Boston College Athletics
Journal 9 - Auckland 8th Match
January 31, 2005 | Lacrosse
January 10, 2005
After arriving very late in the night at our quest in Auckland, the opportunity to sleep in the next morning was very welcomed by most of our team. The morning was reserved for either resting, swimming, sight-seeing, or shopping. The location of the Quest was perfect, right in the middle of a quaint shopping street, and very close to downtown Auckland as well. The weather that greeted us in New Zealand was very pleasant compared to the somewhat unpredictable forecast we experienced in Melbourne. It was a perfect temperature to wander around town or simply swim around in the indoor/outdoor pool that the hotel provided.
As Big Mike had suggested the previous night, there was also an opportunity for those on the team who were interested in a slightly more extreme activity than strolling around the cafe's and boutiques along Parnell St. Yes, at noon, an impressive group of about 15 or so BC laxers departed for an afternoon excursion of bungee jumping from the Harbour Bridge in Auckland. As luck would have it, we were all cut an amazing deal. We got to jump for a fantastic price of two for one, which, including the New Zealand exchange rate, was an extreme steal. The entire ordeal took SEVERAL hours but was one that none of us will ever forget. A few noteworthy performances should definitely be recognized: Tara "Boss" McKennett for taking the very first plunge for the team, the mother-daughter duo of Shauna and Mrs. Culhane, the first backwards dive from Carley St. Lucia, Chris Moxhay because just how cool is it to say that our COACH went bungee jumping with us, and lastly but certainly not least, Big Mike -- who got to close out the afternoon with an impressive last jump, who better to have ended with? All in all, the entire experience was amazing. Not only did we get to see an incredible view from the top of the bridge, one that covered all of beautiful Auckland, land and sea, but it was also a wonderful bonding experience for everyone who went. We all agreed it was a great team activity, with everyone cheering and supporting one another...a feeling and rush that we will always remember.
After the thrilling afternoon, we rushed to our early evening game against New Zealand. It was great to see that we could focus as a team on the next task at hand, and pull together to finish with a victory. Even better, was the camaraderie that we were greeted with after the game as the national team invited us for refreshments and a barbecue dinner that night in the players club. It was so fun getting to know the players off the field as well. They were all very generous and everyone on both teams had a great time.
-- Courtney Legath (`05) & Jackie Yovankin (`05)
