Day 9, Tuesday, January 4, 2005, Full Day
By Cory Solomon, BIP Zen Guru
Today started early with breakfast at 8:00 and off to Prague at 9:00. I am so impressed that after two days all the girls have mastered the metro in Prague and I feel like they can be turned lose to see Prague through their own eyes. I must admit that this group of girls has been very independent about getting around Europe. As for myself, I had the opportunity of showing Rita Crockett, Rita’s Swiss husband, and daughter, and Burt Fuller around the Prague Castle and the Charles Bridge. Growing up in the 70’s and watching the 84 Olympic team, it was such a great opportunity to spend time with Rita. Just hearing all her stories about her many years of International playing was really nice.
After we returned from Prague the volleyball started at 3:00 pm with everyone playing either three or four straight matches. The Americans are getting better, and all the matches were very strong. I’m proud of the girls for sightseeing all day and playing such good volleyball afterwards. All the European teams are very strong and the German team has some very good volleyball players. Their setter, the tournament MVP would easily be the top recruit in the USA. She is very strong, experienced and athletic. All the Czech teams have years of playing experience and never tip or dink. They just set the ball high and beat the hell out of the ball. It has been a good experience for our girls.
Jax 18’s vs. The Tournament Champions (Germany)
The tournament ended today with the results posted below. We had a little Closing Ceremonies in the bar/lobby of the “Sportshal” and our own Jirka Honzik passed out Czech gift baskets (and kisses) to the captains of each team. The Germans’ Marin Apitz won Tournament MVP for leading her team to an impressive 6-0 record (12-0 in sets).
Congratulations to Marin Apitz, MVP from the Germany Junior National Team
| Final Rankings | Matches |
Sets |
| German Junior National Team | 6-0 |
(12-0) |
| Zizkov (Prague) | 5-1 |
(10-4) |
| Olymp Praha Junior Team | 4-2 |
(9-5) |
| Slavia Praha Junior Team | 3-3 |
(6-6) |
| Jacksonville 18’s | 2-4 |
4-10) |
| San Jose 18’s | 1-5 |
(5-10) |
| Jacksonville 16’s | 0-6 |
(1-12) |
The Alaska team won its first match 2-1 against a local 16 and under team from Prague ( Spanielka Repy) . I am so happy for them as they have worked so hard and improved so much on this tour.
Team Alaska during their victory over Spanielka Repy, Prague
After dinner we had the chance to speak with all the players about being in Europe. Tim, Rita and myself offered comments about the experience they have been through for the last nine days. Members of the German Junior National team were around as we talked about being an American in Europe. Rita talked about “when in Rome, act as the Romans”, about how you need to become a part of the country you are playing in. If you are in Germany, you eat German food, and become German for the time you are there. That is the only way you will win international games.
Overall I have really enjoyed this tour as all the girls, coaches, and parents have been wonderful. To have Americans, Czechs, and Germans all together, laughing and talking is a great experience for all. The volleyball has been very good, as the Americans have played teams from Serbia, Bosnia, Croatia, Slovenia, Germany, and the Czech Republic. They have learned so much about different styles of volleyball, different interactions with coaches and players and I hope about themselves.
Closing Ceremonies at the Sports Zentrum Brandys
Signing off from Prague….
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