Rocklin Junior All-Stars: Norcal Champs

The Rocklin Junior All-Star team has lots to be proud of this summer. They have been Area Champions, District Champions, Section Champions, and now, Northern California Champions for the 13 to 14 year old league. Now the undefeated team is headed for Laguna to play not only against a Southern California team, but against teams from ten different states across the Western Region. So now the team and my family are scrambling to book hotels, pack bags, set up car pools, and bring competitive play for the first game of the week, which is against a team from Montana.

It has been so exciting follow the All-Star team this year. From the day school ended, if not before, our family had been gearing up for the upcoming All-Star season. With my dad being the manager of the team this year, there has been nonstop talk in our house about possible line-ups, team-building pool volleyball games, and the hopes of getting to where we are today.

The games have ranged anywhere from 18-1 wins to wins made in the last inning due to a walk-off hit. This was the case for our last game against Hollister, which was a nail-biter up until literally the very last hit of the last inning. After that hit to win the 1-1 tied game, Rocklin fans cheered and a croud of royal blue stormed the field to take pictures with the former-freshman and possibly future-freshman players. It was all so exciting and felt surreal as we were driving back from American River College to the Pizza Place to celebrate the team's accomplishment. So now with talk of appearances on local news stations and possibly ESPN's broadcasts of the Little League World Series and only two days before we make the long trek down to Southern California, we all couldn't be more excited.

My trip to the East

So I just got back from a trip to Maryland and Upstate New York a couple days ago, and let me tell you, it feels great to be home. Don't get me wrong, I love seeing all of my mom's side of the family, but I don't love automatically becoming the babysitter because I am a teenager.

Well, my grandparents and most of my aunts and uncles (my mom comes from a family of 8) live in Maryland, but my uncle was getting married and wanted the wedding in New York where my grandpa's family owns a house on the lake.

Due to some sort of lack of communication, all the other teenage cousins didn't come until the wedding, the very end of my two weeks there. So basically I was stuck with a 9 year old and a couple 6 year olds for most of the time.

I've now seen enough iCarly to last a lifetime.

Also, when you stuff a bunch of people (all equally stubborn and outspoken) into one house, tensions tend to run high. That, PLUS all the preparations for the wedding, made for a pretty drama-filled two weeks.

Of course, there were some highlights: Swimming in the lake, tubing, playing capture the flag with the neighbors, and the wedding was a blast.

But like I said, I'm happy to be home.

Frappe

I don't know about anyone else but I love Starbucks Frappachino's!! Maybe it is just the double roasting of the beans that I like. Anyway, I usually just get the plain kind with no special sauce or whipped cream because they have upped the price. I think a large caramel is $5.10. What a rip off. You could buy 3 bars of dark chocolate for that. But, I was looking for cappuchino makers today for no reason when I came upon a frappachino maker! It makes the exact same thing but you can make it however you want. It's by Mr.Coffee and it got good reviews on Amazon so I think I might have to buy it. The Frappe maker is 80 dollars at Target, which is kind of pricey, but well worth the money if you're addicted like me and would use it all the time.

http://www.target.com/Mr-Coffee-20-Ounce-Frappe-Maker/dp/B002FWMF8G

I Hate Bieber Fever

Honestly, I hate Bieber Fever. Legitimate hatred.. This past weekend I went to Las Vegas, THE city for partying  for a basketball tournament. Other than the four nationally proclaimed tournaments there, the theme of the weekend was Justin Bieber's concert. Seriously, who goes all the way to Vegas to think about Justin Bieber? Sure not me, but that's what i ended up doing seeing 22 year old grown women freaking about him in my hotel. Honestly, what's the big deal he sounds like a like he's four and i gotta be honest, the first time i heard him sing i thought he was a little black girl... Honestly, I hate Bieber Fever!

The last workshop this summer

Off to San Diego today for the last workshop and what marks the end of summer for the Nichols family. Once we return it will be a slow, steady transition back into the Rocklin High Schools. The highlight of this 9-day trip will be Sea World on Sunday with Carson.

Have enjoyed the activity on the blog and hope to go back and read more this week. Some folks are missing, and that worries me, but we'll build a great team. The changes in journalism continue to amaze me, and excite me. OK, the Sherrod case (look it up) points to the dangers of blog style journalism. Our lies can be more powerful. But so can the rapidity at which we deliver truth.

Most interesting point to me in scanning this summer was that 8 days ago Amazon announced it officially sold more e-books than printed books. OK, this could be good for the environment. But does that make me even more old school because I like the smell and feel of a real book? I suspect it will change even more quickly than we realize, that we will hit a tipping point. It does bode well for college students I suspect.

Time to gather up our final things and hit the road. Newport Beach tonight and in the morning, then on to San Diego. cn

Inception

So last night I went to go see the movie Inception directed by Christopher Nolan. Before seeing the movie I didn't really know what it was about, I had only heard it was about dreams and people getting into them. Though that is true, it was more complicated, the people were able to explore people's dreams and get ahold of their secrets. In my opinion, I was confused half the time. It was a pretty good movie though, it had a good story line. There were many twists and turns that it wasn't predictable, which was good. I don't really want to give too much away on what happens but I do recommend seeing the movie, it really makes you think..

2 and two thirds down, 2 and a third to go.

Last week I decided that by this week I was going to have finished my A.P. World summer homework.

I kind of succeeded. I'm a day late, but the whole thing is done. Plus these blog posts took care of two thirds of my Journalism work. Now i just have to make 1 more of these posts, read two books, answer questions on those, memorize some equations, and do some Spanish work. Sounds like fun...

Santa Cruz!

I absolutely love Santa Cruz. There is something about the fun atmosphere and cool ocean breeze that make me want to stay forever! We went on a college road trip last week, and after visiting UC Santa Cruz (which has an amazing arboretum!), went over to the boardwalk. It was a blast! The dime toss must be my favorite! I have been playing it forever and I am finally starting to get some dimes in cups.
However, I think the best part of the boardwalk is the cotton candy! Out of all the cotton candy I have ever tried, the boardwalk's is by far the best. It melts in your mouth perfectly and is not too sweet. Just talking about it makes me want it!
I also really love the carousel. Although I do enjoy huge rollercoasters, I think the carousel is my favorite ride. I love the one at the boardwalk because of the ring toss. I have yet to make a ring in the clown's mouth though... haha
I never really realized this, but I think that the reason I enjoy the boardwalk so much is because there are so many options! If you feel like just relaxing, you have the beach. For those who prefer big rides, they have the Giant Dipper. Then, they also have smaller rides like the carousel and Tilt-A-Whirl. Plus the yummy cotton candy (and saltwater taffy)! I could easily spend days there. I can't wait to go back! :)

Summer School

So this summer I have been pretty busy, I have spent 19 days with first and second graders. I was getting all my community service hours done at Cobblestone Elementary School working with first and second graders that were in summer school. So all the kids at the Cobblestone summer school were ESL(English is a second language) and Special Ed. The class that I was assigned to were the first and second grade ESL kids. On the first day I knew it was going to be such a fun experience!

I love kids! Spending 4 weeks with 7 and 8 years olds trying to help them with their work and when they are not listening or paying attention it can really test your patience! All these kids were just so loving and just had so much thirst for attention! They just thought all the high schoolers that were helping along with me were so cool and they would mimic everything we did!:) I was extremely exhausted everyday but I was ready to wake up the next morning and see my little children:) They just taught me so much! I definitely have a lot more patience and learned that there is a way to be nice but not a complete pushover because little kids will take advantage of your kindness!:) I made many new friends some my age and some a lot younger. I also got to experience what its like to be a teacher but minus the really hard work. I will definitely do this again next year!

I have always had respect for teachers but I have gained 1,000 times more respect for them! Their job is not at all easy! Make sure to respect teachers you don't know what their job is like until you experience being one. To all those teachers out there, you are amazing!

San Fran!

I have come to the conclusion that I am a big city girl at heart. I love all of the commotion, the constant happenings, and the fact that everywhere you look there is something interesting to view. My family and I took a day trip to good old San Francisco today, and it was a total blast, besides the fact that it took forever for us to get down there. We got stuck in major traffic, and took us nearly double the time to get down there as it would normally. Little did we know that tomorrow, July 25, is the San Francisco Marathon, which means there were most likely countless runners and their families heading to the same city we were. This combined with the fact that it is summer vacation and people from all over the world are visiting the infamous location made for bustling city life even more than the norm when we got there. After we finally found a place to park (which was quite the challenge), we walked up to Ghirardelli Square and enjoyed absolutely delicious ice cream sundaes. We then proceeded to walk down to the area around Pier 39 and shop as we took in all the sights. Since we have been there so many times and there were so many people, we didn’t actually go to Pier 39. We walked along, shopped, saw the man who hides in the bush and scares people (cracks me up every time) and other various street performers, all the while just enjoying being out of Rocklin for the day. It was great being somewhere with nice, cool weather in the middle of July, even if it got kind of chilly! Nothing a warm, pink San Francisco sweatshirt wouldn’t fix. :) We left just as the sun was starting to set, and as we crossed the Bay Bridge I caught myself mesmerized as I stared out the window at the gorgeous view. And to add to the great ending there wasn't much traffic on the way home! Overall it was a great day, and I already miss the excitement of the big city!

Another vacation post..haha

Last week I went on a vacation down towards Monterey and San Simeon. In Monterey I went to the Monterey Bay Aquarium and spent hours just looking at all the fish and sea creatures. One of my favorites was the otters, although they weren't swimming around, they were still really cute. It was also a good break from this 100 degree weather we have been having! In San Simeon, we went to Hearst Castle, a Castle owned by William Randolph Hearst. He had a huge mansion and had many famous people as guests. I thought it was just really nice to be by the beach where it wasn't too hot :D

<--Monterey Aquarium

<--One of the pools in Hearst Castle

Oh...

On June 3rd there were 2 and a half months, or 75 days, left before RHS reopened. That was just under 10 weeks for students like myself to hang out, relax, travel, and scale a mountain of summer homework. Plenty of time...

Not anymore. Its almost 6:00 on July 18, and I have less than a month to complete what I have been assigned. Barring my A.P. Physics work and parts of my A.P. World outlines, the 4 classes worth of assignments are untouched. The truck of school is coming, and at this rate I'm going to be roadkill.

So I've decided to do something about it. I resolve that by this time Sunday, July 27, my A.P. World work (The hardest class) is going to be done with.

Check back next week to see if I did it. Wish me luck!

One More Month!!

So in exactly one month school starts!! I am extremely excited I can't wait to meet my new teachers, have classes with different people, and make some new friends! Most importantly I'm excited that I will no longer be a little Freshman. My Freshman year was thankfully really great so it only makes sense that my Sophomore year will be even better. Many people have told me that Sophomore year is the hardest, but I'm okay with that. I'm ready for a challenge! The only downside about school almost starting is that I have so much to do before August 17th.

I have one book I need to finish, and a whole new one that I need to start for my advanced language arts class. On top of that I have about twenty in depth questions for each book that I need to complete. Also I need to come up with two more ideas for my blog. I have to go back to school shopping, organize my closet, and fit in time to hangout with my friends. This has probably been the most hectic summer of my life, so much for having a vacation. Well hopefully I get all this done in one month. Wish me luck!!:)

Off my butt finally

When I said I wanted to clean my room, I didn't know it would take me three years to do it. And when I say clean, I mean throwing everything old/too small/unsused out, and organizing everything that I do keep into a perfectly neat space. I think I have an OCD about it or something. But it took me three years!! THREE YEARS! to accomplish this. Each summer, winter break, spring cleaning that came along I told myself, "I'm goign to ogranize my room." I would start but then I would stop in the middle of my work with everything still laying all over the floor and then decide to pile it away in a drawer. After three years, things were just too out of control for me. But this summer... This summer I found the inspiration and motivation to finish my room. And I did. It took me a week, and the result is amazing. I have a space to think, to organize my thoughts and set goals. I feel so much more in control of my life, and feel ready for a new start to a new me. It's amazing how all it takes is a clean room... I think my motivation to finally finish my room came from the fact that I'm growing up and realizing I have to take responsibility for my life. I can't just sit back and watch things happen. I have to make things happen. It shouldn't have taken me three years to figure that out, but at least now I'm off my butt and getting things done. It feels sooo good.

Hmmm...

I can't believe I'm saying this, but I actually can't wait to the school year to start. I feel like I just want to get my junior year over with. I also feel like the classes I'm taking this year will be more enjoyable. My summer has been great and I don't want it to end, but then again I want something productive to do.

The funny part about this is not even halfway through the school year, I'm probably going to be saying, "I wish it was summer!"

It's bittersweet I suppose.

Summer Fun

Summer is a time for new, fun experiences. This summer I have been trying to experience as many new activities as I possibly can. Summer is also a time for exciting water sports. Thus, I have had my first encounter with the thrill of kayaking! This past Friday I went with a group of friends to Lake Natoma, a part of Folsom Dam, to spend the day in the sun. We rented a couple of two-person kayaks to go out on the water. I soon learned that kayaking isn't as easy as it looks. It's important to be completely in sync with the person you're paddling with in order to go in the direction intended. For some reason, whenever I was kayaking with someone, we seemed to be going in a zig-zag motion instead of straight ahead.

It was a great workout for the arms and shoulders. I was definitely sore the next morning. It was great to enjoy the lake scenery and relax on a summer day. In addition to kayaking, we swam, chased geese, and skipped rocks on the lake. It was so peaceful to just float out on the kayak in the middle of the lake and take in the nature scene. Since I haven't had much experience with water sports before, I found that being out on the lake, paddling away and high-fiving fellow passerby, is something I can really get into. But let me tell you, after jumping out of the kayak, it is very difficult to get back in without capsizing it.

I'm glad to share about some of my summer activities with all of you. And if you're looking for something to do this summer, I highly recommend kayaking or just doing something you've never done before.

Going Back to Preschool

I went into volunteering at summer school thinking I was going to be helping kids learn. Turns out I was the one who walked away learning something. I got matched up with helping a preschool class that was made up of six three year-olds. These kids are the most adorable, lovable, and opinionated kids that I have ever seen. They only want things done one way...theirs. While they might scream, run, drool, and constantly vie for your attention, you can't help but smile because they are just too darn cute.

Being with them for the past four weeks has made me realize how much I wish I was back in preschool. Sometimes I wish that I could randomly throw a temper tantrum whenever there is something I don't want to do. I wish I could go back to the days where a time-out, aka just sitting around and doing nothing, was considered a punishment. In high school, that would be a reward. I wish I could spend my days just playing without a care in the world. I wish I could have stories read to me and have recess and art time again. I would join right in with playing with shaving cream or having water day whenever I had the chance.

These kiddos have taught me a lot. First is that life is meant to be enjoyed and not to be spent being stressed and worried. The joy that these kids have just about life in general and how they can find hilarity in the smallest things makes me realize how my life could be so much better if I took the time to see the joy in everything. These kids just be themselves. There isn't any drama beyond someone stealing the toy they were playing with. Second is that time is flying by. I am going into my junior year and can't help but think to myself, "When did this happen?". I keep on having flashbacks to when I was in preschool and keep on feeling like it was just yesterday. And last I have learned that I really want to have a career that helps kids whether its being a teacher or not. Just from the 16 days I spent with them, my six little munchkins have changed me and will always have a place in my heart.

Spain Takes the Win

Spain's Fernando Torres crosses a ball into the Netherlands goalbox from the left side. Netherlands deflects the ball out but Spain regains control and passes the ball over to Andre Iniesta on the right side. Iniesta keeps calm and composed as the ball continues to bounce under his feet. He fires a shot right into the left corner. Goal.

It all came down to the 119th minute of the World Cup finals between Netherlands and Spain. Fatigued and exhausted, both teams were battling it out at Soccer City in Johannesburg. It was definitely an ugly match. 14 yellow cards and even a red card for the Netherlands team. I was surprised because both these teams usually play with such aritistry and poise on the ball. But, today, physical play and tackles were the highlights of the game.

There were a number of chances for Spain and Netherlands to score throughout the game. Both teams missed breakaways, missed shots, missed calls, and missed finishes. Despite all the missed opportunities, Spain was able to pull out with a 1-0 victory against the Netherlands. It wasn't the prettiest way to win the World Cup, but hey, a win's a win.

After the game, I watched the ceremony at the end. Netherlands walked across the stage first to receive their medal. The Netherlands team walked past the World Cup trophy with heads hung low and disappointed faces. Some even crossed the stage with tears in ther eyes. They could only stare at their silver medal with regret and shame. Next came the victorous Spaniards. Most of the team kissed the trophies as they walked by and received their gold medals. Standing on the stage, Spain celebrated and performed a victory dance. It was a truly proud moment for Spain since it was their FIRST world cup win.

Now, I was rooting for Netherlands to win th World Cup and was disappointed when they lost. But, I believe Spain outplayed them throughout the whole game. They deserve this win and the pride and glory that comes with it.

On the road

The road show continues, and I have few complaints other than missing Carson and the Mrs.

We've alread completed workshops in Georgia, Utah, and Bay Area. I just finished four days of training at Kansas State in the middle of the state. Thank goodness it was only 80-85 all week, it can be brutal here.

Now it's on to Phoenix and the Westin Resort in Scottsdale for Jostens Adviser University. I do enjoy the time with my pal John and with lots of intense advisers. Mostly, though, I'm looking forward to hooking up with my family in Orlando on Wednesday (don't get excited, it's another workshop).

So... all this gets me fired up for journalism in general. I love reading the blog and seeing what some of you are doing. It's such a nice alternative style or writing. So I hope you'll all keep it up.
We have such a good core of young journalists to build on that the direction of the Flash can only be more interesting. In particular I see multi-media exploding.

Looking forward to see you all.- Nichols

Summer of Trends

I am loving the freedom to blog about whatever I would like so this time I decided to step away from my normal sports reporting and focus on another love of mine...fashion. After a recent trip to the mall, I decided that I am in LOVE with the new trends. Although 80's inspired designs were still present, I loved seeing items from another great fashion era. Free-spirited, bohemian pieces representing the late 1960's/early 1970's are now being shown in stores everywhere. Just in the first second of stepping into Macy's, my eyes caught hold of a mannequin modeling wide-legged jeans, a brightly colored Dashiki and a low slung beaded belt. What tells the fashion story of the 60's/70's better than that? Also, one of my Mom's high school favorites were present throughout many shoe stores...platform clogs. I think these shoes are such a fun trend for the fall and it doesn't hurt that they will help give some height to my 5'1 frame. Another favorite of mine is the crocheted vest. This piece can go with pretty much anything. Because it is so versatile, it can be dressed up with a cute ruffled, floral dress or ripped jeans and a t-shirt. It really is my favorite trend for late summer/early fall. Another favorite is the jean jacket, which is also as versatile and will be perfect once the weather starts to cool down.

The trend is so big that even the makeup lines and hairstyles are becoming a little more "groovy". No one shows this better in makeup than Urban Decay. They have a whole line called "Summer of Love" in which the products dawn the names of iconic places or things of the Summer of Love era. For instance, some names of their eye shadows include: Woodstock, Free Love, and Haight. Other than just having cool names, these products are also fun, psychedelic colors like shimmery teal, bright purple, even hot pink. This trend is shown in hair with side bangs going out and the return of the center part.

I think my favorite part of this trend is that it is so easy to make it affordable. With this horrible recession, it is the perfect trend because it is so easy to find these pieces at places other than expensive department stores. One place that I have found great items is Crossroads in Roseville. Crossroads is a store that "recycles" clothes, and it is so easy to find items that have a cool, eclectic bohemian vibe. Also, a few of these items are easy to make. At Nortstroms, my Mom and I found a crocheted sweater that I was completely in love with; then we looked at the price tag, which read something crazy like $40, and decided that there are better ways to have this item. I am lucky enough to have a mom who knows how to make the vest because of her own high school days, so we are currently planning on making one instead of buying it. All in all, I love the upcoming trends because they are affordable and so different than anything that we have seen in a while.

Whitney Port with a Center Part

Urban Decay's Summer of Love Line

Jane Asher: One of my Style Icons. Others Include: Leigh Taylor-Young in "I Love You, Alice B. Toklas", Whitney Port, and Evan Rachel Wood in "Across the Universe"

4x4

So I was at Sunsplash with my boyfriend and some friends the other day and we decided to go to In&Out Burger for lunch since it is just across the street. On the way there, my friend, Andrew, was like "Hey Ash, I bet you can't eat a 3x3!" (which is 3 patties) and I said back, "Yes, I can! I'll prove it!"
We get into the restaurant and everybody joins in and decides to get a 3x3. After waiting about 15 minutes, I go up to get our food and notice that something was very wrong! We ordered 4 3x3s, but they gave us 3 4x4s! Yeah, you heard me. 4x4! Apparently, you can order up to 20 something patties!
So we all laughed about it and had a competition to see who could eat all of there 4x4. I took the longest, but I'm proud to say that I finished every last bite and felt like an incredibly obese person afterward.
Warning: Never have a 4x4 and then go swimming in the wave pool at Sunsplash. Not a good idea. This was the most interesting part of my week by far ;D

Camera Phone

I have a digital camera. But it's not always with me. My phone on the other hand...is. And sometimes there's just moments that definitely need capturing. The other day our pool was doin something funky and made all this foam/bubble stuff at the top. I thought it looked pretty cool so I snapped a shot or two. ...And I'll just say that the picture never turns out as good as the real thing. But with some editing, it comes close.

So, I will give you the before: and the after:

Much, much better. This was when I realized I can do some cool things with water pictures, even if it is on my phone. So that is the point of this blog. To show you how cool water shots done with your phone can be after some good ol' fixin'.

Drops on the trampoline: after:

and for my last one. a cup in the process of being washed.

BEFORE; AFTER;

Not my best work, but hey, summer blogging requires three posts. And where else would I find somewhere to show these? You can tell that I clearly have too much time on my hands. But sometimes I just wish you could see simple things the way I see them. That is why I photograph.

The Last Airbender...?

So it's July of summer (already), and mine's been extremely laid back, to say the least. I've been sitting at home with my brother and watching copious amounts of television (Glee and Vampire Diaries, anyone?), doing the occasional community service, and hanging out with friends. Most recently, I watched the new movie The Last Airbender celebration of my friend's sixteenth birthday.

At around five in the afternoon, my friend and I went to the mall, extremely hyped up for the premiere. We bought t-shirts with Aang the Airbender (who is the main character of the movie) on it for twenty-two dollars. I wasn't too excited about the price, but I figured it would be worth it. It was the midnight premiere.

We headed to the movie theatre around nine or nine-thirty, and sat in the long line in the middle of the parking lot for about two hours. We eventually made our way inside the theatre and began the birthday celebration: balloons, an inflatable monkey, cake, singing happy birthday, etc. (the people in front of us were extremely annoyed). The anticipation for the beginning of the movie grew, and everyone cheered when the lights finally dimmed and the movie began. That's when I knew I had made a mistake.

If you've ever watched the show on Nickelodeon, you would know that the name of the Airbender is Aang, not Ahng. And he's the Avatar, not the Ahvatar. Multiple names were butchered in pronunciation, and as the movie progressed, the storyline continued to fail. I can't even give you a detailed summary of the story because it was massacred so badly. I was lost and confused, and the plot was not connected as a whole. I fell asleep at least ten times before I was punched or shoved awake, and when the credits finally rolled, I was upset.

I left the movie theatre disgruntled, but immediately cheered up when we drove to Jack in the Box at three-thirty in the morning to pick up fries, burgers, and Oreo shakes. When I arrived home, however, reality had began to set in. I'm no movie critic; rather, I'm usually pretty gentle with movies. But this one was simply a shame to watch. The twenty-two dollars (plus tax) I had spent on the shirt was utterly wasted. So was the twelve I paid for my ticket.

I guess what I'm trying to get at is: Am I the only one who thought that the movie deserved a big red question mark at its end?

A Perfect Night at Raley Field

Rocklin Baseball Players

Raley Field

My Dad Shaking Hands with Rickey Henderson

Rickey Henderson Signing Autographs

Coach Murray Being Recognized as Coach of the Year

Tonight was an incredibly fun night at a Rivercats game down in West Sacramento. The Rivercats Organization honored Coach Roc Murray as the CCA Baseball Coach of the Year by having him throw out the first pitch with Rocklin High School baseball players at his side. Because of this, Rocklin fans were reserved their own section in the ballpark, so Section 122 was filled with our spirited community all decked out in our school's royal blue. This was probably the highlight of the night for me; I just love how the excellence of Rocklin High sports never fails to bring our community together. Whether it's a state championship game for our football team, a playoff basketball game at Arco Arena, or my favorite, a baseball event that honors our incredible coaches, we are always there for our school.

Other than just being a fun event with my community, there were also a lot of fun surprises. My Dad and I were lucky enough to sit down in the first row of our section, so it felt as though we were down on the field with the team. Also, I enjoyed this game because the Rivercats were playing the Fresno Grizzlies, who are the Giants Triple A team. As a Giants fan, I thought it was pretty cool to see some of the players, who I root for on TV, playing live right in front of me. Probably the biggest surprise of the night was former A's player, Rickey Henderson, was a guest coach for the Rivercats. This was a major event of the night for my Dad because growing up, he was one of his favorite players, and he got to shake hands with him and tell him how much he appreciated him. Lastly, the game was incredibly exciting because it was so close. We anticipated extra innings but finally in the eighth, Matt Watson and Chris Carter hit back-to-back homeruns to put the Sacramento Rivercats ahead 6-3. The exciting win was the perfect ending to a perfect night.