Way back in January, Brandon Rowley, a neighbor/friend/ward
member, emailed Justin about a popular BYU sports camp that he wanted to get a
group together to attend.
Apparently the camp has been held for over 20 years and has become so
popular that last year all the spots were filled within 30 seconds. This year they changed the registration
process to a lottery system.
Justin and Brandon both applied.
Brandon got in and Justin didn’t.
That is until late April when BYU reached out to Justin and told him
they had a spot open if he wanted it. The original plan was to drive down together; however,
Brandon had since decided to purchase a car in Utah so they were flying down
and driving the new vehicle back. Justin decided to do the same so we booked
Justin and Jason a one-way ticket to SLC with points. Here’s Justin’s recap of the weekend…
(According to Justin)
Day 1 - Jason
and I started the day super early with a 6am flight from Seattle to Salt Lake
City. We used the convenient public transportation options, Trax and the
Frontrunner, to get to Provo where Brandon Rowley and his boy Tommy picked us
up. We went to Mooyah Burgers, Fries, and Shakes, and then we went to the
BYU Store and walked around campus, which brought back so many memories for
me.
Registration
was at 3pm at the Cannon Center where they had lots of inflatables. I was
not successful in convincing J to take a pic with the cheerleaders. We
got our keys to our Helaman Halls dorm room and settled in across the hall from
the Rowleys. Next was dinner in the Cannon Center where Jason made ~8
visits to the ice cream machine.
Orientation
started at 6:30. The BYU basketball team hosts the camp so Coach Rose and
a few others had some opening remarks, after which we headed to our first
rotations. We were counseled not to be heroes, or in other words, don't
get injured.
#1 - 3 on 3
(SFH)- The boys and dads were split up here. I liked the competition of
playing against the other dads. I tweaked my ankle right off the bat but
it didn't tighten up too much until the next morning. This might have
been Jason's least favorite rotation, probably because I lost pretty badly.
#2 - 1 on 1
(SFH) - Fun warm ups then one on one drills, again the boys and dads were split
up.
#3 - Shooting
Contests (SFH) - Another split activity, after which Jason and I were wondering
when we be would be participating together.
#4 - Gymnastics
- Jason and I both loved this rotation, especially the foam pit. One of
Jason's top 3 for the weekend. I swung so hard on the bars I ripped the
calluses on both of my hands.
Jason and I wrapped up the very long day with a
walk to Swig.
Day 2 started
with an early breakfast at the Cannon Center, a camp meeting, and then our
rotations.
#5 - 5 on 5
(RB) - My ankle really tightened up over night so I got it taped and sat this
one out. I thought back to my old roommate Rylan who was a student
trainer back in the day. Jason's team rocked this rotation so he loved
it.
#6 - Shooting
Station - drills with members of the BYU basketball team
#7 - Football
Skills - punt receiving and throwing footballs
Pizza Factory
Lunch on the Football Practice Field
#8 - Marriott
Center Tour - cool experience to shoot hoops on the MC floor and check out the
locker room.
#9 - Basketball
and Agility Skills at the Marriott Center Annex
#10 - Baseball
and Ultimate Kickball on the Miller Park Baseball and Softball Fields - Jason
and I teamed to hit a homerun on the baseball diamond and win some candy.
He hit it far enough off the T for me to hit it over the fence
#11 - Lavell Edwards
Stadium Tour - The football players got the boys all riled up in the locker
room, took them out through the tunnel and onto the field where I skunked Jason
in the tackling drill and he fell down when I caught him
#12 - Flag
Football on Hellman Fields
#13 - Ultimate
Frisbee - We mixed up dads and sons against dads and sons. Lots of
fun. Another of Jason's top 3.
BBQ dinner was
at the stadium where we got to meet Elder Rasband. We hung out on the
field most of the evening and took in the Rockets-Warriors game on the big
screen. Jason finished the day with over 33K steps, his personal record.
Day 3 was
highlighted by a chartered bus trip to Temple Square where we listened to Music
and the Spoken Word, a special Memorial Day edition, followed by sacrament
meeting in the Assembly Hall. We were taught by Coach Rose who focused on being
optimistic. Then Elder Rasband titled his message "C'mon Pa" and
encouraged the sons to keep the dads moving in the right direction. Lunch was
at the This is the Place park. Later that evening we attended a fireside by
Jeremy Guthrie, former MLB pitcher. It was great to hear such uplifting
messages on Sunday and throughout this camp and I hope they continue to
resonate with me and Jason.
Day 4 had
an awesome start as we woke up early to hike the Y with Chad Lewis former
BYU and Philadelphia Eagles tight end and a few busloads of other
campers. Chad gave an inspirational message and the hike was followed
by Cannon Center breakfast and a short camp meeting
#14 - Pro Day - vertical jump, 40 yard dash,
standing broad jump
#15 - Soccer -
Jason loved this rotation. He scored a pretty awesome goal and also
reviled in intercepting multiple passes meant for me.
#16 - Spikeball
on the South Field where the soccer team plays
J-Dawgs Lunch
in the Smith Field Annex
After lunch, we
packed up and headed home with Brandon who had purchased a car in Utah.
It was a long drive home.
Overall the
experience was pretty amazing. I am really happy to be able to do this
with Jason. Jason and I had a lot of time to talk throughout the
weekend. I was able to share some experiences and show him where I lived,
went to class, met Holly, etc. This time is certainly something I expect
to remember and I think he will too. I got a taste of the dorm
experience I never had and we got to play sports together all over
BYU. Really just a wonderful weekend hanging out with some awesome
father son combos.... so glad we got to go together. Can't wait till next time!
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