Dukes in Frisco
This past weekend I enjoyed the most incredible time with my family and friends at the James Madison national championship in Frisco, Texas. Although the weekend didn't result in another championship crown, we did gain many memories and experiences along the way.
The weekend started out early Friday morning as Lisa, my Dad and I flew out of Richmond International and began our journey to Texas. We had a quick layover in Atlanta and then were off again to Dallas. We couldn't have been blessed with better weather Friday. Seriously, not a cloud in the sky and when we arrived in Dallas, I swear I wanted to hit the beach. Although it was only about 55 degrees, its much nicer than this 2 degrees crap that Harrisonburg is experiencing. I am so terrified of flying, the whole "metal tube flying in the sky" thing freaks me out. Despite my fears, the flights were just about as smooth as you could ask them to be Friday morning.
As we touched down in Dallas, we headed right to the hotel. We had a few bumps along the way, I.E. a blown tire and incapable rental car service, but the Smith's rally and and we made the best of our situation. #ThankGodForUber. Seriously, God was watching over is because we didn't get a popped tire until we pulled off the highway -- talk about divine intervention.
JMU does things right when it comes to football, the Dukes don't mess around. The alumni association reserved two bars right by the stadium for JMU fans. These lofted bars had the greatest view of the area, so much so that we could look over the outdoor balcony on to the JMU pep rally. Lisa, Dad, and I were joined by Leslie and her boyfriend, Nick, who drove over from Austin. Sporting events is where the Smith's thrive and Saturday college football is routine for us, being that we've been tailgating since we were in diapers. We even picked up a few of my friends from JMU along the way to join in on the festivities!
On Saturday morning we brunched and pregammed the national championship. It's times like those that I love so much. Just sitting around eating, laughing, and enjoying one another's company is what makes sporting events so fun.
The game itself was a rough one. JMU lost to itself. Too many dropped passes, way too many turnovers, and honestly some bad play calling. Lateral passes on a third down?? Not so sure about those, but there were some incredible JMU moments. I'm talking a recovered fumble, a a blocked punt, and a 20 yard fake-out. Just not enough to take home the title.
We let off some steam at a nearby restaurant to celebrate not the Dukes, but the Wahoos incredible win over UNC in basketball. It's not normal for me to be celebrating a UVa win after a football game, but you have to give it up to the Hoos. They can play.
As result of an early dinner and an early flight out the next day, we skipped dinner. But, we did have time to step into Cavender's to shop for cowboy boots the authentic Texas way. I thought Tim Riggins would walk around the corner, this place was straight out of Friday Night Lights. I did pick up a pair of boots, now I can finally feel like a farmer on the farm!
