Down to Keene
Warriors visit Texas
As fall is fast taking over, the air outside is dipping from balmy to brisk. However, this is not the case when you visit Keene, Texas. The weather there is still sunny, not what we Midwesterners expect on a mid-October day. This is what the UAU Warriors experienced as they took a trip down south to participate in a tournament at Southwestern Adventist University. Over fall break, the soccer and volleyball teams packed up their cleats and knee pads and drove nearly 700 miles to gather with other Adventist universities to compete and fellowship. The Warriors arrived prepared to participate in friendly but fierce matches against teams from Oakwood University, Andrews University, and Southwestern Adventist University.
The soccer team played three games. The Warrior boys put up a good fight and had some impressive plays and moves, but ended up losing each game. Obsuman Waktole, a nursing major, recalled that the games were incredibly fun, but the lack of sleep and the heat got to the team. He said, “The trip had lots of good team bonding, especially on the bus rides where we all talked and got to know each other. Vespers was also really uplifting with the music and message, making it a special spiritual time. Even though we didn’t get the result we wanted, we gave it our best and had so much fun. The other teams were really uplifting too.” Obsuman also showed appreciation for two of his team members, Asher Onserio and Dominick Maldonado, who encouraged the team and kept spirits up on and off the field.
The volleyball team also put in their best effort, winning one out of the four games they played. Hannah Bridges, who is also a nursing major, pointed out that even though the girls lost three games, they were all super close and the team played together really well. Communication between teammates happened effortlessly and each girl put their whole heart into each rally. When asked about the overall experience, Hannah said, “My favorite part of the SWAU tournament was being able to bond with my teammates off the court. Connecting and making memories on the bus, deep conversations in the hotel, and cheering on Union’s soccer team were experiences I will never forget!”
Both Obsuman and Hannah spoke about how community was built with the other teams during the prayer circles before games, handshakes after, and vespers on Friday night. Andrews University stood out from the crowd by showing great sportsmanship and kindness at all events. The teams arrived safely back on campus when the weekend was over, exhausted but happy. It was an experience they will never forget.
by Sami Hoffer