Men's Hoops Italian trip an unqualified success

Rome, Italy, August 24, 2008

The Williams College men's basketball team set off to explore Ancient Rome and the Eph coalition was privileged to receive a three-hour guided tour of this historic section of Rome, beginning at the ancient Roman Coliseum. The tour wound its way past the ruins of the Roman Senate all the way to the famed Spanish Steps.

Following the tour, the Ephs were given free time to explore the city on their own. After eating lunch, many Ephs traveled to the Pantheon where they observed one of the most magnificent works of architectural genius in history. A few team members also traveled back to the Coliseum, this time entering the ancient stadium that seated more than 73,000 Romans - more than most modern-day baseball stadiums.

After a couple hours of downtime, the Eph coalition headed to their last dinner of the trip at a nice restaurant in Rome. Over the four delicious courses, the Ephs were serenaded by two Italian opera singers. The singers even passed out small percussion instruments to get their audience involved. In fact, at one point, the singers called up Eph junior center Joe Geoghegan, who's grandfather had been a famous Italian Opera singer, to perform with them. Geoghegan claims, however, that the gene skipped a generation. 

After dinner, the Ephs traveled to St. Peter's Square for one last opportunity to see the awe-inspiring Vatican center. Again, team members stood and marveled at the truly humbling cathedral and plaza. It was a perfect way to end what has been remarkable trip.

The Ephs set off on their journey with three goals -- (1) coming closer together as a team, with each other and new head coach Mike Maker, (2) enjoying the culture and societal opportunities available in Italy, and (3) competing in four basketball games. The trip could not have been a greater success. The friendships between team members are stronger than ever before, the players' have had a great opportunity to bond with their new head coach, and the team played with an edge and competed in all four games. "I met the team at the airport a week ago, but I feel like I have known these guys for a year," commented new assistant coach Kevin App. "This has been an unbelievable opportunity." Indeed, the players agree with coach App.

The team's success here in Italy has the players yearning for the beginning of the season this winter. The players look forward to embarking on a new era with coach Maker, and with memories of last season etched into their brains, they eagerly await November 1.

As for me, this will be my last entry. I hope everyone back home has enjoyed hearing about our escapades over here in Italy, and hasn't gotten too jealous...

Before signing off, however, I would like to take the opportunity to thank those people who have made this trip possible.  I know I speak for all of the players when I say - thank you to our parents for providing us with this opportunity. Without you, we could never have done this. We have truly had an exceptional time here. It's not every day that you get to travel to Italy with your 15 best friends. Thank you.

Senior guard Michael Kearney served as the team correspondent on the trip.