Notes of Regional

Sitting on the plane in Oakland. I don't think the reality has set in that we won the West for the second straight year. I never would have guessed it. Holy cow. What a year so far.

Sam Blakely made the trip. He wore #20. He warmed up with us, and kept us stocked with water. Sam will be a great addition to the team next year. He was very impressed with the whole process and the speed of the game. Thanks for coming Sam. Thanks to Marilyn for bringing him.

Special thanks to Lori, Dana, and Marilyn for taking the time and spending their own money to come and cheer us on. I'll mention my wife, Janet, as well although she spent MY money to come.

After the game Saturday, Janet and I, with Sam, Marilyn, Lori, and Dana piled into a van and drove into San Francisco. I took them out to the Golden Gate Bridge for some sightseeing, Fisherman's Wharf for lunch, a drive down Lombard, then to the Oakland Temple. It was a good day and enjoyable to get to know each other better.

Today (Sunday) was one of celebration. We had a great time. After the game, Lori, Dana, and Marilyn bought a card that, when opened, plays "Simply the Best" by Tina Turner. Lori also wrote a letter to the team that I will publish later if she gives me permission. It was very nice and touching.

After the game, we drove into San Francisco, down to the wharf for dinner. We parked and went in to a mexican restaurant. I had just completed my meal when my phone rang. I answered it and somebody asked me if I was in San Francisco. He then told me that he was out on the street and had my backpack. The man calling me was a cab driver who was driving by and saw my bag on the street. He looked through it to find my contact info.

I walked out and there he was. My backpack and all the other bags had been removed from the van and valuables stolen. Jason's DVD player and headphones were gone from his bag. They got my laptop, my wallet and credit/debit cards, iPaq. My Garmin was on the dash but they didn't get it.

As I reflect on the weekend, I realize that I have made some great friendships being a part of this team over the years. There is a bittersweet moment after a win when the realization hits that the team you just eliminated is full of friends and you know and understand their disappointment.

So if the other teams read this, I want to thank them for the dignity they showed in defeat. We have been there and I hope we're as gracious in defeat as they were this weekend. The Lakers and Warriors have been worthy adversaries over the years. More than that, they have been good friends. We look forward to many more battles ahead.

With the exception of the theft in San Francisco, this has been the perfect weekend. I got to enjoy it with my teammates, wife, and the three fans. I don't think we've ever had fans make a trip to watch us play. Thanks for making the trip.