BIP/USA to China, Challenge Invitational June 7 - 20, 2011
CLOSING COMMENTS, by Santiago Restrepo
Blue Team Head Coach & University of Oklahoma Head Coach
THANKS
What an incredible experience! First and foremost, many thanks to Tim Kelly of Bring It Promotions, the mastermind behind this cultural immersion. His passion for the world around him infused our outings with wonder and his innate ability to connect with people of other cultures opened a window for us into China’s rich heritage.
And to the players, thank you for adapting to a new country, culture and coach. You brought your “AA” game. For those not on the trip with us, “AA” meant adapt and adjust, which the players did wonderfully. You represented your respective schools and your country very well.
While they might never read this article, I must thank the people of China that showed us such kindness and hospitality. It was fun being the center of attention on the streets for my height (or a certain quality shared with the image of Buddha). Right now there are hundreds of photos of people rubbing my belly for good luck that are being circulated in China!
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
What was the first thing I noticed when we landed in Beijing, China? The driving. All I can say is . . . survival of the fittest. It made me homesick for Colombia! We left that busy bustling city for the pastoral scenes of Shandong, the site of our first tournament. Along the way we experienced the beautiful and meticulous countryside and passed farmers hard at work hand picking their crops. What a beautiful country.
SHANDONG
Our first competition site was at the University of Science and Technology in Weifang City. The facility was gorgeous. Over 3,000 fans met us at each match. There was no “home town” favoritism. The people were fans of the game, able to appreciate the skill and determination of each player, regardless of jersey. They cheered for us and yes, they laughed with us. Marveling at our libero’s ability during warm-ups to play every ball I hit at her, whether I hit it with my hand, foot or head. And for their loyalty, we provided a keepsake ball that, falling a little short of the coach was kicked to the rafters. We were well paid in cheers.
We came out strong winning our first of three sets. Brianne Barker, our setter, made quite an impression during that match, garnering “Most Valuable Player”. The Chinese players did not simply step aside. They proved their skill and ability to adjust, winning the remaining matches.
After four days in Shandong we were off to Beijing. Returning to the sites and sounds of the large city.
BEIJING
Upon our return to Beijing we embarked on a trip to the “silk market”, a famous flea market. This market was large; four floors with multiple aisles of vendors. These vendors put even the most aggressive and wily U.S. salesman to shame. These shopkeepers, most barely a third of my size, pulled me into their shops. I decided to return the favor by dragging them along the aisles as they clutched at my arm. One petite elderly lady was deemed the feistiest and therefore was hoisted up on my shoulder and carried through an aisle to the claps and cheers of lookers-on. The sellers vied with each other for an opportunity to fill our bags with knick-knacks, clothes, jewelry, anything that might tempt us to part with our money. Their talents were well aimed . . . I walked away tired but laden with gifts for friends and family.
Our first night ended with a spectacular acrobatics show. Men sped headlong down poles, hanging only by their feet and stopping inches from the ground. It was the most amazing show of its kind that I had ever seen and the most incredible athletes I have ever seen perform. The show alone was worth the 12-hour flight!
Each of our three remaining mornings were filled with the sites of China. On the first day we saw one of the seven wonders of the world - the Great Wall of China. It is truly breathtaking in all senses of the word. It was beautiful and at the same time…very steep! We all took the hard route to the top that was pronounced to be a 40 minute hike but for our elite athletes spanned only 20 minutes. The Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven, the majestic site of the Emperor’s dwelling, captivated us on the second and third days.
Each of our three remaining nights was spent in competition. A team member was named Most Valuable player for each of the three matches: Rachel Krabacher, Carly Cramer and Alaina Bergsma. We are so proud of them as well as all our athletes. Our team won the tournament, a perfect way to end a wonderful trip!
In closing, everyone should experience the wonderful people and unique culture of China. Those are 11 memorable days! Thank you again for everyone that made this trip possible for me, including my wife and son.
