The last few weeks has flown by. Playing five games a week and wrapping up final papers and presentations is not an easy task. Classes end on Monday and then we have a week off for exams. This week off will be good for everyone to recover and get ready for our stretch run. During exams we do not have mandatory practice, but we all know that we need to stay in shape on our own if we want to make it back to Omaha. Since the school year is coming to an end that means that we had to attend a few different banquets. This past Monday was the entire athletic department end of the year banquet held in the Dean Dome. They fed us and there was a small program including a highlight video, a few speakers, and awards. The baseball team was recognized for being in the top ten percent in APR (Academic Progress Rate) for the year so that was pretty neat. Last week was the Leadership Academy banquet. The Leadership Academy is optional for student-athletes and gives them an opportunity to learn and develop leadership skills. I was fortunate to graduate from this program and I feel that it will help me throughout life. We had a handful of guys get recognized at the banquet for their participation.
This past weekend was one of the most enjoyable for me. Not only did we win all three games, but the new stadium was dedicated and "made official". It was also exciting to see the fan turnout all week and it was fun to share our new home with all the people that made it happen and let them see how fortunate we are to play baseball at Carolina. It has been an amazing experience for me to be a part of the transformation of this program. The entire team is grateful for all those that contributed to this great stadium.
For those of you that toured the stadium, you may have noticed that in the bathroom we now have combs and other toiletries. I know for me personally I combed my hair for the first time in about 8 years. Also, it has been amusing to see some of the hairdos that some of the guys have been flashing now that we have the option of combing our hair. Ryan Graepel has put together the best hairstyles so far.
I would like to see those hairstyles!
We are planning on coming to see you pitch on Saturday. I am from Maryland so I have mixed feelings but hope you win anyway!
I Corinthians 10:31
As this is Senior Weekend at the Bosh, a hearty thank you goes out to Adam, Garrett and Mike for 4 great years at Carolina. We'll miss you! Adam is too modest - congratuations on winning the McCaskill Award for Athletics, Scholarship and Community Service. We're so proud of all our Tar Heel Boys and their families!
Adam,
I was one of those that toured the facilities and it was great meeting you guys. We live near Charlotte so I only got to take in the Saturday game, but watched the Sunday game on my laptop. The rennovation was well overdue and you guys made it happen with the increased interest.
I was one of those that always came over and watched games when I was at UNC, so I have always loved the game and supported the team. Try to enjoy as much as you can as long as you can. We all feel that special tie to UNC and Chapel Hill and will never lose it. You, the rest of the team and all of the teams in all sports just add to our pride in your accomplishments and the quality of people that you are.
Go Heels
Rich Heavener ,69
Thanks to all of you for showing us visitors your nice new home, Adam. It was fun seeing you all up close and personal [some looked a lot better close up, some others .... bless their hearts, were nice polite young men anyway]. Good luck this weekend--I'll be there Saturday and Sunday trying to avoid heat stroke. Y'all stay cool too. And good luck with exams.
Adam,
We all had so much fun last weekend! You all had tremendous games and I know that the dedication of the new field meant alot to all the players. I am sure that you will all finish strong in the classroom and be ready to hit the field with renewed energy for the end of the regular season and into post-season! Congrats on your award, and we are voting for you for the Loews award!
Go Heels!!
The Bates