Monday

As with anything filled with tradition ... the week at the beach immediately felt like years past. Morning began with coach Diemer's 8:30 a.m. devotions. 
From Kaylea Brase:
"The devos today were about living God-centered lives. Coach Diemer started by describing how he and some of his close friends followed their sport to the end of the trail (Olympics and such!) but found that it didn't satisfy. He read us a quote from C.S. Lewis that basically said that if you find nothing can satisfy you in this world, then maybe you weren't made for this world. We discussed our longing for home and for God and for something higher. We talked about why we are here, which is described in some confession (can't remember which one) as to glorify God and enjoy Him. We ended by discussing how we can turn our longing for God into service, worship, and joy instead of turning to things that don't truly satisfy."


Devos' were followed by another long standing tradition ... stragglers for the Monday morning bus to the track. 
Thanks to the quick thinking Caledonia boy (and football scourge of the Sailors), Kenny Echtinaw, realized we needed the throwing toys on the same bus as the dumbbells. We were heading a few miles up 59 to the track while the harriers were going for a long run along the intercostal. Two buses, two sites ... we needed all the heavy stuff on one bus. Things would not go well without our bright Calvin students.
The day was chilly ... high of 58˚ with a strong gulf breeze pushing down the coast. It gave everyone a good day to get settled.
Online album : Gulf Shores track & field 2010

As the sun settled in the west more traditions began to unfold ... walks to Scoops for some ice cream and the annual "Hey coach, can I get another piercing (or tattoo)?" phone call request.