Home Safe and Sound

After a 7 hour bus ride from Guatemala to El Salvador.  A 3 hour delay flying into Miami due to storms.  A mechanical issue with our plan leaving Miami to Chicago.  To two missed connections in Chicago.  I’m finally home and it only two three days of traveling.  It is needless to say that this trip will go down as one of kind.

Nothing made me more happy then to see my wife and son at the airport when arrived.  I love traveling and coaching the sport of Weightlifting but nothing means more to me then spending time with my family.  I love you Babe.

To all the Women’s Team Members I want to congratulate you on a job well done.  We had many great performances.  As a Team we moved up two positions from last year from 9th to 7th along with several Personal Record Performances.  Sarah Robles highlighted the trip wining the Silver Medal in the 75+ kilo class.  Sarah was our highest female placer.  Other athletes such as Erin Wallace of Shreveport, LA went six for six and three new Personal Records.  As the Head Women’s Coach I want to say it was an honor and a priveledge to coach all of the girls.  I would also like to thank Kyle Pierce (Head Men’s Coach), Bob Morris (Assistant Coach), and Glen Pendlay (Team Leader) for all their hard work during this unique competition.  I would like to especially thank Kyle Pierce for taking over the travel plans for Team US when were going to be stranded in Guatemala.  Kyle’s contacts, experience, and the fact that he had the only working phone in the country helped us get everyone out safe and sound.  Thanks Kyle.

To all the athletes and coaches that I met on this trip new and old I want to thank you for your time, conversations, and hospitality I will never forget it.

Well that will wrap up this trip and now on to preparing for the next one.

Take Care from Coach Joe