"No Rain" Dance

There was a pop up thunderstorm that hit during our second game today. 10 minutes into the second half, we had to head to our cars. After a 30 minute break, the tournament officials felt it was safe enough to continue. After another 2 minutes, the refs decided it was not safe. In true form, my players rebelled. They wanted to stay on the field and play. So what do they do? They invited the NC team to a pick up game. All of a sudden, the competitive atmosphere of the
game was put aside and a group of 17 year old kids were out on the field (in the middle of a lightning storm) laughing and messing around.

Needless to say, we didn't play a pick up game but I think that group of kids just might have. The refs were eventually convinced to start the game again. Prior to starting though, my team initiated what they called the "no rain" dance.

The "no rain" dance consisted of gathering in a huddle, lifting one of our player above their heads, spinning him in the air and chanting. They then dropped him, and ran around him in circles performing some sort of lion king ritual. This all occurred within the center circle of field 13 at the Region 3 President's Cup. Teams from every state and their fans were bewildered. I just stood there laughing. It was awesome to see my team respond to such a high pressure situation with humor and a unique team chemistry that can probably never be replicated. They are a special group of guys. Advance or not. I am proud of them.

I have no pictures from the spontaneous "no rain" dance. But here is a candid/blurry shot of a few of the guys that just sums up how much fun these guys have.