Just got back from LA after a quick trip to receive an award from the Pac-10.  The name of the award I received was called the Tom Hansen Conference Award, which is presented annually to two athletes (male/female) from each of the Pac-10 institute “based on the exhibition of the greatest combination of performance and achievement in scholarship, athletics and leadership.” (pac-10).  While the trip was fun and exciting, the combo of having to leave early to get there and being stuck at the airport due to rain delay on the way back, made it a pretty hectic trip.

@ SFO getting ready to leave for LAX

I thought that it was awesome that they held the presentation in conjunction with the Pac-1o basketball championships. The Pac-10 even comp’d our tickets to the games, but what was more exciting was that they had all of the medal winners walk out to the center of the court of the Staples Center and introduced us one by one.  The next day, they held an awards luncheon that included a slick video presentation for all of us.

Staples Center at night

@ the Oregon State/Washington game before they led us out to the center of court

The Pac-10 also put us up at the brand-spanking new J.W. Marriot, which was literally right across the street from the Staples Center.  What was great about the hotel was that it included a full-blown workout gym so I didn’t even have to miss my rehab while I was away for the trip.

However, the best part of the whole experience was not the hotel I stayed at or being invited to go see the basketball games.  Instead, it was getting the opportunity to meet all the amazing student/athletes, and being able to hear about their life-stories and the paths they took to get to where they are now.  After all, a bunch of these athletes have accomplished so much already.  For example, the medal winners included an Olympic gold medalist, a Walter Byers scholarship recipient, and several NFL and NBA players.  Being able to be around those guys helped me remember that regardless of what sport you play/compete in, in order to become great, there is never an easy way to the top.  Overall, it was a great trip, and it got me fired up.  I’m ready to get back to the daily grind and continue to work hard!

Me and the Conference Award Winners (man, I'm short!)

Quick pic w/ Oski the Bear before he ran into the bathroom. Looked for the Stanford tree but couldn't find him. Got nothing but love for Cal though. After all, I grew up in the area.