Final Update

Hi all,

The final update comes from the shores of Waikiki Beach, where I am currently sitting on the sand watching the boys enjoy their final time in the sun and surf ahead of a return to normalcy. I think shifting out of the 29 degree climate of Hawaii will have its challenges for everyone!

To bring you up to speed; yesterday was the last of the shopping madness with the group taking full advantage of the stores on offer at Ala Moana Mall. After 2 hours Coach Jones was overheard saying "Now that was the warmup, let the shopping begin" before O Clarke told him to pull his head in as it was home time. In the late afternoon sun several of the boys surfed and swam until it was dinner time at the famous Cheeseburger in Paradise Restaurant. Importantly with the team call to arrive in some form of clothing to pay respect to the Hawaiian culture, many (esp F Boswell and M Wallace) didn't disappoint- a photo of Matt below can attest to his attire. As a consequence we were all given various shocked expressions on the way to the restaurant by members of the public- however please note M Wallace failed on the task proposed by Coach Skeen, which was to find the biggest guy on the street and say "Hi Muscles" on the way to the meal. After dinner (and most significantly the haka the group ripped out topless for the restaurants staff and guests) it was a casual wander through the International Market Place before starting the big pack at 9:30pm. Lights out featured soon afterwards which was well received considering this morning started at 5:45am.

Wake up calls had the boys out of bed and in the lobby by 5:50am today as we ventured up to Diamond Head. Leaving from the hotel at 6am we reached the summit by 6:50am which was an impressive feat- we hope you get a sense of the iconic run by the photos provided below. After the run and a quick bite, it was off to Peal Harbour (a 3.5 hr outing where a local guide, followed by the usual National Park staff and shows, took us all on a journey back in time). The boys were able to get a real sense of what 7 Dec 1941 was actually like in Pearl Harbour and found the boat ride out to the USS Arizona, where 1107 naval personnel died on board that morning (most bodies are still in the vessel) very humbling. Waikiki Beach followed for the last time with R Lockhart and F Boswell having just enjoyed their belated birthday presents from the squad- an outrigger canoe ride with 4 people of their choosing. Coach Gordon suggested taking Japanese strangers with them in the spirit of 'forgiveness', however this was not accepted by the two boys- old grudges must die hard.

The boys are currently on target to be back at the hotel by 5:15pm to pick up the bags they so expertly packed last night (surprising a good effort), before we head to the airport at 6pm. We have an 11pm flight (NZ9) which will landed in Auckland tomorrow morning, being Wednesday obviously, at 7:30am. As an administrative note, the boys are keen to do the haka for those on pick up duties so we will be waiting until everyone has processed through Customs before releasing the boys (uniforms in hand maybe useful!). Wooden items, clean running shoes, MAF 'risks' are all in the top of the boys bags so wish us luck with a quick processing!

The Final Points of Note:
1. H Barclay (absolutely no lies), awoke last night standing in this underwear directly outside his hotel room door. When his room mates didn't wake up to his knocking he headed down to Reception to get security to assist in letting him back in- what a legend!
2. A Meltzer, said "If I knew now what this trip was going to be like 12 months ago, I would never have come!" Clearly making the formal speeches on tour has got to this guy.
3. T Batts has confessed he has been experiencing nightmares during the entire trip. These nightmares have always woken him from his sleep and he is now convinced no matter where he ever goes in the world he will never do a haka again.
4. R Martin, H Kerr and K Esterhuizen have all declared they wish to be single for the rest of their lives- the attention they received in the US clearly has got too much for them.
5. An anonymous group member was heard to say "those shorts wouldn't even fit on a small teddy bear" in reference to what a member of the opposite gender was wearing- kind of summarised Hawaii up pretty well.
6. Coaches Jones and Jordan are starting a satellite school in California called 'Auckland Grammar High School' where they are both teaching High Performance classes with themselves being the subject matter.
7. Coach Gordon has already emailed Mr O'Connor requesting a wave pool as part of the AGS facilities so that his surfing form doesn't slide upon returning home.
8. Coach Skeen couldn't be reached for comment on anything. Contrary to popular opinion he actually never returned to the US after this 'temporary' sabbatical claiming sick leave as a consequence of the spending excessive time with M Wallace.


Now for the sincere stuff . . . We have obviously all had a brilliant last two and a half weeks. The first and most important vote of thanks must go to the parents (and family members of all ages for that matter) for the fundraising efforts and amazing support you have given that has allowed the boys to experience the dream lifestyle of California and Hawaii. NB: The Editor also humbly thanks all of those who contributed to this blog by buying into the humour and thrills that have emerged daily.

Secondly, to the families and staff of the five fantastic schools that have provided such an authentic and richly entertaining experience for all of us, our appreciation in words is not enough. Please know you are welcome down under whenever you wish to cash in the payback chips. Without your welcomes and hospitality our time in the USA would have been a lot less memorable.

Finally, to our boys. What an outstanding bunch of young men. We can honestly say as staff it has been a pleasure to tour with each of you. We hope you remember the internal laughs we have all had, the personalities within our group, and the openness that has been extended to you by complete strangers from the USA. Don't ever forget the world is a massive place full of amazing characters- continue to go and find them!

Lots of love to everyone back at home from us here in Hawaii . . . proud members of the AGS Running Family.

See you soon. Maholo