Men's Basketball Portugal/Spain Blog
8/10/2022 10:58:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Head Coach Jon Coffman
It's a travel day, and I woke up with anticipation of seeing Lucy & Tommy after 9 days on the road. Missing their first days of the school year for a 5th & 8th grader is hard. It was perfect timing for Tracy & I—we felt a sense of accomplishment for another successful study abroad excursion for our basketball family, went 3-0 and loved the progressions on & off the court for both our older guys and the talented pool of newcomers. Additionally, we were able to spend time with so many staff members and their significant others that have made our program so successful—41 people traveled abroad with us!
With our program's third international excursion in the books, I am so grateful that Purdue Fort Wayne allows our program the ability to create an independent study class around our basketball tour. It raises the level of the experience with Professor Carrie Stumph and Kim Wagner on the trip who have spent 4 weeks leading up to our travels educating our players on what they will experience. Our players' journals and presentations at our touring sites were exceptional, and I am so proud of how these young men represented our Program, our University and the city of Fort Wayne wearing their Purdue Fort Wayne gear on our tours. It's a constant conversation piece with Europeans and other tourists.
So much goes into fundraising, organizing and facilitating a trip of this magnitude, and Tracy & I started our day on the elevator heading to the lobby for our "take away" bagged breakfast with huge smiles on our faces inspired by a trip well-played coupled with our gratitude for all of those that contributed.
As I reflect on the flight home, I recognize small organizational highlights (i.e. staff members giving up their exit row international seats during boarding to our much taller players) in addition to more significant highlights such as administrators, spouses and players thanking our staff for including them in the trip. I loved watching our organization operate and flex with the complications of personalities and travel challenges!
From our tours, I enjoyed the Portuguese coast, Sagrada Familia, Picasso Museum and FC Barcelona match the most. I did not know what to expect in Portugal but was interested because we had 3 players living & playing there last year—Max Landis, Frank Gaines & DeAngelo Stewart. The coast was breathtaking! I am envious of our professional players' experiences of living overseas in another culture!
Also, I was enamored by our private tour guides' passion towards art, architecture and history. Their passion matches that of our organizations' appetite towards basketball. It was inspiring—we discuss "knowledge is power" in our program constantly, and it was an amazing experience watching our player's curiosity come out on the tours! They embraced "stuff" they might not have had interest in because of the excitement in the tour guides' presentations. I heard our group questioning--- "the how" that went into Gaudi designing & building the basilica 140 years ago. I heard how has it lasted? How did they do it without modern tools & equipment?
For me, the evolution of Picasso's work from his classical training to his impressionistic evolution to his creation of cubism and the collage was really, really interesting. He created almost 70,000 pieces of work, and I was really curious where were they all stored? Watching our players raise questions and conversations about what we saw was "the AWESOME" for Tracy and I as coaches. I heard them developing their own opinions—their minds were at work.
As an avid sports fan, I am so grateful that we were able to witness an FC Barcelona vs. Rayo Vallecano futbol match in-person. The traditions, history and stadium were AMAZING! Camp Nou seated just under 100,000 and the club is over 120 years old. The crowd's passion was incredible—the opposing fans were placed in plastic cage and were incredibly "enthusiastic" about the match! The home fans "whistled" at every call, clapped in unison and sang choreographed songs. We had a 3-, 4- & 5-year-old seated behind us participating in it all in jerseys. FC Barcelona's futbol created a pride in their city and clearly connects the people of Barcelona. They are truly crazed about their team.
The futbol experience made me re-appreciate what sports do, Tracy & my profession and what makes America special with our sports and Universities being connected. I do not recall seeing a single European University t-shirt, sweatshirt or hat during my 9 days. The connection that we have with sports and our schools in the states creates a special & lasting pride in our schools—it differentiates us in a positive way from other cultures. It connects generations back to their campuses and links a group of diverse people with a common passion—their team. And I am so grateful for how it connected the adults that were able to join our team and raise the level of their educational and social experience—41 people traveled with us including our athletic director, a vice chancellor, our chancellor's chief of staff, professors, our strength coach, our mental performance coach, our academic advisor and their spouses. The people made the abroad experience special. Our players built relationships that will return to Fort Wayne. I feel proud that our coaches provided a special learning experience and got our players' "comfortable being uncomfortable" which will help us to win games next year and in the future. But more importantly, I have no doubt that it will inspire future travel for our players when they leave our program!
We went 3-0 and had success & failure on the court. Our practices in the states prior to our departure were awesome for our development for the upcoming season. Overall, it was a tremendous success, and I can't wait to watch this special group of young men continue to grow both on and off the court this year. In 10 hours, we'll be back home in Fort Wayne, and I am ecstatic about that as well! Go Dons!
Glen Nakata - Vice Chancellor for Financial and Administrative Affairs
After having some time to reflect on the last 9 days, I sit here with a smile on my face and gratitude in my heart for having the opportunity to spend such an amazing time with our Men's Basketball Team. I loved the delicious food we ate (especially the custard tarts in Lisbon and the seafood paella in Barcelona), the beauty and magnificence of the Sagrada Familia Basilica, the mastery of Picasso's artwork, watching FC Barcelona play at Camp Nou in front of 99,000 screaming fans, but most of all, I loved watching the basketball team take the court and play against another team.
This was a very unique opportunity to get to know the Mastodon student-athletes and coaching staff in an environment outside of the court and it really showed me that they are more than a team, they are truly are a family. Everyone on this trip represented the university in amazing fashion and helped to spread the Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodon name everywhere they stepped foot. I'm even more excited about the upcoming season and thank you again to the team for allowing me to join you on the incredible trip. Go Dons!!!
Day 7 - Barcelona
Jarred Godfrey
"Today we had a later wake up than usual. We all put our Komets, Mad Ants, and Tin Caps gear on and took pictures at numerous locations including the stadium where the 1992 Olympics were held on the way to the cable car ride. From what I hear, the view was amazing up there, but I didn't get to enjoy it because my head was faced down towards floor the whole time, as I don't like heights. The cable car dropped us off at the beach, where we split up and hung out for a few hours. After hanging out at the beach with the team we were able to go to a restaurant of your choice. After that we bussed back and had some down time before our pregame meal. After our meal we had a little more downtime in the hotel until it was time to go to the gym for our last game of the trip. The game went really well as the ending ended up being a little hectic. We secured the win, interacted with some of the players from the other team, and then bussed back to the hotel to pack and get some rest for tomorrow's day of travel."
Damian Chong Qui
"Today was another good day. We actually got to sleep in a little bit later today. After breakfast, we went to the Montjuic, the Olympic stadium where the 1992 Olympic Games opening ceremony were held. After we went and saw the top of a hill that oversaw the whole city of Barcelona. It was an amazing view. Today was Fort Wayne Day. So as a team, we wore a mixture of Komet, Mad Ants, and Tin Cap shirts, to honor the Fort Wayne professional sports clubs. After we took pictures, we got on to a cable car, that crossed over the city to the beach. We had a few hours of free time before we headed back to the hotel to prepare for our game. Jarred, Johnny, Big Ra, and I ate at a Mexican restaurant called KOC. It was an exquisite meal. After our meal we walked the beach. After that we returned to the hotel and headed to our game. The game went well, and we ended the day with a good W."
Head Strength and Conditioning Coach - Pat Rawle
Today was a bit different than most. It was essentially reversed, where we began by touring, and then had to turn around and play. It tested the guys in a new way, helping them hone their ability to turn on that competitive switch after a day at the beach and exploring.
We started the day visiting some scenic outlooks from the hills surrounding Barcelona. We then made our way down from the hills on cable cars, which provided a wonderful view of the city, port, and beach. From there, we had some time to further explore the waterfront and even take a dip in the Mediterranean. Lastly, we made our way to the gym, where we ended the day by going 3-0 in Europe!
It was a great day to say the least. Additionally, it was a fitting farewell to the city and the continent that we have been privileged to call home for just over a week. See you all in the States tomorrow!
Director of Athletics - Kelley Hartley Hutton
Monday, August 15 begins like most mornings in Spain with espresso and my relentless search for a "to go" cup.
The group took to the bus where Deangelo Elisee provided us with a well- researched presentation (complete with excellent Spanish pronunciation) regarding the Palau de la Catalana which we saw yesterday while on our Fat Tire Bike tour through the streets.
Next, we visited the 1992 Olympic stadium and village followed by Montjuïc Mountain. There, after a short, hilly walk we were greeted by breathtaking views of Barcelona - the perfect backdrop for photos of the Mastodons sporting their Fort Wayne proud gear.
Freshman Eric Mulder delivered an outstanding presentation too. He told us of Las Ramblas, now a busy outdoor market. (I purchased some earrings there just yesterday.)
Next stop was the Cable Car Ride which took us down to the beach, over panoramic views of the sea. I shared a ride with Deonte, Quinton, Deangelo, and Anthony who were all quite nervous about heights but bravely entered the cable car to tackle this new experience. These guys make me prouder each day!
A splendid lunch was had overlooking the busy beach with Professor emeritus Art Friedel, The Chancellor's Chief of Staff and Community Relations Officer Kim Wagner, and our new friends/hosts Dawn and Joe.
I am grateful for opting for a bathing suit under a dress today because I was not going to miss the opportunity for my first swim in the Mediterranean Sea. The surf was extremely rough but the temperature perfect! I will be back!
The cherry on top of this perfect day was a win over Barcelona Select in the city of Tiana. The Dons are fun to watch, and basketball season can't get here soon enough!
We leave for home tomorrow morning and I'm grateful beyond measure for the opportunity to travel with these outstanding student-athletes, coaches, faculty, staff, and others. Little can compare to the sights, cuisine, and culture of the past week and experiencing it all alongside a group of 41 kind, open-minded people with positive attitudes was priceless.
None of this would be possible without Coach Coffman's four-year commitment to raising necessary funds for this purpose and careful planning. So, if you participated in Casino Night, the Mastodon Golf Open, or made a gift to the Men's Basketball Discretionary Fund we thank you! Our students, most of whom have never left the country, broadened their perspectives,
learned beyond the classroom, and I'm certain have a new appreciation for our university and community.
Adios Barcelona!
Wrapped up the trip with a 97-90 win over Barcelona Select today. #FeelTheRumble #HLMBB #DonsInEurope22 pic.twitter.com/QQGW7zwcqJ
— Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons Basketball (@MastodonMBB) August 15, 2022
Day 6 - Barcelona
Assistant Coach Pat Lepper
"Today we played our second game. We won. It was the most unique gym I've ever played in. The gym floor was parquet. They had a very passionate fan who made the game more intense. The guys played well together. For lunch we ate some good local paella and tapas. Liz and I found a pool and cooled off for the afternoon. For dinner we went to a nice seafood restaurant along the water. The water was beautiful and had a soothing feeling. The food was superb. We celebrated Joe's birthday for the evening and had a great time."
Assistant Athletic Director for the Mastodon Academic Performance Center Spencer Bonahoom
"Game Day #2! The day started with breakfast as the team's pre-game meal before loading up the bus for a noon tip-off local time. We had about a 30-minute ride to a town outside of Barcelona called Mataró. It was a beautiful drive along Spain's northeastern coast with views of the sea most of the way. The team was quiet and focused on the ride - I wasn't sure if they were locked in for the game or just tired from a day of amazing experiences yesterday.
Their play showed me that it was the former, the 'Dons came out firing and raced to a big first quarter lead. Bobby, JoJo, and Eric all hit threes in the first period. Damian and Chris got in on the fun with threes of their own in the 2nd quarter, which was capped by an alley-oop from Quinton to Anthony that had the bench jumping. It was a fun game start to finish that the 'Dons won 93-68. Along with the win, my favorite part of watching these games is seeing the guys get to interact with players, coaches and fans from different countries and cultures. After the game, the team each gave a Mastodon "poker chip" to one of their opponents as a memento from the game. Jarred called a fan out of the crowd - someone who had been giving him a hard time (in good fun) throughout the game - and gave him his poker chip. It seemed to mean a lot to the fan and was a cool moment or sportsmanship from Jarred.
Once we returned from the game, we had a free afternoon and evening to see Barcelona. I think the team went to the beach, but my wife Caira and I set out on foot to explore the city. We saw so many amazing pieces of the local culture! One of our favorites was "Casa Battló" a home designed by the famous architect Antonio Gaudi (the designer of Sagrada Familia that we saw yesterday!). We also went to "La Boqueria", an open air market with so many different food stands selling everything from fruit juices to empanadas and from croquetas to chocolates. We finished the evening with one of the most popular Spanish dishes: seafood paella. It was another fantastic day in Barcelona!"
Art Friedel- Athletics and Academics
"PFW men's basketball team and supporters formed a family on the Iberian peninsula.
Basketball and culture combined with 18-year-old Eric Mulder and 84-year-old found something in common. All experienced events in Portugal and Barcelona (Catalonia) that are unforgettable. Students gave presentations at various stops which were great. Their teachers should be proud. Only a few uhms were heard. The catamaran ride took place on a fast moving river where Tracy Coffman dove in from the front of the boat and in moments was at the back. Some broken ropes to preservers provided anxious moments. Even a boat crash into the bridge didn't bring harm to members of the team. Team played Lisbon Select and while being ahead the whole game, the Select team came within 4, 68-64. It was a hot, hot facility, no toilet paper. A meal was enjoyed by both teams and camaraderie flowed. It was an 18-hour day. Don't know how the men played at the high level in such heat and tired after swimming in the river. Some very long walks occurred due to bus not being able to park close to venues, but no one bailed. The hills of Cascais were a challenge to the 84-year-old but the wine flowed at the restaurant. On to Barcelona on a cheap airline and we suffered the consequences with an hour wait for luggage. All further scheduled events were rushed. The Picasso Musem tour with 2 groups with wonderful guides provided insight to the character of Picasso from classical to blue to Cubist. Team and supporters received more culture at Sacre Familia. A bike trip resulted in no injuries and more culture. A surprise and highlight of the Barca visit was being among 89,000 fans at opening night of football season. While we cheered for FBC, Barca tied 0-0. We did see 2 goals for Barcelona negated by offsides. There were cheers and jeers, yellow cards, corner kicks, and free kicks. Also, the Catalan flags were in the front. Sunday found us on a road trip to Tiana to play basketball against Catalan Select. Our guys went ahead by doubling Select's score, cold shooting by them. Some folks thought the officials favored the home team. Got them within 9, but our guys got hot and won by more than 20. PFW men look like the team to win the Horizon League. Outstanding seniors, Bobby, Jarred, Ra, and Damian, who are paired with some outstanding freshmen to make for an entertaining and winning team. GO DONS!"
Picked up a 93-68 win over Mataro Select today. #FeelTheRumble #HLMBB #DonsInEurope22 pic.twitter.com/WjzR6kr9QR
— Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons Basketball (@MastodonMBB) August 14, 2022
Bobby Planutis
"Today was a very exciting day in Europe for the Mastodon basketball team. Yesterday we saw the Picasso museum, so it was going to be tough to top that. However, our staff somehow found a way to pull that off with a guided bike that toured all throughout the city of Barcelona. The bike tour was almost three hours long and it was worth every second. We were able to see several huge historic landmarks in the city ranging from cathedrals to the former Olympic village from the 1992 games. We were expecting it to be super-hot on the ride, but there was a slight breeze, which made the ride enjoyable. We then rode by the beach and saw multi-million-dollar yachts. To cap the night, we attended the FC Barcelona game. The stadium was huge and filled to the brim. Nearly 100,000 people could fit in the stadium. The match had plenty of ups and down and after a few missed calls from the refs it ended in a 0-0 draw. It was a great day for the 'Dons."
Carrie Stumph
"Greetings from Barcelona! This morning we visited the Basilica de La Sagrada Familia (Basilica of the Holy Family). The Basilica was started in 1882 and is still unfinished. Nonetheless, it is without a doubt the most beautiful cathedral I have ever seen. The architect, Antoni Gaudi, used nature as his inspiration for the basilica. The endless shapes and colors combine in a breathtaking structure designed to pay homage to the Almighty.
As I think about our visit, I am struck by the feeling of family among our band of travelers. Coach Jon Coffman and his wife Coach Tracy Coffman have brought together a group of adventurous spirits who want to learn about and experience other cultures. It is striking how well we mesh—from Dr. Art Friedel, Professor Emeritus, to the youngest member of the team, Eric Mulder. A highlight of my day was Quinton Morton-Robinson's presentation on the Arc de Triomf. Quinton overcame some adversity to deliver a well researched presentation to the group. The guide was so impressed that she had nothing to add about the monument! Many thanks to Coach Coffman, Kim Wagner, the members of the team and all who have made my six-week exploration of Lisbon and Barcelona a time I will never forget."
Deonte Billups
"Today was lovely. We went touring on bikes which gave me the feeling of excitement because I haven't in almost 5 years. The group then visited the Cathedral and on the front side of the building was summer fruit which means life. It also has a nativity theme part to it. On the back side of the cathedral was winter fruit, which means death. As dinner time came along, we went back to the hotel and had a meal that felt like home with us eating pasta and chicken. Lastly, we went to the FC Barcelona futbol match which was my first ever. It was a great experience and had the guys and I cheering on FC Barcelona. I wish they could've come out with the win instead of a draw. Overall, it was a great day to be Don!"
Day 4 - Barcelona
Johnathan DeJurnett
"Today was a very long, but exciting day. We started our day at 5 o'clock in the morning as we headed to the airport to take a flight from Lisbon to Barcelona. We arrived in Barcelona at around 1 o'clock in the afternoon. With this being my first time leaving the country, I am amazed at the differences and similarities in these cities compared to American cities. Barcelona is beautiful and massive in size. The jaw dropping moment I had was the amount of people who flooded the streets of Barcelona. It was a sight to see. After we checked into our hotel, we went to the Picasso museum. Before taking the tour of the museum I knew of Picasso, but never his significance and mastery in art. He was a true prodigy and known worldwide for his artistry. At the museum we learned about his life, his inspiration of some of his paintings, and what types of art styles were used in each of his paintings. An interesting fact about the museum is that Picasso bought the building the museum sits in, but he died before he was able to see the museum to completion. After the museum tour, we went to dinner on a rooftop overlooking the center of Barcelona. We enjoyed a variety of different foods. My favorite food we tried was the squid and potatoes. After we finished dinner we walked around the city before we headed back to the hotel to finish our day."
Keaton Dukes
"The day started out super early waking up at 4:30 a.m. to catch our flight to Barcelona. We got here and went straight to lunch before we headed to the Picasso museum. The Picasso museum was a tremendous sight to see. It was breathtaking to see all of his original works all in one place. He was also super versatile with all the different styles of art he was able to create. The craziest part of it all to me is that there is no air condition in public places so everywhere we go so it gets extremely hot. I am eternally grateful for the air conditioning privileges we have in the states. At night we had a steak dinner on top of the mall overlooking the entire area where we are staying. This is my first trip out of the country and It has been a really good experience overall learning about other cultures and the history behind them."
Chris Morgan
"Today we woke up bright and early at 4:30 to get ready for our flight from Lisbon, Portugal to Barcelona, Spain. After a long process of checking bags and getting everything set through customs we boarded another international flight. Once we arrived in Barcelona our first stop was to check into the hotel and find food. Right next to our hotel is a very big mall with lots of restaurants and stores. We got some lunch then got ready to head over to the Picasso Museum in Barcelona. The Picasso museum was awesome. We got to see tons of different artwork from Picasso not only in his later days but also paintings he made when he was as young as 12. Our guide showed us through the transition Picasso went through from the traditional style of classical painting his father loved to Picasso's new and original form of art. We got to see things that we had talked about during our Spain class we took prerequisite to the trip. Things like his blue period work and the early stages of cubism and abstract art. After the tour was done we went back to the hotel and regrouped and got ready for dinner. It was a rooftop dinner on top of the mall where we had eaten earlier. From the restaurant you could see all of Barcelona and the surrounding mountains. We talked at dinner and had a good time then got back to the hotel and got some sleep to prepare for a big day tomorrow!"
Assistant Coach Adam Blaylock
"We woke up super early this morning to catch a flight Barcelona, Spain. The streets were quiet and the ocean was calm. It was a good time to reflect on our time in Portugal. Portugal has such a calming vibe to it. The presence of the ocean all the way to the intricacies of the tiling and streets, made it such an awesome experience.
When we landed in Spain, we checked in to our hotel and immediately hopped on the bus to head to the Picasso Museum. We had a guided tour and learned tons of details of his life and saw so many amazing paintings. There are 10 Picasso Museums throughout the world. It was so fascinating to see Picasso transition from a classical painter to a modern painter. It was truly impressive.
We have a jammed back day tomorrow, which happens to be my one-year wedding anniversary. We are ending tomorrow by watch FC Barcelona play, and I am super pumped!"
Day 4/Barcelona— Loved Picasso Museum! Definitely "getting comfortable being uncomfortable"! #DonsInEurope22 @MastodonMBB pic.twitter.com/eWJT28ylK1
— Jon Coffman (@coachcoffman) August 15, 2022
Day Three - Lisbon
Ra Kpedi
"Today we went on a boat tour on the catamaran and jumped into the Bom Sucesso harbor which translates into "Good Success" and feeds into the Atlantic Ocean.
The water was colder than jumping into Lake Michigan back in the states! We saw some jellyfish and our guide informed us that there are also dolphins and orcas nearby! We also got informed that the next Fast and Furious movie has scenes that are currently being filmed near the harbor shoreline we passed through! We were informed that a lot of different European nations have warships that have passed through this harbor as of recent.
We then ate at the Este Oste restaurant nearby for lunch where we indulged in different types of pasta and pizza dishes. The team got their first taste of pigeons who don't fear close human presence. They walked up to us and grazed our legs and almost made us flip over the table on multiple occasions.
Finally, we played Lisbon Select where we won a hard-fought game by 4. We finished our day by eating with the opposing players and headed to our hotel to get ready for our 5 am departure for Barcelona! Stay tuned, Go 'Dons!
Dow Dunton
"For our third and final day in Portugal we spent the morning out on the Atlantic Ocean taking a sailboat tour. Many of the guys jumped in the water and swam around, getting out of their comfort zone, and experiencing something most might not have the chance too. After that we had a quick lunch and headed to our first game in our trip against Lisbon Elite. The team we played was full of professionals and even had an NBA player on the team, while also being very well coached. I thought it was very exciting to see how European basketball was played and the rules that are different from the ones in America. It was a great game, and we came out victorious. Playing great team basketball on both the sides of the floor. After the game we had a meal with the Lisbon team and talked about our basketball experiences
Overall, our time in Lisbon as a team will be very memorable. I feel like we all got a bit closer, and this helps in a lot of ways. We are excited about Barcelona and the many more fun activities and places we will see.
Purdue Fort Wayne Chief of Staff and Community Relations Officer - Kim Wagner
"What a day! We started with a visit to the Padrao dos Descrobrimentos, a memorial to Portuguese explorers and navigators. After the student presentations, we took a cruise down the Tagus River and took in sights such as the Torre de Belem and Kings Christ statue... what has always amazed me is finally seeing in person the landmarks and historical sights we've learned about throughout our academic careers. And seeing our student athletes as they also witness these places for the first time (many having never traveled outside the US) makes it that much more special.
The Mastodons also played their first exhibition game of three and competed against an impressive group of Portuguese professional players, taking home the win! Great start to their series and equally as wonderful getting to watch our new players. The 'Dons were last year's Horizon League regular season co-champs and I have no doubt they can repeat this season!
But mostly, I continue to be impressed with this group of student athletes, the coaches and support staff. Having spent the past four weeks teaching the summer course and now traveling with them, Purdue Fort Wayne and Fort Wayne should be incredibly proud. They are tremendous ambassadors for both the university and community, and we should all be proud of this team!
A few shots from today's 68-64 win over Portugal Elite. #FeelTheRumble #HLMBB #DonsInEurope22 pic.twitter.com/M5lJgrHJy3
— Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons Basketball (@MastodonMBB) August 11, 2022
Day Two - Lisbon
Anthony Roberts
"For the second day in Portugal, it felt like I've been here for weeks. The people and overall feel are super welcoming. They have really helped our group feel special.
We started the day going to Peña Palace. To get to the palace you must take an uphill hike all the way to the top and even for us athletes it was tiring! Once we got there as we started to walk through the palace it all felt worth it. I never could see myself out of the country and most definitely not in a palace. This was a once in a lifetime experience and I'm extremely appreciative for it. I was caught off guard when we spontaneously went to the most western part of Europe, but the views were the best I've ever seen. It was a super peaceful place overseeing the endless ocean. To make sure we stay in shape, coach got creative, and we did a pool workout upstairs in the hotel. It got my mind back in basketball mode for the game tomorrow. Overall, I came here with an open mind, and I've liked trying to speak the language to people and indulging in the culture. I hadn't thought about international travel at all really before this trip, but I definitely am now for my future."
Quinton Morton-Robertson
"Day two here in Portugal and my trip has already been breathtaking. This is my first time being out the country. My teammates and staff are making it nothing short of amazing! We have taken multiple exotic tours with some breathtaking views. We then went to downtown Lisbon and had a team meal where I was able to have steak. Shortly after the meal Coach Coffman walked around to challenge the guys in Rock Paper Scissors. Even here in Europe we are learning! We have been playing mental math games against each other on the bus and today I came out on top! We ended the day with a great pool workout, which was a great way to finish the day. Blessed to be here. Miss and love my family and as always GO DONS. 🐘"
Assistant Coach Mike Wolf
"Day two in Portugal was incredible. The day began with a trip to Peña Palace in Lisbon. We didn't know much about the location prior to the trip, but luckily Bobby, Redford, Chris, Keaton and Jarred had presentations prepared for the palace and surrounding locations. They did a wonderful job describing the landmarks and locations and we even had some other tourists stop and listen to them present. Our guys were quite popular at the Palace and Deonte, Anthony and Johnny had a couple tourists approach them and ask to take pictures with them! Today, we were also able to visit the most western point of Europe, Cabo da Roca, and were all taken aback by the beautiful view from the cliffs. The guys managed to get some work in today and before they got some free time to explore in the evening, they went through a pool workout and upper body circuit with Coach Rawle, Rosselli and Martin! Great way to start the trip before our first time taking the court as a group tomorrow afternoon. Looking forward to getting back on the court!"
Day 2 @MastodonMBB at Palacio de Pena in Portugal pic.twitter.com/KrMdIGOVow
— Jon Coffman (@coachcoffman) August 11, 2022
Assistant Coach Ryan Sims
"What a great way to start to our trip. I talked to Art Friedel on our bus ride all the way from Fort Wayne to the Indianapolis Airport. We had a couple of smooth flights from Indy to Philly and Philly to Lisbon. Right when we landed we were greeted by our local hosts Lilia and Jose. Our first adventure was a Tuk Tuk tour of Lisbon. I really enjoyed seeing all of the fountains and statues throughout the city. I was amazed of how narrow the streets were and how good of a driver you have to be here in Portugal. After the tour we had a few hours to relax at our hotel which is right on the beach. Every room overlooks the water which is filled with sailboats. We then headed to dinner as a team followed by a beautiful walk back to the hotel with the moon shining over the water!"
Deangelo Elisee
"This is my first time being in Europe, When we got here, I looked at the city and felt a sudden spark of excitement, an eagerness to explore this new culture before my eyes. We got on the bus and Coach Coffman told us we were going on a tuk-tuk tour. I had no idea what a tuk-tuk was, so in the moments leading up to the tour, there was a tingle of anxiety within me. Wondering what surprises laid ahead of me in my fast-approaching future. When we finally got there, I finally saw what a tuck-tuck was. It looks like a hybrid between a motorcycle and a small taxi cab. I had no idea how I ended up fitting in it and at the beginning, my legs were hanging out from the side. Then when we started driving I realized how close other cars and pedestrians were to us so I sacrificed my comfort for safety. I had a wonderful time viewing the different sites that held value to the culture of Portugal. We visited a very important mosque, and we can see the impact that Muslim rule had on the artistic side of this culture. We also saw a cathedral where they hold festivals around Easter time and there is a giant bell that was in it that is rung around this time. We visited the harbor where the Portuguese explorers of the past started their expeditions from. Then the tour was over and got lunch. I got some seafood that was so fresh and satisfying. After that, we proceeded to the hotel with an amazing beach view where tourists and locals go to socialize. I woke up from my much needed nap and got ready to leave for dinner where I got some garlic bread, spaghetti alla carbonara, and some cheesecake for dessert. That concludes this wonderful experience that I had on the first day of our trip!
Redford Dunton
"In our first day in Portugal I found that the city of Lisbon has many displays of artwork that we may not see as often in the US. Buildings covered with graffiti and many big statues honoring past historical figures gave the city a certain zest and pop that you don't see in many places. The homes and buildings in Lisbon are also painted with bright colors such as red, blue, and yellow that make them stand out and leave you in awe as you pass by. Car brands I have never seen before continued to catch my eye as these vehicles drove fluidly through the tight streets navigating these difficult roads effortlessly. The people of Lisbon are full of life and myself and some teammates felt this wonderful energy as we jumped into the ocean. Our nightcap ended with our whole group having an authentic Portuguese dinner and holding great conversation over a delicious meal and building equity on a level like no other! The first day in Portugal could simply be described as exhilarating and eye opening. The people showed a lot of love and we did our best to return the favor and show our appreciation for the Portuguese culture!"
Day 1 #DonsInEurope22 started with a Tuk Tuk Tour of Lisbon, Portugal! 🦣 ✈️ 🇵🇹 👀 🏰 pic.twitter.com/PD7yxcAt5V
— Jon Coffman (@coachcoffman) August 10, 2022
