By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
Offseason workouts
I often check up on the social media accounts of ACGC and Panorama to see what the schools are up to. One thing I have noticed lately are the sports camps and offseason workouts the programs have been hosting. I have many incredible memories from attending similar summer camps while I was in middle school and high school.
One instance that I remember well, which is also forever documented, was an offseason soccer workout I did while attending Lincoln High School. ACGC basketball fans likely made the trip to the school’s Roundhouse two years ago for a substate game. These workouts took place on the tennis courts nearby.
Unfortunately, for me, The Des Moines Register showed up to the workout to snap a few photos. Click HERE if you want to see them. You will not have to scroll far to see the less-than-stellar photo the reporter took of me. I am now well past the feelings of embarrassment I felt when I first saw these photos. Now they are just a funny memory — and hopefully an afternoon laugh for you.
Over the years, I attended several YMCA day camps and Iowa State and Drake basketball camps. These camps were the most fun I had in a given summer. I even made friends who I still speak with to this day. I rubbed shoulders and received advice from future NBA players like Georges Niang, Monte Morris, Naz Long and Drake legend Adam Emmenecker. Emmenecker never made it to the NBA, but his namesake is honored by a food challenge at the Des Moines Jethro’s, once featured by “Man vs. Food.” I have a signed shirt by him hidden somewhere in my parents’ house. I still have not tried the sandwich, though.
I’m sure the Panorama and ACGC athletes have had a great time at these camps as they enjoy their time away from school. But, if someone shows up with a camera, try not to make the face I made.
College world series
If you are a fan of baseball or softball and have not yet tuned into the College World Series, you should start. Admittedly, I am not a huge baseball follower, but the wildly entertaining tournament is a breeding ground for the next major baseball stars — and some great times.
The tournament takes place just a short drive away in Omaha, Nebraska. The city has hosted the tourney since 1950. I’ve been to Omaha for three of the last four MCWS. A friend of mine has a birthday that coincides with the championship weekend. At the same time as the baseball tournament, a massive beer garden takes shape just a block away from the stadium. Massive screens show the games on TV, tequila or rum buckets are served for $20, food trucks line the back, and once the games end, musical performances take over the stage.
I only attended a game for the first time last weekend. It felt weird being in Omaha at this time and not purchasing several rum buckets but instead being inside the stadium and actually watching baseball. The game was good. A few beverages and good friends made it even better. We sat in right field, trading “LEFT FIELD SUCKS” chants with the left field fans who returned with “RIGHT FIELD SUCKS” chants.
If you get the chance to attend one of these games, I highly recommend it. If you are 21 or older, make it a point to grab a Jello shot at Rocco’s nearby, too. The local sports bar hosts a Jello shot challenge every year between the competing teams. The proceeds from every shot sold goes to the Food Banks for all eight teams and Omaha metro food banks. In 2024, they raised $145,477. LSU normally dominates this challenge when they are in town. The running counter says Tiger fans have bought more than 25,000 shots. Arkansas is second with 8,713. These totals are slightly inflated, as shots can also be purchased online. Follow along for shot madness at www.x.com/CWSShotBoard. Game one of the finals is between No. 13 Coastal Carolina and No. 6 LSU and is on Saturday, June 21, if you’re interested in that, too.
Reach out with your thoughts, comments and ideas to cyote@dmcityview.com.