard to believe they have only had a couple of weeks of practice.  If Thursday night is any indication, it should prove to be a successful marching season. 

Shelby in the new band t-shirt

Back of the new shirts

Win for KC Triathlon 2010

If you look back at blogs from last year, you would see an entry about the Win for KC Triathlon that I attended to cheer on my P.E.O sister, Laura Antonic, and the Kansas City Chiropractic team.  I remember the day clearly as I drank mimosas and ate huge muffins and cookies.  Afterward, I went to the Olive Garden and had soup, salad, and a large number of breadsticks.  Those were the days.  This year was somewhat different.  My sister, Martha, came into town with her husband, Larry (The Bike King - what a great bike teacher).  My trainer and friend, Stacy, Martha, Laura, and I completed the triathlon while co-workers, P.E.Os, friends, and family (not to mention the staff of Kansas City Chiropractic - our sponsor) cheered us on. What a sight to come out of the water and see all those blue shirts yelling and cheering (and my Daddy waving a blue pom pom)!  We were a couple of minutes over our goal so are going to have to train harder for next year!  It was really hard, but so rewarding.  I will say there was a minute while pedaling up a hill that I thought about how nice a mimosa would taste but quickly banished the thought.  Here's looking at 2011!

Pictures from Wichita State Bowling Camp 2010

Shelby with Coach Rick Steelsmith (Shelby's coach, Aaron, has taken lessons from Rick - small world)

WSU Bowling Camp

Yesterday, Shelby and I headed out for Wichita, KS for the start of the Wichita State Bowling Camp. She was a bit nervous when we got there (there were tons of kids and bowling equipment).  They told her to start bowling (she is on the left against the wall - only had my phone with me so couldn't zoom in).  She threw a couple of practice balls (not getting near the pocket).  The coach then came over with a movie camera to video her from the side and back for analysis.  She picked up her ball and threw 2 of the prettiest strikes I've seen.  The girl certainly handles pressure like a pro!!  She has already made a friend (from Goddard).  So much for being nervous.  We attended the opening banquet, listened to the WSU assistant and head coach talk about the camp, and Shelby got her 4 inch binder full of everything they are going to cover (somehow in 3-1/2 days).  Ordered the picture packet so will have official pictures to post after camp.  Maybe she can teach me something to improve my game!