Celadrin Tigerettes in San Antonio

We hadn't played together since Nationals in Houston Texas in 2011.  2012 is a Qualifying year for Senior Athletes so we arranged to play in the Texas State Senior Games in 3 on 3 women's basketball held at St. Mary's University on March23rd.

Three things of particular note were the addition on Joanne Sargent from Salmon Arm; meeting Adolph the 87+ pole vaulter from the documentary, AGE OF CHAMPIONS; and the number of TV shows to give Celadrin the exposure it deserves.

In 1971, Joanne had been the Captain of the Canadian National team and I had played with her in the World Tournament in Brazil and the Pan American Games in Cali, Columbia.  A few years later we had played together on a 3 week tour of Czechoslovakia.  At the Masters Games in Portland about 12 years ago, Joanne and Mavis and I had played for a Canadian team, full court, while two other players joined Russia and Argentina.  Now Joanne is the new point guard for the Celadrin Tigerettes as we waltzed through the Texas tournament undefeated.  Our record is now 198 wins, 5 losses and we have qualified for Nationals 2013 in Cleveland, Ohio which might become our 8th National Championship Title.

When we arrived at the University Gym, Adolph came up and greeted us.  He was as excited to see us and we were to spend time with him.  I knew he was from San Antonio and had hoped to get a chance to meet.  He sat with us and watched all of our games, cheering for us to the dismay of the Texas teams.  He is so well known there.  He won 6 gold medals in Track and Field events before coming to see us.

The other point of interest is the media coverage we received in San Antonio.  Every TV station wanted to have us on their programs.  Mavis, Loretta, Nikki and Kitty arrived several days early to make appearances.
3/21/2012....11am-12 at KENS TV CBS  Great Day San Antonio with Eileen Teves
3/22/2012....9:50am- 9:55 KABB TV FOX Daytime at Nine with Monica Taylor
3/23/2012...5:30am- 7am WOAI TV NBC San Antonio Living/News with Cleto Rodrigues
3/23/2012....9am- 9:05   WOAI TV FOX San Antonio Living in studio with Shelly Miles

 San Antonio is a beautiful city.  We stayed at the luxurious Omni on the Collonade hotel.  Several players attended the Women's University Basketball Finals at St. Mary's, while Joanne, Wannie, Kitty and I had an amazing Italian dinner on the River Walk and took the boat tour through the canals.

Joanne and I shared the same flights coming back to British Columbia, getting upgraded to First Class for one of the legs.  Even though we were only gone Thursday to Saturday, it felt like much longer.  Always good to have Poul pick me us at the airport and welcome me home.