Team Bonding

Hello Loyola sports fans … if you are a Chicagoan like myself, I know you are feeling embarrassed by the Bears’ performance this past Sunday. I am not the biggest football fan, but I love my city and anything affiliated with it, and that game was just sad! My teammate, sophomore Katie Kortekamp, is from Cincinnati and I know that win was great for her. It’s over now Katie, you all won!

We had our first off day last Thursday; it was right on time because practice has been tough on the body! It’s not like it used to be. I’m getting older and so are my teammates. It’s kind of funny because I can remember being like the freshmen now — NEVER going to the training room, not feeling exhausted — now I live in the training room. Anyway, despite being sore, some of the girls and myself went to Six Flags on Saturday after practice. We’ve been talking about going to Fright Fest since I’ve been here and we finally made it. Although we got there a little late because we went after practice, it was still extremely fun.

Bonding off the court is important for teams to be successful. It makes it easier to work as a unit if you are able to experience all types of emotions. Being a closer group is one of the things we are focusing on this season.

I know you’re probably wondering how riding roller coasters together will make us a better basketball team, but ask any student athlete if it is better to play with your friends or with associates. Or think about the work environment: It’s easier to work hard if you are working with people you are able to tolerate. Unlike jobs, we spend so much time with each other at this level that we are essentially sisters; our coaching staff and the athletic department are our family. We have a goal of winning the Horizon League, yes…WINNING the Horizon League. Every little step brings us closer to attaining our goal.

This weekend we are traveling to Eastern Illinois for a scrimmage. It will be a good test for us because we have been playing only against each other for a while now. They will put us in different game scenarios and see how we do. Wish us luck; I am excited to see how we do, especially considering that we are heading out early the morning after Halloween … this will definitely be a good test.

On another note, I mentioned that I love my city and anything affiliated with it. Lupe Fiasco is a hip hop artist from Chicago, and he is having his Halloween concert at the Congress Theatre Thursday! I will be there and you should be too! He is a great performer, so it will no doubt be a great concert. I will end now in wishing a happy and safe Halloween to everyone. Have fun, but be smart. I love my city to no end, but it is Chicago. So be safe.

Peace and Much Love, Taryn Randle no. 22