Aug. 16, 2001

Valkenswaard, Holland - Seawolves in Holland - Day 2. We have just completed morning practice and are finishing up lunch before heading out for a few hours of touring the inner part of the city of Utrecht. The people at our hostel are wonderful. They have let me use their computer and I have earned an even greater respect for the power of the internet here on European soil.

Last night was interesting. Most of us tried to stay awake until the early evening hours to try and get on the Holland time schedule. Some of us went for a walk, but some of us engaged in a marathon session of ping-pong. I was able to defeat all comers and earned the title of Harba Lorifa (our hostel) champion last night as Eric Lehnert, Greg Delimitros, coach Ryan, Kerri McCabe, Sarah Greenberg and Emily Snyder all went down in defeat despite their best efforts. The team is loaded with talented ping pong players and all insist that my reign as champion will come to a halt by the end of the week. McCabe was the toughest to fend off as her competitive nature would not let her give up. We played six straight games and I was able to come away with one or two-point victories in each game. Sooner or later she is bound to knock me off.

Everybody had a great night's sleep despite the rowdy bunch of Dutch girls who stayed up all night and made as much noise as humanly possible. It was a beautiful morning and the players turned in a spirited practice, much better than yesterday. Many have commented on how great it is to be here. We are all excited for tonight's game and are unsure of what to expect. We are leaving for the game directly from our afternoon of touring and I will try to get an update on the result when we get back which should be around midnight here. Game time in Belgium is 7:00 p.m.

Other details. Food has been pretty good. We have feasted on peanut butter and jelly at lunch along with fruit and some cold cuts. Breakfast consisted on cereal, yogurt, cold cuts, milk and orange juice. Not bad at all. The milk is a little thicker here and the country is in love with their cheese. They put cheese on everything as they tell me that Holland is the Wisconsin of Europe. Beer is cheap while soda and iced tea are very expensive. The water is outstanding although in Holland they seem to have very little use for ice so all drinks are a bit warmer than we are used to. No worries, though, we are tough Americans!!

I hope to check in later with the result of tonight's game. If not, I will check in tomorrow morning. Again, everyone sends out big hellos back home. We are thinking of you as we know that most of you are asleep back in the States right now.

Rob Emmerich, Jr.

A note from Maggie Haren The trip was great. The practices have been harder than I am used to. Last night, the Holland girls kept us up but we got through the hardships of the heat and sleep deprivation. It is nicer here than compared to Phoenix. I love the freshman duties of carrying the balls and water to the field--we are so lucky because it is a mile walk to the field. I am excited to be here with the team. Hi mom and dad and rich. Also a big hello to gammy and poppop. Gammy, it is beautiful here. Go Seawolves!

A note from Krisha Zagura I have never been on a plane trip that long and recovering from it was a bit hard. I went to bed at 5 pm last night and didn't wake up until 8 am. I feel replenished today and had a good practice today. Hopefully our team will come together here in Europe and have a better season than last year. Food here is not as good as in America but they have great peanut butter. Hi mom and dad and family. Love Krisha.