Iowa Summer Tour, 2009

Assistant Coach Chad Walthall:

Hi from Athens! Today is Friday. We had a chance to sleep in a little bit today! We have been on the go from day one and it was nice to relax a bit this morning. We played Dukas Club team from Athens at noon at a private elementary school. The facilities were amazing and hundreds of young boys and girls came to watch the game. They were so loud!! It was a great environment as they cheered both teams but were certainly louder for the home team. In the end, we made many new friends with how the players competed and conducted themselves and we came away with an 85-72 win.

After the game it was mayhem, as all the kids came down to the floor and were asking (or yelling!) for autographs from our players. The guys were high fiving, smiling, laughing and greatly appreciative for all the enthusiasm for American basketball players. I even was asked for an autograph!? My wife could not figure that one out? Me either! After the game we had the opportunity to have some down time. Some went shopping and others went to have some lunch or just relaxed by the outdoor pool, which overlooks the amazing Acropolis.

Tonight should be a great experience as we are going to a popular Athens restaurant known for its Greek food. It is located at the top of a mountain at a high point of the city with some beautiful views. Should be fun!

Overall it has been a tremendous experience for everyone. The players have played well and handled themselves on a daily basis with a great deal of class. Hawkeye fans can be proud of them! Only a few more days left of our tour so we plan on enjoying every moment of this great city, as well as each other. Thanks for the support Hawkeye fans!

Chad

Go Hawks!!!

Click HERE to return to Summer Tour Central.