First Road Trip! By Marissa Miles

I woke up on Friday morning full of excitement (well technically I guess the first thing I could think about upon hearing my alarm was hitting the snooze button- but then after that, like I said, total excitement.) I knew it was going to be a great day for me, better yet, a great weekend. I was about to revisit a city that I knew pretty well. We were off to Pittsburgh for our first overnight trip of the season to team up with CMU in an effort to triumph at the annual UAA-OAC Challenge. Not only was I going home, I was about to experience my first ever real road trip with the team- something that I now know, thanks to Erin Hollinger, involve the three best things in life- basketball, sleep, and food. After this weekend, I can honestly say that I agree with Erin one hundred percent.

It all started as we boarded the bus, complete with fifteen girls, a load of Subway, our new travel bags (side pockets included!), and a selection of movies. The activities that took place on the bus ride were pretty typical… sleeping, studying (on a Friday, I know, typical Case students), eating, listening to music, sticking gum on a teammate's forehead- you know everything you would imagine it to be.

Soon enough, we were in Pittsburgh and ready to battle John Carroll for the rights to “Own the Beachwood Cheesecake Factory,” as coach put it. Well, we did that- and after the game there was even more excitement to come. A home cooked meal, something that I have learned is a rarity for a college student, awaited us upon arrival at the house of Chelsea Peck. Dinner was amazing! From there we were headed to our hotel, where, after a quick team meeting, we were free to hang out, enjoy each other’s company, and get some rest- we had another big day ahead of us.

Breakfast was served at the hotel in the morning, followed by a trip back to campus for a quick practice. We had enough time to grab some Panera Bread (more food!) and get focused as tip off was quickly approaching.

A few hours later we stepped on the court ready to win another basketball game. We weren’t battling for Cheesecake this time, but what we were about to do was make a statement that CWRU Women’s Basketball would be a team to beat in Ohio, which was why we were determined to defeat Marietta. Again, we came away victorious, and were off to have another warm meal on our plates (I know two in one weekend, it’s incredible I’m telling you!!) at Ashleigh Tondo’s house.

After stuffing our stomachs to their fullest capacity, we were back on the bus en route home to Cleveland. Looking back, it was a great trip- 2 games, 2 victories, a ton of food, and a hotel bed that puts my shabby little dorm room mattress to shame. I had a great weekend with my teammates, and I can only imagine what else is to come!

Have a great Thanksgiving!

Last Friday the Spartans continued our tradition of a Halloween costume contest at the beginning of practice. The turnout this year was phenomenal and is really going to force bigger and better things for next year!

Coach Blade and Coach Halicki dressed as twins as they pulled off the Thing 1 and Thing 2 look. Coach Reimer dressed as “the Golf of Mexico” complete with a sombrero and a golf club.

The freshmen, in true team spirit, dressed as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Emily Mueller found herself a head taller than everyone as Snow White after finally having her costume shipped to Case earlier that day. Let’s just say double checking the zip code is a good idea before trying to ship things from out of state! The other seven freshmen found their personalities matching up with their characters from Bashful Nikki D’Amico to Happy Marissa Miles.

The sophomores continued the teamwork trend as the three blind mice followed by the junior team dressing as Kanye West, Taylor Swift, and of course, a microphone to fight over.

The seniors stood as individuals as Kristyn Atkins dressed as a Christmas tree completed with lights that she could plug into the wall and brighten our practice. Ashleigh Tondo dressed as Coach Reimer from the short blonde hair to the whistle to the folded paper sticking out of her shorts. It was a rather frightening imitation that won first prize along with the freshman group.

Soon after determining a winner, we all changed back into practice clothes to get down to business. Practice was difficult and challenging as we look to improve each day and prepare to take on Cleveland State this coming Friday. It is going to be a fun challenge and we are all looking forward to playing some basketball and starting the season!