Meet the Elephants!

The Boyz.

My Italian experience (or should I say, SICILIAN experience) has been amazing so far, as you can probably judge by the numerous pictures on the blog.  It has been fun racing around the island looking at all the cool places, historical sights, and 'picture-perfect' moments.  However, perhaps the most beautiful part of Sicily is not the scenery -- but instead the PEOPLE.

We have been fortunate to meet countless of new friends here, from Davide our head-coach to the number of great players on the Elefanti.  Perhaps the biggest lesson I have learned here is that people really are the same around the world - and the Italians especially love to laugh, joke, and have a good time.  (Except of course when you shatter their glass door... they get a little upset at that!)

Therefore, I thought I would bring a few of them 'in-living' color for you to meet, and see a little of their personality.  Enjoy!

American WR Matt Epperson with our Offensive Guard Giulio.  Giulio is a very physical lineman - especially considering this is just his second year of football.  He also has a great heart and is fun to be around.  While his English is good and improving all the time, his signature phrase is just a simple shrug of the shoulders and a deadpan, "I do not know."

The "Americanos" at our favorite late night / early morning dining establishment, Panineria Jonathan's.  They serve a mouth-watering panino, and will gladly top it with Patitine (along with Ketchup and Mayo!)  Did I mention this makes a good Valentine's Dinner spot?

My greeting part at the Catania Airport.  Left to right Fortunato (call me LUCKY!), a great-spirited Wide Reciever and former QB.  He is definitely a leader on the team, and similar to Morgan Freeman in Shawshank, as "He's a guy who can get things."  Davide - head coach / lineman / CEO / President / Engineer / Option QB.  (Need we say anything more?), young Middle Linebacker, WR Greg -- amazing guy and also a good athlete (played QB before but is going to be our starting flanker, Juilio -- complete with massive motorcycle accident head-wound, and of course, Mr. Giorgio.

Players are very gracious to us and frequently have us over for dinners (that are usually a spectacular 3 course feast!)  This was dinner at one of our WR's -- SALVO (Red Sweatshirt) -- house.  He has a great wife and two amazing boys that remind me so much of my brother and I (Sports Balls Everywhere and a hoop in their room!)

WR Claudio Mangano... aka Mr. Prankster.  Claudio is known for orchestrating many hilarious endeavors, including false text-messages to teammates, pretend parades for quarterbacks, and the ever popular, "photo-copy my butt on the copy machine."  I don't care what language you are in, that is FUNNY!  He's a great receiver as well and should contribute in a major way for the Elephants this season!

This is our stud Linebacker Gianmarco with girlfriend Simona.  Gianmarco has played the last number of years for Palermo (as well as a season in Mexico), but decided to join the Elefanti this season when he heard about the good Cannoli in Catania.  He has a great demeanor and smile, but you don't want to face him on the field - he's super-quick and hits like a truck.  This picture was taken at a lunch in Cefalu (see previous blog) -- funny story is that Gianmarco speaks Italian & Spanish, George Spanish & English (plus a new dialect of Italian that mixes all three languages together called Spanglian), Simona just Italian, and me just English.  We needed the Rosetta Stone to communicate but had a great time nonetheless.

Defensive End / Offensive Lineman Mattieu with Pink Elephant Giordana, who are currently competing with Claudio (and partner Roberta) for most photogenic Elephant couple.  However, when my wife gets here, we will give them a run for the money! (Thanks to my wife, not me!)

~ J. Twice