Over the past weekend, the Sea Gulls traveled to Lynchburg, Virginia.  The Lynchburg College Hornets were the 5th ranked team in the nation in some polls.  This fact, combined with last year's match ending with a 10-9 score which saw Salisbury on the victorious side, set the stage for this marquee early season battle.  

After spending a few hours on the bus, we made a stop for food.  Our head athletic trainer/team mom Maureen "Mo" Thompson handed out $20 per three players.  Most players, trainers, and coaches dispersed between the delicious Panera Bread and slightly less healthy Five Guys' Burgers And Fries.  A select few of my teammates found the diamond in the rough that was Chipotle.  In order to stay on schedule, there was a 20 minute time set in which we would reconvene at the bus.  At around 2:30 PM, the bus arrived at Lynchburg College where we would hold our ritual pre-game practice.  This practice, however, was held in enemy territory and was attended by some unconventional spectators.

Lynchburg's Shellenberger Field is quite an intimidating venue for athletes.  This is because the stands hang above the sidelines and the field is surrounded by the school's dormitory buildings.  Students welcomed us with open arms as they were cheering for the entire practice (they even brought air horns).

After practice, we checked into our hotel and were allowed some down time before going to dinner.  My rooming arrangements are with face-off midfielders Ryan Finch and Kyle Gallagher.  During this time, I went to greet my parents in their hotel room.

Dinner for the night was held at Macado's restaurant.  The decor seemed to encompass the history of the United States through various mediums from newspapers to comic books.  Much to the dismay of the staff, a local high school track and field team had just won their regional tournament and decided to hold a celebratory dinner at Macado's as well.  After a two hour stay at the restaurant, we received our sandwiches.  We encountered similar hardships when trying to eat breakfast at the hotel the next morning.  Ironically, we were quite fast and efficient with respect to the game.  The final was an 18-6 victory for Salisbury University in front of 621.

During this weekend, we covered much terrain with our charter bus.  Although it was quite draining, the trip was very rewarding.  I will give you an update after our next contest against Wesley College at home on Wednesday.

        Please feel free to leave comments, suggestions, protests, and questions, and I will incorporate them into my posts.