Aug. 21, 2001

Worms, Germany - Sorry to have been away for a bit, but this is the first chance I have had to get to a computer. Yesterday the team took a five-hour ride from Valkenswaard, Holland and arrived at our hostel in Worms, Germany sometime mid-afternoon. It is a terrific hostel in the middle of town unlike our previous spot where we were located in more of a wooded park atmosphere.

Our accomodations have stepped up considerably as this hostel makes us feel like we are staying on Park Avenue compared to the last place --although the last hostel had its own charm as well. This place is four stories high with bigger and more open rooms -- it is almost like being in a hotel except for the pillows. The pillows are about as big as your average American couch throw pillow. The showers have greater water pressure and the team is split into four groups of five which gives everyone just a bit more space.

After our arrival, we met our new guide, Alexander, and he took us to a professional match between Mannheim and Duisberg. Mannheim came away with a hard fought 3-1 win in a game much different than we saw the other day. This game was much more physical and the cheering sections were crazy. I felt right at home as one of the players had the last name of Emmerich and a section of fans hung a banner in support of him. I joked that I it was very nice of the Germans to hang a banner for me.

We awoke early this morning to train at a field only 10 minutes away. A beautiful field located at the biggest club in town. They tell us that Worms served as the capital city of Germany way back in the infant stages of the country. It is a neat little town with many shops, old churches and cobblestone streets. I am presently writing to your from a quaint little internet cafe located on the outskirts of the center of town -- an area devoted solely to walking around and shopping.

At this morning's session, the staff defeated the team in a contest of penalty kicks and so the team has demanded a rematch for this afternoon. We have not yet decided is we will give them that chance!

After our training session this afternoon, we shall attend a festival in Deisdehiem. Tomorrow we will practice in the morning, visit Mainz in the afternoon and take on Frankfurt II at night. Frankfurt II should be the strongest team that we will play.

As for the players, they are doing very well. They have coped with the inconveniences of travel and have practiced and played hard. Coach is very pleased with their efforts. Lauren Canino has been cleared to play and resumed a very light workout schedule this morning. So, all 20 players are now involved in practice.

I will try and check in sometime tomorrow as I am unsure of how often I will be able to get to this cafe. We are looking forward to Friday here as we will visit the castle in Heidelberg. It is supposed to be magnificent.

Until next time, all is well in Germany. It will be a little more difficult to call home from here (there are many trying to use the phone), so I will pass along a bunch of hellos for everyone. Don't be upset if you don't get a call - it is not as convenient and our time schedule is tight.

The adventure continues...the weather is great and we hope all is well at home.

Rob Emmerich, Jr.