Coach Blaine on the road

Today begins a very busy 7 days for the UMES Hawks. With a stretch of 3 away games in 5 days looming on the horizon, it's a busy time for our program. However, during the stretch run of our season, recruiting also takes a high priority for the staff as the spring looms and we are a little over two months away from the spring signing period. As such, we take every opportunity we can to combine practices, games, team travel, and recruiting to be as efficient and effective as we can be as a coaching staff.

With a day off from practice today, I took advantage of the time to make my way up to Kingston, Rhode Island a day early to prepare for the National Prep Invitational. Ordinarily this might be a trip that I would make a plane flight for, but with time being such a pressing issue for us over the next few days, and many more recruiting trips ahead of our staff this week, it was in our best interest for me to drive, thereby allowing us the freedom to make travel adjustments along the way.

Here's some early information about the 1st day of a busy week ahead!

Departure Time: 7:45 AM

Miles Traveled: 427.9

Water Consumption: 69.7 fl oz

1st Radio Song of the Day: Garth Brooks, Friends in Low Places

States Traveled Through: 6 (Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island)

Number of Times "Bad Romance" by Lady Gaga was heard on the radio: 7

Starbucks Stops: 1

Number of Different U2 Songs that were heard on the radio: 6 (I Will Follow, Bad, The Sweetest Thing, One, With or Without You, Sometimes You Can't Make It on Your Own)

Shell Gas Station Fill Ups: 1

View of the Day: Looking into New York City as I crossed over the George Washington Bridge on a clear afternoon

Last Radio Song of the Day: Kid Rock, All Summer Long

Food Suggestion: Upon the recommendation of a Rhode Island native and friend of the UMES basketball, if you ever find yourself in Wakefield, RI, you must make your way over to Mews' Tavern. The large neon shamrock on the top of the restaurant makes it hard to miss! Ask for Sandra, who provided prompt and efficient service, and try the Shepherd's Pie. It's a great classic and a staple of their menu!

My night ended with some film study for our upcoming game against North Carolina A&T. They will be a tough test, especially on the road. Make sure you tune in and check it out Monday night on ESPNU! Time to get some sleep and be ready for a busy day of basketball tomorrow!

-Coach Blaine