Colorado State University Athletics
On the road with the Rams: Postcard Alaska
11/14/2007 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Nov. 14, 2007
FAIRBANKS, Alaska - Tuesday started early. With practice at 7:30 and the bus leaving at 9, there was not a lot of noise from the back of the bus on the trip down to Denver International Airport. Our travel party is 23 and getting that many people from Point A to Point B can be a challenge. The lines at DIA were mercifully short, allowing plenty of time to make the first flight of the day.
The flight to Seattle was a very rough ride. While the inbound flight had taken only one hour and 50 minutes, our trip took almost three hours. The skies were not kind, forcing us to take a lower altitude to find "smooth air." Most of the players didn't mind, sleeping hard all of the way. We arrived in Seattle 30 minutes late. We had just enough time to grab something to eat and head toward the next gate.
As we got on the flight to Fairbanks, the captain gave the predicted weather. One degree Fahrenheit didn't make anyone smile, though most people are excited to see what Alaska has to offer. With a full trip built around three games at the BP Top of the World Classic the next few days will be anything but dull. USC Upstate was also on the flight, making for an interesting combination of long legs and tall players.
As we walked down to baggage claim the local hosts and "our" cheerleading squad from the local high school greeted us with a banner and Alaska flags. We took a photo and then retrieved our luggage. As we walked past the doors several players dashed in and out, their first taste of the chilly Fairbanks weather. We loaded on the bus and took the 5-minute jaunt to the hotel. Everyone got checked in, taped and ready for our first practice at 8. We shot around for about an hour and a half before heading back to the hotel for dinner and some sleep.
Tomorrow morning we will be dog sledding. Check back soon for an update.