Aug. 12, 2001

This report was filed by Dana Chuha, a senior from Amarillo, Texas. For other diaries from various players as the trip progresses, click here.

Let me start off saying that I am really sick of barbecue mystery meatloaf. It really is going to take me five years before I eat meatloaf again.

(Thanks for letting me vent.)

We started our day by waking up in the Grand Hotel in Yamagata. We had breakfast, and then we were ready for our first practice at the feared Pioneer club. To tell you the truth, I am really scared. With the stories I have heard from our coaches about Pioneer coach Arie Selinger, it sounds like practice from now on will be run by the "scary man with evil eyes." Yes, he does have eyes that look like they could kill, but the funny thing is that they are light green. Sorry, Dad, but they look like yours, so they weren't bad after all. Hey, I've lived with my dad for 20 years. Ha! Ha!

Anyway, practice was pretty hard. We did a few drills and it seemed like they would never end, but we made it. I was talking to some of the girls, and it's like we are all in the same boat and if we can stick together we can make it through these last few practices in Japan. I can't believe I only have four more days of two-a-days in my college career.

Japan is really an awesome experience. I never though I would say this but I am ready to go back to Waco. I feel like I'm at a home away from home (Waco) away from home (California). Well, we will see how the rest of our days at Pioneer end up. Four more days!!! Eight more practices, 24 hours!!!

Hi Mom, Dad, Mindy and Buddy. I miss you and love you tons and tons!

Next Journal -- Stevie Nicholas, So., OH, Fullerton, Calif.