Texas Nationals '06 Daily Blog
10/3 Tue
1st Rest Stop: We finally got the the first rest stop, which was 12 miles from home, where everyone was meeting. The plan was to hit the road, and after about a half hour of people using restrooms, getting food and moving into different vehicles, we finally left. I am happy to report that as of 7:10 we are crossing the Iowa border.
Kristi
Nationals Update: We haven't even left the farm and we already hit our first problem. We found before leaving Shakopee that Renee's truck & Deb's trailer were not compatible. Lucky for us, Troy was able to rewire the adapter and make it work. Thank Goodness!
Kristi
10/4 Wed
When we arrived at Southfork Ranch, we chose a prime spot near the fields for our camp. We "circled the wagons" with our trailers, set up our electric pens for the horses, and fetched water, and fetched water, and fetched water.... The horses were very thirsty after 17+ hours in the trailer.
The tents are set up around the inside edge of the circle, with our much-needed shade tent in the middle. It's hot, hot, hot here in Texas, 97 degrees as we were setting up camp. For a bunch of very tired folks, we really worked together well to get this all put together. The MN Extreme camp area will be the place to hang out!
It's now a beautiful evening with the moon growing full for the weekend. We are enjoying watching huge rigs come in with lots of horses, and glad we are already set up.
Renee
Laura was frequently the second car in our caravan. Not long before we came into Texas she decided to give all the cars behind her a nice sup rise. She hit a skunk. Her truck and the two behind her smelled like skunk for quite some time.
Todd
Yes we've had an exciting and eventful trip. Sam decided to spend some quality time with local law enforcement in Oklahoma. After driving through almost 4 states with no trailer running lights, and 2 hours before dawn Sam gets pulled over. Don't worry we have pictures and lucky for Sam he only got a warning.
Darla
10/5 Thur
In the morning, all 14 of us rode in the heat. Luckily, the ground was easy to bounce on but we had to be careful of the holes. Other than that, everything went well. We also got the fun duty of filling up water buckets for the kiddy pool. It took about a half an hour, but it could have been worse. I dunked Jace in the pool because he was splashing everyone. His shoe was soaked and it was very worth it. The water fight was almost out of control, but the strong survived and stayed pretty dry.
Ben
There is a first time for everything and this journey had one the first night. Due to an all night ride with zero sleep, a mid-day arrival in the Texas heat, campground setup the Extreme PLX Club retired for the evening without one adult beverage A FIRST. We returned from dinner ( air conditioned restaurant ) at 6:00pm and our first member folded like a cheap lawn chair at 6:05 ( Michael Johnson). After the first domino fell it wasn't long before our camp fell silent I thought it would be a peaceful Texas evening to recharge everyone's batteries for the next days adventure but I was wrong we all had to listen to Kristi snore like an Arkansas truck driver. It echoed throughout the 300 acre Southfork Ranch. I felt sorry for the horses, the local wildlife, and all my fellow campers.
Sam
*********************We Love Winkler Structures******************* Kristi
10/7 Sat
I love having Sam on my team, he is constant entertainment. I never need to make up things to joke about (like he does about me) because he is continually doing "special" things. For instance yesterday I think he peed his pants. Either that or he spilled all over his lap in the car either way I was folded over laughing. Honestly though, Brian had to play Luna in our game this morning which put Sam playing the #3. I was absolutely amazed at him. I have never seen him play so well ever! My horse too is doing amazing, He's blocking everyone and we haven't come across horse we can't handle. I couldn't be more pleased.
Also Todd is getting great use out of our Kiddie pool. Yesterday I saw him try and do a belly flop & later he was relaxing with a beer. Then yesterday evening Laura decided that Sam had so much fun with the Kansas Law Enforcement that she decided to meet the Texas Police Department. (I personally think she was trying to help Sam out. After he got pulled over everyone was sure he would AGAIN be in the running for the Grass Stain Award.) She got pulled over for doing a U turn while we were on the way to the hotel where we were going to take a shower. But don't worry because Dana shamelessly took a picture. (We'll be sure to get that picture on the web when we get home.) So like Lindsey says below: the club is doing amazing, everyone is helping everyone, and working really hard.
Kristi
Ladies and Gentlemen i would like to announce that Sam braided his own horses tail, it was a big accomplishment for him even though it sucked!!! The D grade is kicking butt and taken names even though the field is crappy and three people had fallen off by 10 o'clock thankfully we have all stayed on, but Michael kind of fell off. We are very proud of Alecs who is doing a killer job with her team even though they didn't ever practice together. Jacob fell off the back of a truck when ben was driving, and messed up his wrist, his back is pretty beat up too. People keep saying that I'm abusive, and beat him. (I really don't)!! B grade hasn't been winning but they are doing awesome, same with our JR team, but this a good experience for all.
Lindsey
10/8 Sun
The sun has risen on CHAMPIONSHIP morning at the 2006 American Polocrosse Nationals. Many teams have fallen and only a few still stand, having a chance to be crowned National Champs. Not to be left out and to prove to the rest of the polocrosse world that Minnesota can play with anyone, the Extreme D- team will take the field at 10:30 this morning in front of hundreds of screaming fans. Representing Minnesota playing Number 1 [Attacker/Scorer] is Michael Johnson, playing Number 2 [Midfielder] Lindsey Herzog, and playing number 3 [Defender] is Paige Marek. Good Luck D- Team we're all behind you unless you lose.
The B-Team gave a great effort finally winning there last game....14-6 over Camp Stewart finishing the tournament with a 1 and 3 record. Several players on the other teams were A grade players posing a difficult task. Ranked well below most of the teams in player ability the B-Team never backed down from any challenge.
Our other D-Team (Winkler) started with 2 wins after day one and looking great. Day two they ran into trouble in there morning match with our Number 1 player breaking the head of his racket and not being able to shoot on goal. He had no idea why his bullet shots were now all falling out if his racket. After the game he discovered the broken racket. It gets worse...he played the next game with the same racket forgetting that it was broken. OUCH !!! Winkler finished with a 2-2 record.
The MN Junior team was also up against some stiff competition, some teams were 3 times the rating level than them. Since this team didn't get much time to practice together, it took them a while to gel into their spots. After several games they decided Josh would stay the #1, Lauren would move to a #2, and Tristan the #3. As hard as it was, they keep their spirits up, played hard, and made those teams work hard for their wins. Since this was their first tournament away from home, we are pleased to say they did justice to the Minnesota name.
Texas Extreme was a scramble team created of Alecs and 2 other texas juniors. Alecs blew everyone out of the water playing a number one. Her and the #3 dominic effortlessly dominated the junior field. Every pass they connected, every shot went threw the uprights, every loose ball was picked up, and almost every bounce was made. Her team cleaned up on the first day, then unfortunately went against the Lone Star Red team. (This was Lonestars top junior team containing Tallie Thompson and other players just as good) After the first chukkas, it was tied. Everyone was biting their nails MN & Lonestar alike. The Lonestar ended up scoring 1 more goal, and put them out of the running for the Finals. It is a shame that they had to meet before the final day because I strongly believe these two teams were the best 2 juniors teams in the division. They finished with a 3-1 record.
Kristi & Sam
10/8 Sun Night
As a newcomer to the sport of Polocrosse, I felt like I have taken leaps and bounds to a greater understanding to the game. Our team (D squad) had the great experience to play for the championship for D grade competitors. Our team fell to a competitive Conroe, Texas team; but not without a fight. I have never been so proud of a small team of gladiators. Lindsey and Paige are two of the most exquisite competitors I could ever have been paired up with. I give thanks for the opportunity to be associated with them. We are the 2nd best team of 14 terrific group division. KEEP YOUR HEADS UP, WHITE!
I would like to give a big thanks to Troy and Laura Chamberlain. They sponsored a coach for our squad for the last two matches we played. The knowledge we gained from these matches will always be engrained in our competitive memory banks. Thank You, Troy and Laura!
Now I think it's time that I can poke a little fun at myself. I entered this sport as the greenest and most inexperienced rider to the group. I never thought I could compete at this level. Well, I may have been right. After hitting the ground twice in active competition and losing my racquet a couple times, my notion was confirmed. I need to spend more time in the saddle. I have to thank my teammates for the mental and emotional support to continue on in our endeavor... For only being 16 years old, my cohorts have the fight of lions and the desire to be future "buckle" winners. My only hope is that they will accept me to play with them again. Thanks to them!
It's been an intriguing time here in Parker Texas, especially the sarcasm from Alice Hauck, Father of Josh, and Tittliwink Marek. Never a dull moment was spent in the "compound." Again, as a newcomer to the group, I want to say thanks to everyone for their acceptance. Especially because I know how much of a dictator my better half can be. Thanks for not holding that against me! (I'm just kidding, Honey!)
Michael Johnson
Trip to Texas where to begin, the night before leaving Kristi asking Josh if he'd like to play, what a great opportunity for Josh. I've seen a lot of friendships starting to form and only see more fun in the future for the kids and parents. Also a huge THANK YOU for letting our families be part of this exciting group of people. Texas has been hot and dirty and the kids have all done extremely well not complaining. WIshing the trees and lawns were like back home green and plush not desert like. Looking at heading out in the early AM should make Minnesota by 7-8 PM tomorrow. Congratulations to Michael, Lindsey, Paige - thanks for taking us to the show.
Dad father of Lindsey , House of Herzog
It's been fun, and was a great idea to blog our trip. I would first just like to send a big thanks out to the Chamberlins for graciously letting me use Missy and Luna. Without them theres no way i could have been abloe to keep up with the competition. I would also like to thank Jeremy Stern and Michael Thompson for filling out our B-grade team, without them who knows how we would have done. Everyone has played beyond their ability and it will be great to see everyone's ratings skyrocket. Going into the tournament we knew it was going to be tought but somehow everyone stepped up and everyteam give the oposition a good run for the money. It's too bad the tournament had to end so soon but there's always next year.
Brian
So apparently they are making me fill out this blog,, that I have tried to avoid for a few days now. However, I do have a little to say about this little trip of ours. First off I would just like to say congrates to all the teams we brought down this weekend,,, everyone kicked some booty! And I would really like to thank my amazing team Michael and Lindsey, we made a killer team and it showed when we got 2nd at nationals after only playing once together and have two members on our team that have only been playing for about 5 months! Way to go extreme team! Now to the trip. When we first got here I hated it, It was hot and miserable, I just wanted to go home. But today I am sitting here enjoying every last minute of it! It's a cool night and we are around some of the best people in the world. This group is so much fun and it makes this experience well worth it! I am defiantly going to continue to playing polocrosse hardcore thanks to this weekend! And I promise... I will not run over any more lawn chairs!!
Paige Marie