The reason we had you fill out emergency medical forms...

Ironically, the 2008 Olympics began today. The Olympic Games represent the ideal of sportsmanship where players of different countries strive to do their best at their sport while respecting the other athletes from all countries. It represents solidarity and brotherhood. Unfortunately, the Canadian Junior Men's National Team forgot why we play sports. Their water polo team clearly forgot why they play water polo.

During the last game Santa Barbara played against Canada, there was much cursing and talking back among the Canadian team members. They swore at each other. They even deemed to yell at their own coach. Please remember; these players are comprised of players who are 19-20 years old with a couple of 17 and 18 year olds mixed in.

During the game which they played tonight, 4 pm- 6pm, there were many expletives (f---, d---,) directed towards the players on their team and, perhaps, to our players. Honestly, I don't know. I was only on deck and could hear the angry frustration of the Canadian players although they clearly had the size and age advantage. And they had the point advantage. Naturally, the Santa Barbara boys tried to steer clear as much as possible from too close contact.

I try to be as objective as possible when watching a game. There was a turnover to the advantage of Canada. Parker was swimming towards the goal; the player (#11) turned towards Parker. Player #11's hands were down. Parker's head suddenly went below water. Parker came up with a scream, blood gushing from a gash on his nose and down his nose. From my point of view, it looked as though Parker's nose was broken.

The Canadian coach didn't see what happened. Tom Ploch alerted him that we had a player who was down. The Canadian coach, Pierre, asked me what happened. His player defended himself and said that his hands were in the air. His team mates defended him saying that #11 didn't do any thing untoward. I explained to Pierre what I had seen as objectively as possible.

Although Parker was hurt, the boys kept on playing. As a matter of fact, they played much better. Perhaps in solidarity for Parker. Perhaps because they wouldn't stand for the dirty play which the Canadians were exhibiting.

After the point, it was pointed out that these games were only scrimmages where the teams would learn and benefit. The player who broke Parker's nose actually said "....this is only a scrimmage, why would I try to break his nose?" That statement makes one wonder that he would even consider breaking a nose, scrimmage or not. The player attempted to apologize for the broken nose which Parker smiled, as well as he could since had already begun swelling and accepted gracefully. I don't know if any other player could have been as graceful. You should especially be proud of Parker because he has held no grudge, only disappointment because he may not be able to play for the next six weeks. Actually, you should all be proud of your boys because, at least, they understood sportsman-like behaviour.

I spoke to the referree, who traveled with the Canadian team, and pointed out that the team was hostile to each other, to their coach and, therefore, regrettably, towards their opponents. I spoke reasonably and calmly. Mark was speaking with the Canadian coach. You all know how reasonable and calm Mark is. As both of us were speaking, one of the Canadian players started yelling at us about something. I'm not sure what he was yelling about. He was just hostile. At very least, the referree acknowledged the lack of team solidarity the Canadian team has.

I spoke for myself, but I expressed that I, as a representative of Santa Barbara High School, have no respect for the Junior National Canadian Men's team. A team which has so much expressed hostility towards each other should not have the privilage to represent their country and play as team against others.

Parker, of course, went to that horrid Eger Hospital. He is not in much pain at this time. I'm sure that will change. He is taking his injury in as good humor as possible. He was told by the doctor that he will not be able to play for six weeks.

All of the boys are in shock. All of the boys are out of balance although most of them can't exactly express why. To have a member of your team have such a devastating injury after an almost year long dream of playing together in Europe is shocking to all of them.

The Hungarian coach who has hosted these scrimmages assured Parker that the Canadians would be playing against 25 year olds in their next scrimmage and that there might be more than one Canadian player at the hospital tomorrow. I personally think it would be best if the Canadians were sanctioned at weren't allowed to play at all for the next three days and when they do play, they play against teams which would not benefit them at all in training. It's ironic that our boys anticipated rough play from the Hungarians, fearing injury. They did get rough play but they didn't get the dirty play which the Canadians exhibited. The Hungarians showed respect to their coaches, respect to the players. It's an honor to play with the Hungarians. The Canadians do not deserve to play with players who show honor and respect.

I'd love to say that Parker looks great; but his nose is half the size of his face. Hopefully, the swelling will go down enough so that Sue can use cover-up make up to mask the yellow, black and blue for Whitney's wedding.

There is a hot and heavy poker game going on with at least 8 boys and Mark on the third floor. I'm sure one of the boys will post what happened later.

Well, that was our day today.....