Banquet Time with Mr. Mariner

The Coyotes had a great afternoon and evening in California, starting with the coaching staff heading to a staple in the region, the famous In N Out Burger (not the same as In and Out Burger in Caldwell). Each of us had a double-double and fries - to this day, I still enjoy watching them cut the potatoes for the shoe-string fries.



It was then off to the NAIA Championships Banquet, hosted by Cal Baptist - where the five teams were treated to a dinner of chicken and pasta, along with chocolate cake (although Coach Mendiola - yes, former C of I All-American, former baseball assistant, and current softball coach Al Mendiola, had the only piece with vanilla frosting). Also during the event, Jared Arehart was named C of I's Champions of Character recipient.



For me, however, the highlight of the night was the keynote speaker, Alvin Davis. Most people reading this (players/students) have no clue who A.D., Mr. Mariner, is, but for someone who grew up in the Seattle Metro area, in the days of the Kingdome and horrible Seattle Mariner teams, Alvin Davis was a hero. The 1984 American League Rookie of the Year, 26 HR 117 RBI, the first player inducted into the Mariners Hall of Fame. He spoke of his days at Arizona State, winning a College World Series title in 1981, spoke of playing with a young Ken Griffey Jr., and he talked about his relationship with Jesus Christ. It was a very inspiring speech, and I was very humbled to get the chance to spend a few minutes with him after the event.




The Yotes are headed for bed - but not before the squad is fired up about their new mascots for the trip. Kyle Douglas and Arehart have rescued five snails from the lawns surrounding the Ayers Inn and Suites Hotel and given them residence in their room. (See the official California Mascots of the Yotes) Aren't they cute?

Remember, tomorrow's game will be carried live on 1450 KIOV-AM in the Treasure Valley, while fans can also watch the game online and have live stats via the Cal Baptist athletic website at http://www.cbulancers.com.