National team scrimmage/ Exploring in Vaasa

Ben is enjoying his new surroundings in Finland.

Finnish flags flying high in Vaasa

Here is the site of a future day trip locale for the Slivoskey kids (little seaside park in Vaasa)

Another shot of the Baltic sea from the city of Vaasa on the western coast of Finland

Large statue in the city center of Vaasa.  Ben and I drove out to this city on Sunday afternoon after the scrimmage.  It is located on the Baltic sea about 50 miles from Seinajoki. I think the statue has some connection to the establishment of Finnish independence back in 1918.  

Finnish National Team huddles up on offense.  (Players from various Maple League teams make up the squad-- as evidenced by all of the different helmets represented here in the picture.

The Crocodile defense is ready for action.

Our big nose tackle James who just arrived in Finland a few days ago.

Beautiful weather for our scrimmage

A meeting of the minds to discuss defensive strategy.

      The weather for our scrimmage turned out to be the opposite from the previous days mix of rain and cold.  Temps. were in the high 50's and it felt great to be on the sideline again.  It was a bit strange being a part of a game in May, but it didn't take long to get the adrenaline going.   We had several guys sit out the game due to injuries, especially along the offensive line and at the tight end position.  We played about a 50-55 play scrimmage and the National team competed hard against us.  Our defense picked off several passes and  even returned two of them for touchdowns.  We gave up too much on the ground to them, but these are things that we will work to correct.  Offensively, we threw the ball well.  It will be important for us to run the ball more effectively if we are to have a chance against the Butchers this weekend.  

                     Just 8 more days until the family leaves for Finland!!!

      The following clip is my second interview that I have done since taking the coaching job here.  The last one took place back in March with one of the local papers during my first visit to Finland.  I did this one late last week, and Ben helped me post it here on the blog.  It is full of coach speak, but I still had fun with it.  I believe it is just over a minute long.   Lights out.