Day Two
Another hot day in Sacramento. Lisa had to report for work
early. NIKE was holding several press conferences and she had to roll-up
T-shirts to give to members of the press. After the press conferences, she
had to transcribe the conference into a computer. She was also sent to Taco
Time to pick-up lunch. (Is their no end to the skills this girl possesses?
Dave and I urge you all to spare no expense on your child’s education.) The 10,000 meter champion, came
into the NIKE center today and decided Lisa would be the one to ask about
where he was supposed to go for his conference tomorrow. Lisa was not sure
who he was and was trying to discreetly view his ID badge. When she realized
who he was, she knew what to tell him and reassure him that his conference
would go well, and now the press will be able to interview Meb. Whew –
another disaster averted.
Dave went out to the driving range with Brother Steve, while I hit the
market again for sandwich supplies. No more thirst and starvation at the
track – we would bring our own grub! We took the 2:30 shuttle over to the
stadium to meet Lisa – but our little transcriber was still transcribing the
Regina Jacobs press conference, so we headed across the street to the
stadium without her.
More stadium bitching: there is ONE GATE into the stadium
for 23,000 fans. Six turnstiles. Someone to tear your ticket. Someone to
search your bags. 23,000 fans. You do the math, because I am having a heat
stroke. John Jaqua and I have a great plan for the 2004 Olympic Trials: Hold
the meet in Eugene. Hayward Field has exactly half the seating capacity of
Spanos Stadium. Seats are $25 here – charge $50 in Eugene. Hayward Field has
plumbing, pavement, and starters who know to know hold Michael Johnson for
FOUR (yes, I said FOUR) seconds!
Enough said!
Great track & field today! If you ever have the chance
to see 300 pound men belly-bumping each other – try to take advantage of
the situation. When Adam Nelson put the shot longer than anyone else in
the world this year – the stadium erupted and C. J. Hunter ran into the
Nelson at full force in a sumo-style belly-bump that would have killed
you or me. It was awe-inspiring and hilarious at the same time.
Today we were joined in the stands by one of my favorite people on the
planet and long-time friend, Michael Quinn – and I give you this great
photo... be still, my heart:
Mike Quinn, Brother Steve and Dave
We also saw the finals for the 100 meter and Heptathlon –
Kelly Blair did very well and made the team! Lisa showed-up in time for the
men’s 100 meter final. There were also several exhibition events: disabled
races. It is difficult to call a woman who can run 100 meters in under 13
seconds “disabled”, but considering she uses two prosthesis as legs… amazing
athletes, inspiring races. Also, a Women’s Master 800 meters with a 76 year
old woman. Ok, she came in last place. She was out there and the rest of us
were watching.
After the meet, which ended around 7p, Steve, Dave, Lisa and I went to
dinner at Piatti’s. Great Italian food. We had a Caprese and spinach gnocchi
with potatoes and green beans. Wonderful. Savory and rich. Kevin Johnson was
dining in the restaurant also. (He probably heard we would be there.)
Wonderful meal, wonderful restaurant – we hope to return this week.
After
dinner, Steve and Lisa headed back home and Dave and I headed back to the RV
Park(ing lot) to find the Ducks. We found a motorhome-full, had several
beers, and talked-over the good old days. Their motorhome is getting
crowded. Gary Barger and Captain Smith's girl friend are now here. By my count:
5.