The Danube Trip (Unofficial Version)

Coach Duke poses before the game with Danube Linebacker Jon Agbar. In the small world that is football, Jon played for Duke a few years ago. No word yet on if Coach approves of his new hair cut.

The trip to play Danube was, as always, an adventure. The six hour bus ride (including pre-game meal at a roadside diner) was fairly uneventful, although the commaradarie that is established through these trips cannot be underestimated. Yet once we arrived at the game, I knew the fun would begin (see above.)

I always thought you cheer for the TEAMS... hmmm...

Pre-game huddle break.

Unfortunately, I had to play the game (which we won - FULL REPORT BELOW!!!) so I don't have pictures during the actual contest, however it must be noted that Danube has perhaps the best (extended) pre-game ritual so far in the Austrian football league, complete with Josh Groban love ballad and full introduction of their mascot, Puffy. I assume Puffy is sort of a take-off of Puff the Magic Dragon (yes, who lived by the sea and frollicked in the autumn mist) however this has not yet been confirmed. This momentum allowed the home squad to run back the opening kickoff for a TD, but luckily we played well enough after that to win.

My favorite post-game ritual: hanging out on the field talking with friends and family!

Christie and Lili were all smiles!

Although it wasn't all fun and games. Christie had to get her quotes for the post-game report she files for our raiders.at website, so she was busy chatting with players and coaches. Way to put on the "reporter" hat Christie!

Christie with defensive end Mario Rinner. No, Mario, the girl is mine.

Asking the hard questions with Santos. Congrats on the first win as head coach!

The candid picture of the wide receivers and QB...

... and the serious picture of the WRs and QB.

The coaching staff was all smiles after the victory. That is, those who knew I was taking this picture.

After getting on the bus, we made the obligatory stop to McDonald's. For the record, the Micky D's in Austria are some of the nicest in the world, complete with real flowers, fire places, re-fills (yes, European refills!), and a McCafe. We shut the place down for about an hour, before Christie and I had to split for our train to Vienna. Good times!

Your typical 9 pm rush at McDonalds.

While the rest of the team chatted, our "always cerebral" right tackle found a minute to catch up on his current events!

~ J. Twice