Great Camp

Camp went great! All of the Italian players were very accepting of me and the imports and of all the new defense. Had some great practices even though it was cold - not expecting that. I have players from 25 to 38 years old. They all worked hard and I have some really good athletes. Getting used to Italian dining. Late and long. Didn't start dinner unitl 9:30 or 10:00 and then there were several courses. The Italians enjoy their meals. Joe Newton would be proud of me - I ate some things that I didn't have any idea what they were. Think I even ate spinach. Not too bad but on the way back to the house this afternoon, we stopped by McDonalds. Not use to eating so much pasta. Just for future reference, Big Macs are not the same in Italy. Strange sauce on them. We start regular practices this week so that should be exciting. I hope to get out more and see more of Catania. Some of my younger players offered to show me around the cities where they live. I will post more pictures later in the week.

Opening Day of Football Camp

Friday was the first day of our camp. All of the players and coaches met together for the first time at the hotel. Mount Etna - the active volcano - is seen in the pictures. Facilities were really nice - Joe is posing in the meeting room. Had our first practice on Saturday and worked on offense and defense. Late dinner and then team function to help bond with Italians and imports. On Sunday, another full practice. It is getting exciting here!

 Here are some pictures I took this morning. This is right below the house. You can see a picture of the path that leads down to the ocean. Unbelievable views.

Day Two of the Adventure in Catania

Things continue to go well. Had meetings again with coaches and am excited about the camp this weekend. When we got in last night, the electricity went off so I headed to bed. Got up it was still off so Robert - my  quarteback - found a maintenance man and discovered we had tripped a breaker and the box was right outside our door. So I can communicate once again. Yesterday was rainy, today is paradise. Took the trail near the house down to the water. I am including pictures of the water - no beach but lots of lava rock - and some of the house where I am living. I got brave today and drove the car - not far but at least I tried it out. Won't be going far because gas is close to $8 a gallon. The sea below me is beautiful and peaceful. Great place to sit and pray. Had pizza for supper last night - tasted pretty good. One of the other coaches ordered one that came with English peas and hardboiled eggs on it. I stayed with sausage and cheese. Glad I did. Going to head out to the mall today and see if I can find an adaptor for my computer. Went to the grocery and only came back with Diet Coke - or Cola Light as it is called here. Camp starts tonight and runs through Sunday. Hope to have some more news by Sunday to share.

Pictures From the New Place - Open area in back

Here are some pictures taken from the terrace outside my bedroom window. This was yesterday. Today it is pouring down rain. Hope to have more pictures of more of the city tomorrow. Still haven't left the house but for meetings.



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First Day in Catania

Trying to get some pictures posted of the area around my new place.  Hope to have them up later, but thought I would report on my first day in Sicily.  I have a great place to live - two story vacation home with a great view. Terrace off of the bedroom ( pictures taken from there) and plenty of room.  Got a pretty good night's rest after the long flight from Texas and it was a good thing because I finally got back to the house around 1:00 a.m. WEDNESDAY morning. Catania is a crazy place! But before that, I met with my coaching staff and shared my goals and vision for the team. It was well accepted and we spent nearly three hours working on offense and defense. I am excited about what the season holds! I have some great young, smart, and enthusiastic coaches and players. After the meeting, we met up with several of the Italian players for dinner -late dinner. Catania at night looks like an old Texas/OU weekend. People everywhere! I had my first real Italian meal - couldn't read the menu so one of the locals tried to help. Ended up ordering a calzone and it was good! It looked like a boomerang filled with really good cheese and the bread was outstanding. Little different from home and a whole lot better! The trip to and from the restaurant was an experience - crazy drivers over here. They make four lanes out of two and when you are driving down the road the side mirrors touch.  Then there are the motorcycles flying in between. Needless to say, I may not be driving anywhere while I am here. We have a SMALL car and last night we had 5 people crammed into it! I have a feeling everyday is going to be an adventure in some way or another.

IT HAS BEGUN

Well, the long flights and heavy bags have arrived in Catania, Sicily. God gave me a great flight to Rome - two seats to myself and no one sitting in front of me. Couldn't ask for more! Slight delay in Rome because I had to go get a boarding pass, but still made it to the island without a hitch - bags and all. Write more after getting some sleep. Looking forward to meetings on Wednesday with the other coaches and then a camp with all the players beginning on Friday. Pictures of the place and Catania coming soon. Thanks for all of the prayers.

THIS IS WHAT AWAITS ME IN SICILY

Well the ticket is bought and I will be leaving in 10 days to begin my new journey in coaching. I am more than excited but also after receiving this picture - a little nervous. On the island, is an active volcano -Mt. Etna. Davide, the owner of the Catania Elephants, sent me this picture from his bedroom window telling me that the fireworks had begun getting ready for my arrival. So, here we go! Hope it settles down before I arrive. Just saying - don't want to be part of a new disaster movie.

THE FAMILY - MINUS GWEN

 This is my younger daughter Maggie. She attends Hardin Simmons University in Abilene, Texas. Like her dad, she is into sports and hopes to work in the sports world in some capacity after she graduates.

Here is Jonas - the grandson! He lives in Austria and just turned four years old. He is all boy and from the time he wakes up until he goes to bed he stays busy. Hope to teach him the real game of football before long.  

This is my older daughter, Bronwyn who lives in Austria with Jonas and husband Bernhard. She is my "bookworm" and loves to cook, bake and read books on her new Nook. She teaches English classes and takes care of Bernhard and Jonas.

Almost There

Well, it's almost time to head to Catania, Sicily. Bags are being packed, defensive playbooks are being worked on, and I am eating my "last meals" in the States before I begin my adventure. I still cannot believe that God has given me this unbelievable opportunity to do something that I love - coaching football. So, for the next 12 days I am cramming in all the visiting and work that can be done. Hope this blog will help you keep up with the journey.