It all started three months ago when 30 years of statistics confirmed that Myrtle Beach presented the least threat of rain as one can hope for. Six percent chance of rain in late April. The city wanted us, we were thrilled, and it all looked good. General Manager Steve Pastorino and I discussed the logistics and he signed off to take this calculated risk. And we were off, full steam ahead! Double the logistics, double the work but if the weather held up, double the fun and double the reward. Top on the list was to "expose handball to the masses".

As I awake from my post tourney walking coma, there are no regrets. Yes, a freak storm hit the south and we had to bring the matches indoors mid Saturday, but in the end, the media coverage and local and tourist interest received was enormous. We would not have received anywhere close to this attention had the tourney been scheduled within four walls. No doubt. The City of Myrtle Beach, the Chamber, its residents, its city Officials, even the Mayor were intrigued. The media came, the merchants asked how they could get involved, passers-by stopped to ask what this "cool" sport was! Our PR Manager Lauren Harrington had the intuition to post explanatory signage up in bold written "This is Olympic Handball." It was awesome. Clear. To the point. One and a half days outside in perfect conditions, to me, was worth all the extra work for the greater good of the sport. Sometimes you just have to take the plunge and go for it!

Gauging by the e-mails we are receiving, the teams had a good time. Gosh, even the volunteers and workers are writing to express their thanks. Broadway at the Beach was a good spot. At first, I was against the idea of a parking lot. "Ugh... What, can't we do better than this?" But after all, it was a great spot visible to all and high street traffic. And of course, how can we go wrong with our fantastic SnapSports courts side by side with the huge USATH logo! We must have the sexiest courts in the business. Shops, restaurants, ferris wheels, canals and music filled nightclubs were solicited by our college students when not cheering on for their favorite teams. Hotels within walking distance, the Hard Rock feet away, Planet Hollywood social on Saturday Night and we were set.

Of course there are many things we can do better in the future. One thing is clear; Collegiate Nationals should be the "fun" event of the year whilst allowing for the highest level of competition possible. We never want to compromise the sport nor undermine the effort of the athletes leading up to this event. Our Technical Director has his concerns and given the high regard I have for him, his recommendations for next year will be implemented if the event remains outdoors.

As for the weekend for staff and volunteers, well, put it this way, dining on Doritos at 2 a.m. while working is no way to live, but for some reason, I woke up this morning bored out of my mind. Missing 500 decisions to make in one day or missing yelling at the weather girl on television? I don't know, but I wrote to our office demanding a crisis to resolve! I'm sensing that this is some sort of event postpartum!

I really can't end this blog without making mention of our event volunteers. So many people asked who these magical red-shirted guys were and I told them they were all mine, and I will take them with me for life, wherever I go!! The young men were led by Todd Hall, a professor of Sport Management at Georgia Southern University. I met him in Atlanta and he offered to bring some of his students to come help me in Myrtle Beach. I have one thing to say about these young men: They are by far, the most pleasant, conscientious, disciplined hard-workers I have ever met. I just could not stop saying thank you to them. They were absolutely fantastic, indispensable and to me, a girl who hates having to explain instructions, they were a dream. Connor, Sean, Todd, Kevin, Jeremy, your efforts are forever appreciated. And of course, the matriarch of women's handball Mrs. Jan O'Shea drove 8 hours to work the tournament. Jano, I know I tell you all the time but you really ARE the best. Scott Cronk from the USOC also deserves a mention. Just when we thought he'd be coming to observe, Scott gets into the trenches and helps like nobody's business. He even gets kudos for teaching Lauren how to drive a scissor lift! Or kind of! Haha! Klaus Kattkus wins the Table Training session prize. As head of the officiating tables, Klaus prepared our scorekeepers for the next Olympics! I have never seen such great table work! Last but not least, our referees of course performed their work as expected: flexible, on time, consistent, and professional; we appreciate you.

So the forklifts, scissor lifts, bleachers, fencing, cabling, trucks, flooring are all tucked away safely. All is well that ends well and of course, it goes without saying that coaches and teams who attended are to be commended for their patience, flexibility and support. Amidst the crazy weekend, we had a great time and we look forward to many more exciting Collegiate National Championships! Congratulations to everyone and thank you, Myrtle Beach.