Bike Classic

OK, this isn't exactly a University event, but it is an event where the cycling world is focused on Redlands. In the spirit of the community that we live and learn in, I sent Talulah to go blog at Willis Center while I went out and watched some cycling. The first day is a grueling climb from the second they left the blocks; up Ford Hill, up Reservoir Road, up Wabash, and then up some more. Saturday and Sunday races are also held throughout town, so go check them out. I bet some of the admitted students would enjoy watching these guys and gals race through our home streets. To ground myself back at the UR, it's off to Lacrosse tonight. Be there. 7 pm.

Tennis and Softball Wednesday March 25th

Today was warm. No. It was downright hot. I got home after visiting campus and rolled, romped, and ran in my outdoor bath (a converted turtle sandbox filled with water instead). A few circles later and I was cooled down enough to jump online. While on campus I stopped by to watch the Men's Tennis team take on the Gusties of Gustavus Adolphus. Gusties? Their mascot is an occasional burst of wind? How can I stare that down? Oh well, I looked them up and found out they're from Minnesota where the high temperature today was near ten degrees lower than our low temperature. The Gusties are here on their Spring Break (does that mean they're the Santa Anas?) and they fell 7-2 to the Bulldogs. Little did they know that Bulldogs are known to expel a few gusties of their own... Next up, Williams on Friday at 2 pm.

At the same time, the Women's Softball team was playing a double header against the Wildcats of Linfield College. Our Bulldogs put up some good numbers but lost both games by scores of 3-1 and 3-0. The Wildcats are 17-1 and ranked 11th in the Nation. Not a bad showing if you ask me. We have a SCIAC double header this Saturday versus Pomona-Pitzer. We're 8-2 in SCIAC play and we could use some more fan support so come out enjoy the games and sun. First game is at noon.

Redlands Invitational Track and Field

It was another excellent day in Redlands for hanging out at Ted Runner Stadium/Cunningham Track and watching our Bulldogs run, jump, and throw their way to excellent finishes at the Redlands Invitational Meet. Our ladies placed second and the men took third. Great job. Before we even began, I was able to corral all the athletes for a group picture. Thanks guys. Thanks Coach. As for the individual events, personally I love the 10k race because I get to watch the start and then mingle with the athletes for a little over 30 or 40 minutes before the race is over. This gives me time to roll around in the grass and scratch my back or get my ears rubbed by students. The throwing events are obviously dear to my heart as Bulldogs are known to excel in this arena. If I had an opposable thumb, I'd probably take up javelin myself. Or maybe the Pole Vault. Oh well. I guess the only sad part of today was that this was our last home meet of the year.

Women's Tennis vs. Amherst

Today, Talulah stopped by at the start of the women's tennis match vs. Amherst. It was warm out; a definite southern California advantage. We got some photos and saw some great action on the court. Talulah rolled in the dirt below the stands, ran away briefly from her handler, and gave what support she could. Amherst is ranked third in the nation and we played them tough, but lost 7-2. Overall we're 8-3 and still undefeated in SCIAC. Our next home game is Tuesday at 3 pm.

Lacrosse vs. CMS

On this brisk Wednesday night our Lady Bulldog Lacrosse team played a great game against CMS. We lost 14-6, but it was close for most of the game against a team that is a perennial SCIAC favorite. This bodes well for us and the rest of the season. I had fun except for the times I had to keep Talulah from running out onto the field and chasing the little yellow ball. Tonight was also Faculty Appreciation Night and after the game, let me stress "after the game," coach and the team posed for a group shot with all the faculty, Talulah, and myself. Our next home Lacrosse game is March 17th at 3 pm vs. Puget Sound.