final four banquet – branson belle

Branson Belle Day: We woke up today excited to be in the Final Four but unfulfilled. There is work yet to be done. Johnny’s Army is not ready to go back home yet. After a church service in the Clarion Inn Conference Center led by the voice of the Golden Eagles, Andy Smith, and for the first time all week, we had the opportunity to practice at the College of the Ozarks. I think the guys were more contemplative than anything else, as they watched the clock run down on practice (literally, the NAIA only allows 45 minutes to each team). We are looking forward to this next phase of the journey.

Before practice we had an opportunity to help celebrate Rob Teis’ birthday at a local rec. center. Some of our loyal fans, most notably “Superfan” Wayne Dalman, Andy Smith, Dan Simons, and the Albert crew, launched shots at the open gym,

The team with Rob and Johnny Teis.

along with the kids in attendance at the party. A three point contest was proposed between Kelvin Devries, Justin Yoder, and the CU fans, but it never materialized. Nothing warms the heart, though, than watching Wayne Dalman “make it rain” from behind the arc. Coach Eric Desantis was impressed. “You have to be impressed with Wayne’s joy for the game, and his exuberance,” he said.

After the party and the practice, we attended the Final Four Banquet. Usually, it is held on the actual boat, the Branson Belle; however, a windstorm destroyed some of the boat and it is under repairs. The alternative site was in the Keeter Conference Center. After a meal of pork filet mignon, we moved into the Performance Area. The same show that would have taken place on the Belle moved to the Conference Center. A six-man singing group, a magician MC, and a violin-playing vocalist brought the crowd to its feet with resounding numbers.

Its back to homebase for the night. We will have a walk through in the morning. Tomorrow is the biggest day yet. Thanks CU family for building Johnny’s Army.

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