November 9, 2009

If I had to describe this team in one word, it would probably be competitive. While we have known since Day One that we have the characteristic SWG fun and quirkiness, our competitive grit is becoming more apparent with each week. It is inspiring to see the fire light up within people as we are pitted against each other during practice. Whether it's out-performing, out-competing, or out-spiriting, this team doesn't hold back.

Going along with this theme, the coaches wrote our depth charts up on the board- but this time with a twist. As in the movie "Drumline," we can call out someone in the lineup and challenge them for their spot at any time. After a challenge is called, practice is paused as the two battle out a routine under pressure. It adds a whole new element to practice, and really capitalizes on our competitive spirit.

We finished off the week with another untraditional game day, where we split into two groups and had head to head competition. This week the groups were the "Fight Club" and the "Asian Super Sensation." The games started even before we got out on the floor, with the Fight Club painting on war marks, and the Asian Super Sensation spraying their blondies' hair black. The competition was close down to the last routine, but once again we ended up tied. A few highlights include Alyssa rocking a lights-out beam routine, Shelley Jo competing a huge full-in, and Jenny nailing her flic lay-lay on beam. It was also great to see our depth grow since last week - we had five people for each group competing on beam and floor, and only a couple less on bars and vault. Seeing what we have been able to put together competing as two half-teams makes me so excited for when we once again combine our forces.

There has also been plenty going on outside of the gym. Weedge performed at a dance benefit for Free The Children, and Blur attended a two-day Pac-10 student council conference in San Francisco. After practice on Friday we headed over to a wedding shower for recent SWG graduate Nicole Ourada. It was a lot of fun, and it was great to see some of the alums there. We even Skyped in Kelly Fee, who is studying abroad in Chile. Last but not least, Stanford Football had an inspirational win against Oregon.

Thanks for checking in!
Tenaya