Of all the WPBA tour stops, the Pacific Coast Classic in Lincoln City, Oregon has to be my favorite. First off, its right by the ocean, which is pretty cool. If I was a real dog, I’d make Sarah throw a frisbee into the ocean so I could go out to retrieve it, but it my current condition I unfortunately don’t do very well in the water. Even so, it is nice to be able to look out my hotel window and see the water.
The other reason why I love this place so much? Every year there’s an awesome APA regional event that takes place in the hotel at the same time as the WPBA event. There’s always tons of people there having a good time, playing in the mini events and just getting excited about pool.
Sarah had a good tournament here last year finishing 9th when she got knocked out of the tournament by Allison Fisher. ESPN’s going to air the quarterfinal matches this year (along with the semis and finals), so maybe if Sarah gets on TV she’ll let me hang out in her corner.
I will say that being a website mascot does have its perks. Not only do I get to travel around with the completely awesome Sarah Rousey, but I get to go behind the scenes of the WPBA and meet tons of interesting people. Once I was reunited with Sarah after the car trip from the PoolDawg office, I got to check out the commentating booth where Sarah called a bunch of the matches (special thanks to Sarah for covering me up and keeping the shot G rated).
After spending some time in the booth, Sarah introduced me to some of her friends. I’d met Caroline Pao and My Hahn Lac before, but I was especially appreciative of the love I got from Supadra Boonpasook.
After we were done working, it was on to meet the fans. I even got to meet what has to be the cutest baby on the planet.
All in all, everyone was awesome, but I will say that this guy made me a bit uncomfortable. Only two WPBA events left, but my favorite one is next – the Pacific Coast Classic. This event always has a huge turnout thanks in large part to the APA regional event that takes place every year there as well. If you live in the Pacific Northwest, take the time to head over to Lincoln City Oregon from Oct. 14th through the 18th. I guarantee you’ll have a blast.
Well, the first annual PoolDawg Road Trip is over. Good times were had, beverages were consumed and new friends were made. Ignacio Colorado may be a bit out of the way, but the drive was really nice. I got to stick my head out the window and experience some serious altitude, driving at about 10,000 feet above sea level.
On the way to the hotel, we decided to stop off at the Coney Island hot dog stand. Apparently the owners drove this thing over from New York and dropped it in the middle of the mountains in Bailey Colorado.
Needless to say, at first I wanted nothing to do with eating hot dogs. Really the whole concept is quite insulting. Why anyone thinks it acceptable to eat a dog is beyond me, but it does seem to be a popular pastime. Keven, Mike and Brent seemed to be enjoying their dogs, so eventually my inner Alfred Packer got the best of me and I decided to give it a try.
Once we finally got to Ignacio, I got to hang out quite a bit with my buddy Sarah (who I missed quite a bit while sitting on Mike’s desk). Sarah kicked some ass, taking her first 3 matches including a 9-6 win over our friend Monica Webb. She lost her 4th match to that Black Widow lady, but still finished tied for 9th for the tournament.
As for me, I’m back in Bloomington with Sarah and her crazy cats. In a few short weeks though I’ll be back on the road, headed to Lincoln City Oregon for the Pacific Coast Classic.
