Dec. 19, 2002
BALTIMORE, Md. - While on a trip to the East Coast to play weekend games at UMBC and Loyola, the Santa Clara University men's basketball team took some time Thursday to visit Washington D.C. and tour some of the historical sights in the nation's capital.
After arriving in Baltimore Wednesday night and getting acclimated to the three-hour time difference and the brisk mid-40s temperature, the Bronco players, coaches and staff woke Thursday and made the 45-minute trek South to the heart of Washington, D.C. The group was able spend nearly three hours touring sights of interest around the National Mall.
"I'm really glad we could include a trip to D.C. in our itinerary," said coach Dick Davey. "I think it is important that our players are able to experience something worthwhile like this. Seeing some of the memorials and monuments really brings into perspective how fortunate we are to live in America and how much has been sacrificed for our freedom. I think our players appreciate this opportunity and will remember it for the rest of their lives."
Most of the players enjoyed a walking tour of historical sights in the area, visiting the Washington Monument, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, Jefferson Memorial and Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial. A few of the coaches and staff visited the National Air and Space Museum and Holocaust Memorial Museum among other sights.
"There is so much history here," said junior Jim Howell. "How could a person not be overwhelmed by the experience of being at the nation's capital. Decisions that affect our lives and the lives of millions of people around the world are made every day right here. This is really an unforgettable experience."
Afterwards, the group assembled at the entrance to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing and attended a 45-minute tour, learning about the process of the printing and distribution of United States currency. The Bureau is responsible for the design, engraving and printing of all United States paper currency. A world leader in printing technology, the Bureau is also the world's largest printer of paper securities.
"It was really intriguing to see the process that takes place to print currency," said senior Brad Anderson. "I think we all take things like this for granted, particularly all the security measures and attention to detail. It was also really fascinating to see millions of dollars in actual currency and how it gets distributed."
Following a 90-minute practice at UMBC, the team enjoyed dinner at the ESPN Zone in Baltimore's Inner Harbor, near the team hotel.
Santa Clara faces UMBC Friday at 4 p.m. (Pacific) in the Retriever Activities Center then plays at Loyola College (Md.) Sunday at 11 a.m. (Pacific) before returning to California for the holiday break. Both games will be broadcast on the Bronco Radio Network, which consists of KDIA 1640 AM, KSCU 103.3 FM and on the Internet at www.SantaClaraBroncos.com. Friday's game will air on a tape-delayed basis at 7 p.m (Pacific) while Sunday's game will be broadcast live.
The Broncos return to the Mission campus for the 36th annual Cable Car Classic Dec. 27-28 at the Leavey Center. Santa Clara plays Mississippi Valley State in the first game at 6 p.m. on the 27th, while Princeton will face Texas A&M 30 minutes following. The consolation game is scheduled for 6 p.m. on the 28th with the championship game following afterward. Call 408/554-4660 for ticket information.