A Great Weekend for Husky Olympians

The University of Washington’s President Mark Emmert and Athletic Director Scott Woodward honored the Huskies who were in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.  We had a reception at the presidents house followed by a halftime show at the football game.  The reception was beautiful.  Each of us were introduced and got to say a few words which was a great opportunity for us to say thank you for everyone’s support.  They had some great food for us and most of it healthy which is a nice change.  But most of all it was awesome to be able to reconnect with all the Olympians, UW staff and long time Husky Supporters.

The football game activites were a blast.  I was able to spend sometime tailgating before the game and catch with a lot of friends I hadn’t seen in a while.  I was even able to catch up Softy and the gang on the radio.  They are a great bunch of guys who really enjoy Husky Athletics.  Then we had another opportunity to catch up with Husky supporters at the presidents brunch they have pregame.

My friends were able to join me for the game which we watched from the Athletic Directors box which is an awesome view.  Unfortuntely the Huskies didn’t win but we had a great time.  Joe Montana was there watching his son who plays for Notre Dame and it was cool to meet him on the sideline.  He was really intrigued about our Olympic experince and time in China, I enjoyed conversating with him.

Congratulations again to all the Husky Olympians you represented us well.  And Thanks again to the University of Washington and Husky supporters for making it extra special.

Turkey Toss 2008 Champion

My latest competition was this week at the annual Rick and Bubba Turkey Toss.  It was held Thursday morning at the Academy of Sports in Auburn, AL.  I got a call from Kristin Heaston, two-time Olympian, late Wednesday night telling me about the event and it was early in the morning from 6am to 9am. Cold mornings and frozen turkeys a chilly thought.  But I decided to head out there anyway.  I got there about 5:45am and  met up with Cory Martin, 2008 NCAA Champion in the shot put and hammer and the place was packed.  They had a Waffle House trailer cooking up hot waffles, Char-Broil trailer deep frying turkeys, Krispy Kreme donughts and Starbucks coffee.

They started to contest about 6:15am and I am frozen.  The turkeys are frozen in the bags and the crowd is not sure the best way to grip it and throw it.  The key was getting it to roll because they measured it where it stopped.  I did a sideways hip toss and it went about 50 feet and I moved into the lead.  I thought that might hold up but I wasn’t sure.  So I headed home to warm up and decided I would go back closer to end and see if my mark had held up.   I didn’t want to miss out on my prize.

When I got back the new leader had thrown 83 feet. WOW!!! I wonder who threw that, then I ran into her in the crowd it was Chandra Brewer a USA Shot putter who was 4th at this years Olympic Trials, she trains at Alabama University and was the 2007 Turkey Toss Champion and in 2nd was Krystal Hancock  of Enterprise, AL.  I took a couple of more throws and couldn’t come close so I took a break walked around and check out all the booths and with about 15minutes to go I decided one more throw.  I really wanted that Academy of Sports gift card.  As soon as I got back in line they said we were the cut off and no more throws.

I picked up the turkey got the best rip I could and threw it discus style and it flew and got a great roll.  I waited anxiously for the judge to let me know if it was enough and then he gave the thumbs up 83 feet 7 inches I took the lead.  It was awesome I never knew I could toss a turkey that far.  I had a great time all the competitors were awesome and of course Rick and Bubba were great.  Thanks see you next year!!!

Check out the award winning Rick and Bubba website, http://www.rickandbubba.com/   They have a list of all the winners and more photos of the event.

Pictures Courtesy of Krystal Hancock