Lessons learned

Thanks to the excellent play of our sports teams,I have been blessed to follow them during state tournaments for the past three basketball seasons and last couple of wrestling seasons.

During my expeditions, I have learned a few things.

Number one, I invested in the a shoulder strap for my camera, instead of a strap around the neck, which can really hurt after a few hours.

Second I learned to make sure I keep my batteries fully charged.

Third, I learned to plan a hotel early, because nothing is guaranteed upon arrival to whatever town the tourney is in.

Fourth I learned to book the room one night after the championship, because it can be close to 11 p.m. before the game ends.

I’m not built for the late night road trip home.

Fifth I have learned to pre-pack Milk of Magnesia and Pepto for emergencies.

Two lessons I learned this past weekend both involved food.

I learned not to eat pizza without the help of Lact-Aid.

Being severely lactose intolerant, I took it upon myself to order Papa Johns close to midnight Thursday night.

I hated myself the next afternoon as I fought to hold it together during the Malta and Columbus game.

There is nothing like finding a corner two minutes before the game ends.

The reason I was in a corner was because I thought I would spontaneously combust.

Glad I didn’t, but lesson learned.

The last lesson I learned this year was to not under any circumstances consume hot wings from Buffalo Wild Wings hours before a championship game.

I don’t know if it was nerves or wings or both, but I was jittering pretty hard-core along with cold sweats you would see from someone trying to quit drugs, cold turkey.

I seriously thought I was going to pass out on the court!

Those watching the game at the Villa Theatre would have died of laughter had I fallen.

I’m almost certain i would have made the news and the video may have gone viral.

Luckily, I made it through and our Malta M-ettes are champions!

PJ was super bummed he missed Rocky Boy’s Cecil LaFromboise’s game winning half-court shot.

My son was happy that he saw two slam dunks from Loyola Sacred Heart in another game.

He also enjoyed the people visiting him. Though he was sick, he was proud to see the M-ettes win!