Over to the bar I went and the group had a tent set up outside. Group of about 20 - 25 everyone very friendly and welcoming.
Leading up to the trip had been checking the weather in Jonesboro, all early 30's and sunshine until it started to change to stormy and occasional rain a few days out. Temperatures were still predicted in the high 20's/low 30's though. Until today. It was freezing and of course I had only packed 1 jumper and it was no going to be anywhere near enough. Fortunately as did the rest of the Perth contingent, so one of our new friends packed us up in his truck and we drove the few minutes down the road to a uni bookstore and stocked up on warm and wet weather Red Wolves gear. The staff at the store loved our accents and something I heard numerous times on this trip 'Just talk'
Back to the bar, intending to head over to the stadium for the player's walk at 4.00pm, that was until we were given word that due to the weather the walk was cancelled.
The game started at 6 so I thought i'd take the opportunity to drive back to the hotel, check in, shower, put some dry clothes, and more importantly dry socks on, and be back with plenty of time to spare. Walking back to the car, stunning young lady offered to give me a lift in a uni golf cart back to the parking lot, so after picking my jaw up off the floor, gladly accepted, quick word to the lot attendant who said she'd remember I paid because of the accent and away I went.
Arrived at about 4.15, a few other people in the lobby, asked to check in 'sorry room isn't ready'. Few other people walked in, same comment, few saying never again would they come here as same thing happened previously. Grabbed my bags and took new socks out, was going to give it to 4.40 and then get going, as the players came out to warm up at 5 and would be an opportunity to say hello to the young bloke.
4.30 and now 8 people/couples waiting for rooms, was about to go, when I got the word to come to the desk. Room ready. Quick shower, dry socks, wet shoes and off I went.
Met back up with the group in the players families area, rain had stopped by now.
The young bloke, doesn't have the usual shape of a punter
Warm up kicks and the poor fella next to him who is behind him in the depth chart showed why he is behind him. Kicks drop about 20 yards shorter and a lot less hang time. Discussions with people during the next few days seems he has accepted he's not going to get much of a go and has upped the partying and lowered the commitment to football.
Recruits and parents on the sidelines
Opposition, University of Las Vegas Rebels
Warm ups and the band starting to take their places
Pre-game entertainment
Out the team comes and wish they were able to keep those flames going, really warmed things up for a second or two
Game started and the wind and rain really started to ramp things up. I was sitting with the girls answering their questions on what was going on in the game, the rest of the Perth contingent nowhere to be seen. At quarter time we had had enough and decided to go looking for them. Having the parents of mum and partner in tow turned out to be a bonus, they had been allowed into the handicapped area which happened to be under cover, not a lot of cover form the win however, but was a lot better than being in the rain. quickly jumped on that bandwagon telling the attendant we were with them.
New view
Grabbed a coffee, bit of a misunderstanding with the accent. After ordering and getting my change back, gave the obligatory 'cheers'. Young girl looked a little confused, then said 'oh, you want cheese in it?' All cleared up, even sans cheese, a very ordinary coffee.
Walking back, tipsy lady begged me for my wet weather pancho that I had purchased earlier, said she'd give me $20 bucks for it. Took it off, said 'all yours, enjoy it' She was happy as larry.
Half time show
Young fella having a few practice kicks at half time
Night just got wetter and colder, home team got the win 27 - 20, said my goodbyes to the Perth contingent, they were setting off to Orlando next day and I was planning an early start to play catch up on what I missed out on on Friday.