Center for International Sport Business

Coming to Western New England University: NY Mets GM Sandy Alderson

2011-10-13T21:58:00.006-04:00

In a popular speaker program at Western New England University called "For the Love of the Games," baseball's Mr. Fixit -- Sandy Alderson -- will talk about his career in professional baseball spanning 30 years with the Oakland A's, San Diego Padres, MLB, and now with the NY Mets.

The event on October 20, 2011, at 7 p.m. in Sleith Hall is free and open to the public.

Justine Siegal to Visit Western New England University

2011-09-07T20:34:00.003-04:00

The first woman to pitch batting practice in the Major Leagues, Justine Siegal, will be the inaugural guest in a new program called "Brown Bag Lunch Series: People Who Inspire," at Western New England University on September 15, 2011. Ms. Siegal, founder and executive director of Baseball for All -- an advocacy group that promotes opportunities for girls and boys to play baseball -- will talk about her passion for the sport, her childhood dream of pitching for her hometown Cleveland Indians, and the lessons of perseverance that brought her to where she is today. Ms. Siegal also served as an assistant coach for the Springfield College baseball and first base coach for the Brockton Rox, an Independent League professional baseball team.

USA Soccer President to Speak at Western New England College March 31, 2011

2011-03-20T09:31:00.003-04:00

Sunil Gulati, president of the U.S. Soccer Federation and president of The Kraft Group's MLS New England Revolution, will be the next guest speaker of the Center for International Sport Business signature program, "For the Love of the Games," at 7 p.m. on March 31, 2011, in Sleith Hall at Western New England College in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Bob Paul Remembered

2011-03-19T20:41:00.007-04:00

Within the past year, the Olympic Movement lost three giants who contributed mightily to the spirit and vitality of a global event that in their lifetimes was transformed from an itinerant adjunct to World's Fairs to the greatest sporting festival on the planet. While the passings of longtime IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch (89) in April 2010 and Olympic filmmaker Bud Greenspan (84) in December 2010 were marked with due acknowledgement, the death of Bob Paul (93) in January 2011 escaped most peoples' notice. Bob was the U.S. Olympic Committee's longtime aide-de-camp who served officially as press chief and unofficially as historian and archivist, in which role he was regarded as the "keeper of the flame." I first met Bob in 1987 when I was as an intern there and we reconnected three years later when I returned to the USOC in a full-time capacity, which was the beginning of a wonderful friendship that spanned more than two decades. Bob's encyclopedic knowledge about Olympic lore was epic as it was legendary, and everyone from journalists to sport officials to young interns came to be made aware of this fact. No question was too arcane for Bob Paul, and people were constantly amazed about how much he knew about events dating to the earliest Olympic Games, and in such exquisite detail, that they would be forgiven for thinking that Bob was present at the first Olympics of the modern era . . . in 1896! Those who knew Bob knew that he had a penchant -- an obsession, really -- with getting the facts right. And he made it his mission to ferret out and correct mistakes about sport history, especially when assertions of fact made their way into print. He penned hundreds, if not thousands, of letters to writers and editors of publications wide and varied, and he spared no one; not even the vaunted New York Times. He did this not to create an air of superiority; rather, to Bob, it was important for journalists to "get it right." Coincidentally, all three men -- Samaranch, Greenspan, and Paul -- attended the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, which would be their last; but on that occasion Bob Paul was the senior man, a still lucid and articulate gentleman of 92. A recipient of the "Olympic Order," the IOC's highest award, Bob hardly mentioned this fact as he was humble and honorable throughout his professional career as he was in life. And that is a good measure of a man by any standard.

Ironic Twist?

2010-06-26T06:57:00.004-04:00

At the same time the sport of soccer is gaining some momentum in the USA with its national team advancing to the knockout stage (versus Ghana today at 2:30 p.m. ET) of the World Cup, the National Soccer Hall of Fame in Oneonta, NY, is shuttering its operations at the 35,000 square-foot facility due to lack of funding.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703615104575329002167594086.html?mod=WSJ_worldcup_left_TopStories

USA Fuels TV Ratings

2010-06-26T06:03:00.004-04:00

The stateside following of Team USA at the 2010 World Cup has thus far amounted to a 68% increase in TV viewership over the event four years ago, according to Nielsen Media Research. Broadcasts of Team USA's group stage matches on ESPN, ABC, and Univision averaged 11.1 million viewers, with the USA-England match drawing 17.1 million.

http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/media_entertainment/usa-ratings-up-big-in-2010-world-cup/

http://goal.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/06/24/u-s-game-draws-big-numbers-for-espn/

One More Thing....

2010-06-21T16:44:00.005-04:00

Sitting in the soccer stadiums of the World Cup when South Africa was playing, I was fascinated by the seeming spontaneity of the crowd singing an African hymn that was at once beautiful and spine chilling. It was about the only time the vuvuzelas fell silent, and it was an emotional experience to see tens of thousands South Africans -- black and white -- singing in unison and waving their vuvus to the rhythm of the chant-like beat. I was so moved by the haunting number that I asked the South African woman sitting next to me what it was called. She said "It's called Shosholoza, and we sing it at major sporting events like this." Subsequently, I learned that it means "go forward" and is a signature piece in Clint Eastwood's Invictus, by the a capella group, Overtone. You can listen to it here-->

http://youtube.com/watch?v=2ivbm_ykTRE&feature=related

Next Up: London 2012!

2010-06-20T08:28:00.004-04:00

Golden Bear is all packed up and ready to go for the next one!

Post Script

2010-06-18T17:19:00.006-04:00

I must say that I was impressed by how the students immersed themselves in the total experiences that this program offered, and I was proud of how they conducted themselves as global citizens and goodwill ambassadors for the USA. Perhaps for some of them, this was a transformational experience that will spur them to a different calling than they previously mapped out for themselves (possibly in an international environment). But I think for all of them, it was also an eye-opening -- and hopefully empowering -- experience that made them realize that they can make a difference in other peoples' lives, as they did with the children of Soweto or by the simple act of giving someone a friendship flag pin. For me, this is one of the enduring benefits and highlights of these seminars abroad. I would like to thank my traveling partner and faculty chaperone, Dr. Dan Covell, who conducted the spring course and summer seminar, and who kept everyone in line and on schedule. Finally, I would like to express my appreciation to the students' parents for their support of their children in making this trip a reality, and for their trust and confidence in Western New England College in allowing me to take them to a country beset by some pretty serious problems and challenges. If the students' testimonials are any indication, I think I can safely declare 'Seminar Abroad 2010: FIFA World Cup/South Africa' a complete success, and start counting the days until 'Seminar Abroad 2012: London Olympic Games.'

Closing Thoughts

2010-06-18T17:10:00.004-04:00

While the World Cup organizing committee was seriously challenged when it came to security, crowd control, concessions, traffic flow, signage, electricity, etc., it was on balance a magnificent and overwhelmingly positive experience. I have never been to a sporting environment -- Olympic or otherwise -- that rocked with such human joy and excitement! And not only at the four venues we visited, but also in the streets, squares, parks, and just about everywhere we went . . . the South Africans' passion and energy were off the charts!

Dr. Dan Covell

2010-06-18T17:03:00.004-04:00

"In one of the many articles I reviewed concerning the World Cup, I read that many supporters of soccer in the United States take pains to try and convince others of the merits of 'the beautiful game.' The author noted that sports become more popular when the games speak for themselves. Such was the case in South Africa. It was a chance for a soccer novice like me to see the game played at its highest level. Also, who knew that you could get frostbite in South Africa?"

Dave Quackenbush '13

2010-06-18T17:01:00.002-04:00

"Our seats at the World Cup matches were to die for, the atmosphere in the stadiums was crazy, and the fans' passion was electric! The trip was awesome; never did we have a moment that was boring or lame!"

Kevin Shaker '11

2010-06-18T16:59:00.002-04:00

"The entire trip was unbelieveable, but for me the most memorable experience was walking into Soccer City Stadium and seeing the passion of the South African people and feeling their pride in hosting Africa's first World Cup!"

Michael Jones '11

2010-06-18T16:37:00.002-04:00

"The whole experience opened my eyes to a world I had not seen before and made me realize just how fortunate I am. It was amazing, and I am already planning my next trip!"

Nick Starr '13

2010-06-18T16:34:00.001-04:00

"This program went above and beyond my expectations! I saw firsthand how sport can unify a country; it was unreal, inspiring, emotional, amazing, and spectacular!"

Spencer Severs '12

2010-06-18T16:33:00.003-04:00

"This trip gave me the opportunity to experience a totally different culture that I would not otherwise have had a chance to see. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I'm glad I took!"

Ally Ostler '12

2010-06-18T16:31:00.002-04:00

"I learned a lot more about soccer and South Africa than I ever would have if I did not participate in this program. It was an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime experience!"

Sean Healey '12

2010-06-18T16:30:00.001-04:00

"For me, the most memorable part of the trip was the visit to Soweto; the images of how some of the poorest South Africans live and their desperate conditions were compelling...but not in a good way."

Dan Gould '11

2010-06-18T16:28:00.002-04:00

"Unbelieveable! I loved every aspect of this program -- the matches, the sightseeing, the people -- I enjoyed it all! And now I can say that I went to the World Cup and toured South Africa!"

Shawn Fitzpatrick '12

2010-06-18T16:27:00.003-04:00

"This was unlike any other experience in my life. I may attend another World Cup, but I will never have an experience like this again!"

Dave Fitzpatrick '10

2010-06-18T16:25:00.002-04:00

"I'll probably never be able to experience anything like this again, and in some respects it was life changing. Also, seeing the USA compete in the World Cup is something that I will remember forever!"

Tim Conrod '11

2010-06-18T16:22:00.005-04:00

"In a word, it was a 'stellar' experience! It was the perfect mix of new friends, culture, and international sport. Now, I would love to go to an Olympic Games to complete the picture!"

Home Sweet Home!

2010-06-18T13:40:00.002-04:00

Friday, June 18, 2010--JFK International Airport. After more than a day of flying and waiting in airports, we returned safely to the USA this morning, and as you can see in the photo, everyone is present and accounted for! Admittedly, we are a bit tired, but I think the smiles tell the story! (Photo courtesy of Dennis Jones)

Time to Say "Bye-Bye"

2010-06-16T09:43:00.002-04:00

It's hard to believe, but a week has flown by like the speed of light, and even though we packed in AT LEAST two weeks' worth of events and activities -- and a lifetime of FUN -- over the past eight days, tomorrow will be our last day in South Africa. Tonight, we will attend our fourth and final soccer match; this one between South Africa and Uruguay right here in Pretoria. Thus, this probably will be the last post from South Africa. If I am able to, I will send a post during our brief stopover in Dubai early Friday morning, and then I will conclude this blog with some personal reflections next week. It's been an incredible experience, and as has been said innumerable times . . . this truly has been an opportunity of a lifetime!

Tale of the CISB ID

2010-06-16T09:13:00.005-04:00

Every member of our delegation has an identification card as seen in this photo, and besides making us look like we're VIPs, it has important emergency information on the reverse side. Significantly, however, this ID card has come in handy on several occasions that our driver, Mpho, was trying to get us closer to the soccer stadium for drop offs and pick ups. Somehow, we managed to talk our way past police and event security by "flashing our badge" and getting to a preferred spot within a short walk to the stadium entrance! Shhh . . . keep this on the down and low as we don't want to let the cat out of the bag!

Western New England College at the World Cup

2010-06-16T09:07:00.006-04:00

I was informed that there might be a couple blog readers stateside who are PROSPECTIVE Western New England College students. Here's a shout-out to those of you who might still be on the fence about coming to our wonderful institution. Think about it: right now, at this very moment, we are at the FIFA World Cup . . . and we would love to have you join us on our next Seminar Abroad program, to the 2012 Olympic Games in London or the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil! Join the Western New England College family and become a Golden Bear!

Down Up Front!

2010-06-16T09:03:00.002-04:00

Sean Healey records some of action on the pitch at Soccer City in Johannesburg.

Three Muskateers

2010-06-16T09:01:00.002-04:00

Nick Starr, Dave Quackenbush, and Michael Jones stop for a photo while on tour at the FIFA International Broadcast Center.

Golden Bear Daily--Final Edition!

2010-06-16T08:57:00.002-04:00

When he's not touring, shopping, and attending soccer matches, Dave Quackenbush writes and publishes the Golden Bear Daily on location in South Africa! You can read all about it at www.wnecgoldenbears.blogspot.com

Blog Alert and Reminder

2010-06-16T08:51:00.007-04:00

Here's Tim Conrad at the TUT internet cafe, blogging away like a maniac! You can read it at
http://wnecworldcup2010.blogspot.com/

Seminar Finale

2010-06-16T08:40:00.003-04:00

Today, Dave Quackenbush and Kevin Shaker presented their topic at seminar on the 2014 FIFA World Cup, which will be held in Brazil, the only five-time (as of today) champion.

Banner Redux

2010-06-16T08:32:00.006-04:00

Recall an earlier post wherein I lauded several of our crew for fighting through the crowded banner-hanging real estate at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg. Well, here is another photo of what I was referring to! Virtually the entire stadium was ringed with English banners save for a couple American flags . . . one of which was hung by Western New England College students!

Institutional Exchange?

2010-06-16T06:24:00.004-04:00

At our meeting with Tshwane University of Technology officials, preliminary discussions were had about a student and faculty exchange between Western New England College School of Business and TUT Division of Marketing, Logistics, and Sport Management in the near future.

Shown in photo from left are: Eric Rapuane, Will Grimes, Curt Hamakawa, Neels van Heerden, Dan Covell, Yvonne Joseph, and Shadrack Nthangeni.

Visit with TUT Students and Faculty

2010-06-16T06:11:00.032-04:00

On June 15, we met with students and faculty of Tshwane University of Technology, who graciously hosted us to a delightful luncheon of traditional South African fare. Our students lauded the meeting as one of the highlights of the trip, because they had the chance to exchange information and ideas, and hold frank discussions with their South African college peers.

Travel Tip of the Day

2010-06-16T06:01:00.003-04:00

When you visit South Africa, you will
need a three-prong plug adapter (you can see the wall outlet in photo), in addition to a transformer (black "box") that plugs into the plug adapter. For our power re-charging needs, I brought along a power strip with eight plug-in sockets, and as you can see, our re-charging operation was constantly in overdrive!

T-shirt Models

2010-06-16T05:58:00.003-04:00

To reassure readers that I really am blogging from South Africa, here I am with our driver/guide, the one and only Mpho!

Venue Security

2010-06-16T05:50:00.005-04:00

Security at the venues has been spotty, which is to say that it has been inconsistent and even nonexistent at times. For example, at last night's match between Brazil and North Korea at Ellis Park, for a while patrons were allowed entry without passing through the magnetometers or being subject to search . . . even though the equipment was right there! In photo, Kevin Shaker exults at his running the gauntlet and clearing "security"!

Break Time

2010-06-16T05:44:00.003-04:00

All work and no play makes for a boring day, so one day we took a little break for a photo-op and short kick around of the soccer ball on TUT's (Tshwane University of Technology) rugby field. Dr. Covell and several students also took in some field hockey action at a tournament on campus.

Vuvuzela

2010-06-16T05:38:00.005-04:00

Followers of the 2010 World Cup probably heard about the vuvuzela craze here! The vuvus are plastic South African stadium horns blown nonstop at soccer matches, which can reach ear-splitting levels! They sound like swarms of millions of bees, and they are everywhere!

Partisan Fans?

2010-06-16T05:35:00.003-04:00

Here's another shot of some of our crew -- Ally Ostler, Sean Healey, Shawn Fitzpatrick, and Dave Fitzpatrick -- making their way through the security check point at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg.

Looking for Inspiration

2010-06-16T05:34:00.006-04:00

While visiting Soweto, the crew climbed a hill overlooking the vast township on the outskirts of Johannesburg, and stood atop the location where Enoch Sontonga took inspiration in writing the South African national anthem. (Hmmm . . . what is it about mountain tops and national anthems?)

Brazil vs. North Korea

2010-06-16T05:29:00.002-04:00

On June 15, we attended the match between top-ranked Brazil and also-ran North Korea at Ellis Park in Johannesburg. The Northies held Brazil scoreless in the first half, before succumbing 2-1. Note to readers: It is winter in the southern hemisphere, and the temperature at game time was a frigid 32 degrees!

Shopping Deluxe

2010-06-16T05:26:00.002-04:00

It seems that one of our delegation's favorite pastimes is shopping for sports gear and souvenirs for folks back home. Here, Spencer Severs, Tim Conrod, Shawn Fitzpatrick and Dr. Dan Covell make some purchases.

War Paint . . . Not!

2010-06-16T05:22:00.002-04:00

Since some readers requested a photo of Dr. Dan Covell's make-up artistry seen in an earlier post, here is the result: his client, Spencer Severs, sports a rather conservative look when it comes to soccer-fan face painting!

Uncle Sam & Captain America

2010-06-16T05:19:00.002-04:00

This photo of Tim Conrod and Dr. Dan Covell was taken before departing for the USA-England match. No other caption necessary!

Apartheid Museum

2010-06-16T05:10:00.004-04:00

Since we were not permitted to take photos inside the Apartheid Museum that we visited on June 13, we took this one of the crew outside! The museum was another eye-opener for us, beginning with the entrance that required patrons to go through a turnstile marked "Whites Only" or "Blacks and Coloreds." The tagline was spot on: "The Apartheid Museum: Where Apartheid Belongs."

African Savanna

2010-06-16T05:06:00.002-04:00

Here are some shots of the savanna where we went on the safari at Pilanesburg National Park and Game Reserve.

On Safari V

2010-06-16T05:02:00.004-04:00

Here's the crew (along with a couple others) on the open-air safari truck! Lest you wonder about the crew's safety, the driver/guide has a game rifle up front!

On Safari IV

2010-06-16T04:53:00.003-04:00

The biggest tease of the safari was not actually spotting a lion, because by the evidence in the photos -- lion paw prints and a hippo kill that was its victim -- we knew it was close by! Another ranger/guide claimed he spotted the lion behind a tree 50 feet away, but we didn't stick around long to find out!

On Safari III

2010-06-16T04:50:00.002-04:00

Going on a safari was fascinating, because while most of us have seen these and other animals in zoos, none of us has previously seen them in the wild! Here are photos of a zebra and water bucks.

On Safari II

2010-06-16T04:46:00.004-04:00

Okay . . . continuing on our safari, we also saw a warthog, springbok, rhinoceros, leopard, and impalas!

On Safari

2010-06-16T03:17:00.002-04:00

On Monday, June 14, we went on a safari at the Pilanesburg National Park and Game Reserve in Sun City . . . and amazingly, we saw about a dozen species of wild animals! I say "amazingly," because one could go on these driving safaris and not see more than a couple animals. Some, we were able to see up close and personal, while others were viewable from a distance. In these photos, top to bottom, there are hippos, gnu, giraffe, elephant, and crocodile!

Waka Waka

2010-06-16T03:14:00.002-04:00

You say, I say, we all say: "Waka Waka"!

Outside Soccer City

2010-06-16T03:08:00.002-04:00

Soccer City -- the 94,700-seat stadium -- is an iconic structure in Johannesburg, and is the site of the opening and final match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Here, Tim Conrod, Ally Ostler, Kevin Shaker, Shawn Fitzpatrick, Dan Gould, Dave Fitzpatrick, and Sean Healey pose with the South African flag prior to the kick-off match (Bafana Bafana and Mexico played to a draw).

Happy Campers

2010-06-16T03:06:00.001-04:00

Nick Starr and Dave Quackenbush give the double thumbs up for Seminar Abroad 2010: FIFA World Cup/South Africa!

Three Amigos

2010-06-16T03:03:00.002-04:00

The two Dans -- Gould at left and Covell -- sandwich our incredible tour guide and driver, Mpho, who has been an absolute godsend for us on this trip (more about him later).

Another Team Photo

2010-06-16T03:01:00.001-04:00

Here's another look at the Golden Bear FC side, a pretty menacing and ferocious lot, don't you think?

Scenic Beauty

2010-06-16T02:56:00.002-04:00

Here are some of the picturesque views we took in on our drive from Pretoria to Rustenburg, including a beautiful lake created by a dam . . . that we were able to drive across!

Seminar Hour

2010-06-16T02:42:00.003-04:00

Most mornings at 9 a.m., Dr. Dan Covell convenes a seminar session where students present on various topics that they researched prior to arriving in South Africa. The five subjects include: (1) soccer in South Africa, (2) soccer in North, South, and Central America, (3) professional soccer leagues in Europe, (4) FIFA, the international sport federation for soccer, and (5) the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Here, Dr. Covell is seen questioning one of his charges.

Home Base

2010-06-16T02:38:00.002-04:00

As I mentioned before, we are staying at Tshwane University of Technology in Pretoria, where we have access to all the usual campus amenities. Here, some of the crew -- Dr. Dan Covell, Dave Quackenbush, Nick Starr, Ally Ostler, Michael Jones, Kevin Shaker, and Dan Gould -- are shown posing in front of the Lezard Residence Hall, which we have all to our selves during our stay.

Where in the World is Golden Bear?

2010-06-16T02:33:00.002-04:00

Golden Bear has been with our crew every step of the way (and will attend this evening's match between South Africa and Uruguay in Pretoria) . . . and according to its keeper and chaperone, Ally Ostler, has been enjoying every minute of its South African adventure!

Golden Bears Practice International Relations

2010-06-15T09:13:00.001-04:00

Sean Healey, Tim Conrod, and Dave Fitzpatrick practice their international relations skills by engaging local South Africans at various stops in Seminar Abroad 2010: FIFA World Cup/South Africa!

Hujambo!

2010-06-15T08:59:00.003-04:00

Here, at the FIFA World Cup opener between South Africa and Mexico, Nick Starr sends a message to stateside viewers . . . and his parents, while Ally Ostler and Dave Quackenbush look on. (NOTE: poster courtesy of Micaela Hamakawa)

Dr. Covell in his Element!

2010-06-15T08:57:00.003-04:00

I'm not sure if Dan Covell is trying out a new dance move or is putting the hex on England, but whatever . . . he seems to be having fun!

Healey on Al-Jazeerah

2010-06-15T08:54:00.003-04:00

Here, Sean Healey and another crazy Yank is interviewed by a TV reporter for Al-Jazeerah outside the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg prior to the USA-England match on June 12.

Faces in the Crowd

2010-06-15T08:52:00.001-04:00

Left to right: Spencer Severs, Shawn Fitzpatrick, Dave Fitzpatrick, Tim Conrod, Michael Jones, and Ally Ostler. In back row behind Tim is Dan Gould and behind Ally is Dave Quackenbush.

Getting in the Spirit

2010-06-15T08:48:00.002-04:00

When Team USA is not playing, we have been Bafana Bafana (Team South Africa) fans, which as you can see from the photo, Dan Gould went all out with the team jersey, scarf, and vuvuzela!

Those Looney Brits!

2010-06-15T08:40:00.003-04:00

This photo depicts the scene at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium for the match between USA and England. As I mentioned previously, there was nary an American flag to be seen amid the English and UK flags and banners draped around the stadium balcony . . . but our boys from Western New England College were there to ensure that the Red, White, and Blue would not be denied!

All Fired Up!

2010-06-15T08:35:00.004-04:00

Here, some of our crew (Dan Gould, Spencer Severs, Nick Starr, Kevin Shaker, and Michael Jones) learn lyrics to a new fight song to taunt the Brits: "Jo'burg, Cape Town, Rustenburg, and Durban . . . if it weren't for the U-S-A, you'd be speaking Ger-man!"

Hey . . . did I get on TV?

2010-06-15T08:29:00.003-04:00

At the FIFA World Cup opener on June 11 at Soccer City in Johannesburg, we had corner seats close to the pitch that were in the third and fourth rows . . . could hardly have been better! In photo, Spencer Severs, Shawn Fitzpatrick, Dr. Dan Covell, Tim Conrod, Kevin Shaker, and Michael Jones ham it up for the camera! (Note: poster was made by Kylie Hamakawa)

Go U-S-A!

2010-06-15T08:26:00.002-04:00

Ally Ostler and Tim Conrod show their colors in rooting for the Stateside Boys, who played England to a 1-1 tie in their group opener.

Dr. Covell: Make-Up Man Extraordinaire!

2010-06-15T08:21:00.002-04:00

Here, Dr. Dan Covell works his magic applying red, white, and blue face paint to Spencer Severs prior to the start of the USA-England match June 12 at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg.

Team Photo of Golden Bear Side

2010-06-15T08:16:00.002-04:00

Here's the team photo of the glorious Golden Bear Football Club, taken at our base camp practice pitch at Tshwane University of Technology! Kneeling, left to right: Shawn Fitzpatrick, Nick Starr, Michael Jones, Dan Gould, and Sean Healey. Standing: Dan Covell, Kevin Shaker, Dave Quackenbush, Ally Ostler, Spencer Severs, Tim Conrod, Dave Fitzpatrick, and Curt Hamakawa.

Students on Al-Jazeerah?

2010-06-15T08:13:00.002-04:00

On Saturday, June 12, prior to the USA-England match in Rustenburg, some of our students got into a good-natured rant-a-chant with some Brits, which attracted a camera crew from Al-Jazeerah!

Viva La FIFA!

2010-06-15T08:09:00.002-04:00

Nick Starr (far right) acquired this banner at the African Crafts Square and was eager to show it off with some of his fellow delegation members: (left to right) Sean Healey, Tim Conrod, Kevin Shaker, Dave Fitzpatrick, Dr. Dan Covell, Dave Quackenbush, and Dan Gould.

A Glimpse of Life in Soweto

2010-06-15T03:03:00.004-04:00

We had the opportunity to see the inside of one of the family dwellings in this shantytown, which was essentially a lean-to with corrugated steel roof and sides, with a total area no larger than 10' x 20', including the family room, kitchen, and bedroom . . . for six people! If you think that was bad enough, consider that there is no electricity, no running water, and no indoor toilet! This was quite sobering for our students to witness, and makes us appreciate even more all that we have and that we sometimes take for granted.

Visiting a Soweto Shanty

2010-06-15T02:46:00.008-04:00

When we got off the bus at this Soweto shantytown, these kids mobbed our students and welcomed us with smiles and friendship! We gave them little tokens from the States, including Western New England College and USA gear, which you can see displayed in some of the photos (all Soweto photos courtesy of Nick Starr).

Soweto Tour

2010-06-15T02:40:00.003-04:00

On Sunday, June 13, we took a tour of Soweto Township, which although African sounding, is merely an abbreviation for Southwest Township. It is the black, and mostly poor community within Johannesburg that was created under the apartheid regime, and it is also the boyhood home to two Nobel Peace Prize winners, Bishop Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela.

A Banner Day

2010-06-15T02:30:00.004-04:00

As referenced in a previousl post, here's Dave Fitzpatrick, displaying the USA flag from the balcony that ringed the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg before the June 12 match between USA and England. Even though "Old Glory" was way outnumbered (you will see this in a future post), it was there on behalf of a proud and grateful nation, thanks to Dave and his crew mates!

Living the New Three Rs!

2010-06-14T08:23:00.007-04:00

At Western New England College, we are purposeful about instilling and reinforcing in our students the value and importance of responsibility, resilience, and resourcefulness -- the new three Rs -- in their everyday lives . . . and I am happy to report that the students are demonstrating these characteristics in spades!

No one has been late to seminar, appointments, or bus departures, and there have been no lame excuses for assignments left undone. And everyone has assumed a heightened vigilance for each other's safety and security.

In light of several hardships that in another context would have launched a boatload of complaints, there has been nary a complaint about the frigid temperatures (both in the stadiums and in our sleeping rooms), the lack of towels for washing/showering until the second day after our arrival, and the restrictive internet access, among other setbacks. Our crew has shown remarkable resilience in bouncing back from these and other challenges they faced along the way.

In bargaining over price for their many souvenir acquisitions, the students displayed a keen resourcefulness in knowing how to play the game. One example: the same set of coasters that I bought for 100 rand, two students got for 60 rand, and another student paid 50 rand! They also figured out how to attract the attention of the cameras and TV crews by their signs, personalities, and colorful dress, which got them interviews on "The Daily Show" and by Al-Jazeerah! But the best example would have to be the ingenious use of their identification cards that mirrored official FIFA accreditations to obtain close-in access to the soccer venues!

Arriving in Dubai

2010-06-14T08:08:00.005-04:00

Enroute to Johannesburg, we had a two-hour layover in Dubai, where the students could stretch, take a walk, log on to the internet, and do some shopping. Here, Michael Jones and Dave Quackenbush are happy to get off the plane after the 13-hour flight from JFK!

Snap Update

2010-06-14T07:35:00.005-04:00

Monday, June 14, 2010--Sun City. Sorry to have been on radio silence for two days, but the spotty internet access and our travel schedule have made blogging a major challenge. Since I am at a "satellite" location at the moment, I am unable to post photos during this session. To catch you up a bit since Friday when we attended the opening match (which ended in a rather anticlimactic 1-1 tie), we made the three-hour drive to Rustenburg on Saturday for the much anticipated USA-England match at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium. Before the kick off, some our crew got into a little spat with a couple of testy Brits over banner-hanging territory and protocol. You see, in international soccer, partisan fans get to the stadium hours in advance to ring the balconies with their national colors (you will see in a future post what I am talking about). Long-story-short, an international incident was averted through friendly banter and diplomacy, but importantly, Dave and Shawn Fitzpatrick, along with Sean Healey, ensured that "Old Glory" would not be denied its place at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium that night!

An Electrifying Experience, Bar None!

2010-06-12T07:23:00.001-04:00

This photo does not do justice to the pure electricity running through the Soccer City Stadium on opening night of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. It was at once colorful and festive, loud and boisterous, and quite emotional to be part of the scene with nearly 85,000 passionate soccer fans!

Quack and Fan

2010-06-12T07:21:00.003-04:00

Here, Dave Quackenbush picks up a style tip or two about how an ultimate Bafana Bafana fan gets properly outfitted for the match!

Ally and Friend

2010-06-12T07:17:00.001-04:00

This South African fan wants to know why Ally Ostler is not decked out in full Bafana Bafana kit, including game face paint!

This is how it is . . . .

2010-06-12T07:15:00.001-04:00

Shawn Fitzpatrick shares some of the finer points of the game with fellow Western New England College soccer player Sean Healey, while Kevin Shaker listens in.

Outnumbered but not Deterred

2010-06-12T07:06:00.002-04:00

In its opening match against South Africa, Mexican fans were out in force in support of their national team, but they were no match for the South African fans, who must have outnumbered them 500 to one! In the photo, you can see this lone Mexican fan in a sea of Bafana Bafana supporters.

More Pre-Match Entertainment

2010-06-12T07:04:00.001-04:00

Here's a shot of one of the pre-match music acts, which amazingly is staged right in the center of the soccer pitch!

Opening Ceremonies at the World Cup

2010-06-12T06:57:00.003-04:00

Prior to start of the June 11 South Africa-Mexico World Cup opener, there was a two-hour entertainment spectacular dubbed the "opening ceremonies," which featured thousands of entertainers, including top-line music artists, dancers, and children of South Africa, as well as several fly overs by jets and prop planes. Did I mention that our seats were three and four rows up from the pitch on a corner? The sight lines were incredible! From the photo, you can see that we were practically right on the field!

Dr. Walker is in the House!

2010-06-12T06:52:00.002-04:00

As you know from a previous post, Dr. Sharianne Walker is our delegation's 14th member . . . and here she is with some of our crew -- Michael Jones, Kevin Shaker, Dan Gould, Nick Starr, and Dave Quackenbush -- at the opening match in Soccer City on June 11 in Johannesburg.

BFF

2010-06-12T06:48:00.002-04:00

As you can see, Golden Bear and Zakumi, the mascot of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, have become fast friends! Zakumi, though, does not have one of those cool identification/accreditation cards as worn by GB. In a future post I will explain just how useful the ID card is around here.

Odd Man Out

2010-06-12T06:42:00.003-04:00

For the World Cup opening match on June 11, several of the delegation members outfitted themselves in the yellow home colors of South Africa's natonal soccer team (from left, Shawn Fitzpatrick, Sean Healey, and Dan Gould). Not-yet-a-real-soccer-fan Tim Conrod, on the other hand, is decked out in the colors of the Springboks, South Africa's national rugby team.

African Mime

2010-06-12T06:36:00.002-04:00

On June 10, we stopped at Carlton Center, a shopping/hotel complex and home of "Top of Africa," the tallest building in South Africa, where we took in the sights from the observatory deck for a 360-degree panoramic view of Johannesburg. In the photo, Kevin Shaker, Ally Ostler, and Dave Fitzpatrick are not yet aware that the mime is next to them doing some pretty funny things!

Shout out to Western New England College

2010-06-12T06:31:00.003-04:00

Backing up a few days, when we departed JFK International Airport June 8 for Dubai, the purser announced over the cabin P.A. system that Emirates Airlines was "proud to be transporting passengers -- including 13 from Western New England College -- to the FIFA World Cup." We were the only group to be singled out for mention by name. Now how cool was that?!

Look . . . my first passport stamp!

2010-06-12T06:27:00.002-04:00

Now fully certified as a bonafide international traveler, Tim Conrod shows off his passport with its first stamp upon arrival June 9 at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.

Quackenbush on Vuvuzela

2010-06-12T03:51:00.001-04:00

Dave Quackenbush and a friend play a duet on the vuvuzela!

Nick on Horn

2010-06-12T03:49:00.003-04:00

While waiting in line to clear the security entrance to Soccer City Stadium on June 11, Nick Starr demonstrates his vuvuzela horn blowing ability and style!

Morning Seminar

2010-06-12T03:42:00.003-04:00

At our first morning seminar at 9 a.m. on June 11, Tim Conrod and Michael Jones present their report on South Africa's Premier League (professional soccer) to an attentive audience. Every day, students give a 20-30 minute presentation on different topics related to soccer and/or South African history, culture, and politics. In contrast to our first seminar abroad at the Beijing Olympics, where seminar hour was at 7 a.m., this leisurely start seems like a cake walk!

Stylin' Dan

2010-06-12T03:38:00.002-04:00

Soccer fans know that it is de rigueur to be properly outfitted at a match in your team's colors, so Dan Gould along with Spencer Severs and a few other students bought South African team jerseys for the SA-Mexico match . . . but Dan went out all with the scarf action to make a fashion statement!

Viva Mexico!

2010-06-12T03:35:00.003-04:00

The Mexicans were out in full force in Sandton City/Mandela Square the evening before their team's 2010 World Cup debut against South Africa. Here, Spencer Severs (center) and Kevin Shaker jump in a "two-way" photo op!