Week 12
August 23 - August 29
On Monday night, one of our defensive lineman, Leo, asked us if we wanted to go to the
Turku military base and shoot some pistols. We agreed because neither me or Scott have
ever shot a gun. So it was me, Thomas, Scott, and Leo.
We put on these headphone looking things that was ear protection fromt he loud gun
shots, but it had a little microphone on it so you could still hear everyone else talking to
you. It just eliminated all the sound that was above a certain decible level. Leo set up a
target for us so we could see where we were shooting and we were at a real shooting
range too. Thomas was the first to go and did okay. He claimed he can really shoot
better but he wasn't used to this type of gun.
I went next and did okay for never shooting a pistol in my life. Scott was next and did
about the same as me and Thomas. We each shot 3 bullets and then went and saw how we
did after each individual went. The we each went again shooting 5 this time.
Then we decided to have a competition. The bullseye ring was 10 points and then it went
down from there. We each got 5 bullets again. Thomas was the first to go and scored a
33. Not bad. Then I went and "fired" a 42. Scott's score was in the high 20's.
So Thomas was shocked that I beat him and we decided to go again. This time he went
one better and scored a 34. Next it was my turn to prove that the first score wasn't a
fluke. The target was about 25 meters away so you can't tell how good you do until you
walk up and check the board in person. I thought I did pretty good on the last one. I had
three bullseyes, a nine, and a seven for a score of 46. I was amazed myself on how well I
did for my first time ever and was pretty pumped. I got the gold, Thomas the silver, and
Scott the bronze. USA wins in pistol shooting.
But it was a good time and we thank Leo for letting us shoot and showing us around the
army base.
On Tuesday, we had practice and it was not a good one at all. We had some guys there
but we were trying to put in too many new plays and it was confusing everybody. On
defense, everyone was arguing with each other on how to guard certain formations.
Overall, it just wasn't a good practice with a bad vibe to it.
Thursday's practice was better. We were getting things done instead of arguing with each
other all the time. In my opinion, I think we still had too many new offensive plays in that
week for only practicing twice a week. Nonetheless, it was a better practice before the
big semifinal game.
Our game was on Sunday and was not very pretty, but we got the job done. This team just
keeps finding ways to win, even when we get people hurt. We can look bad for the whole
game and then sometime in the third or fourth quarter something happens and we snap out
of it and put it in full gear. For the Final on Saturday we are going to have to find that
kick in the first half.
On Monday of this week, the only guy in our front office calls us and tells us that we have
to move into a hotel for the rest of the week and we have to move out of our apartment.
So we are in the process of moving all of our stuff out of our room and getting ready to put
our stuff in a hotel before practice. The hotel isn't too far away and it is just on the edge
of the town market.
So I may not have a computer for the rest of the week and through the rest of my stay
here. Its only 5 more days. However, I may be able to get a hold of a computer after the
final on Saturday night in Helsinki. I'll try to post a short page telling you the outcome of
the game and a little more. But when I get back to the States I will give you a more
detailed version of the game and an account of our adventures back home. (You know
something worth mentioning is bound to happen.) Then I'll also give a wrap up of my stay
in the Final Conclusion.
Wish us luck in the Finals and go Trojans,
seeya,
Brett