The travel team from Roosevelt is two students (Nathan and Lily) plus two coaches/judges Billy and myself plus alum Amelia Martin who is helping run the tournament. Bill Nellans will drive us from Des Moines on Thursday to Kansas City where we fly to Nashville on Southwest Airlines. We are staying at the Nashville West End Marriott (close to the tournament hotel and slightly cheaper--and MUCH quieter). We return on late Monday.
Nashville Marriott Vanderbilt University
2555 West End
Nashville, TN 37203
615-321-1300
The tournament is on the campus of Montgomery Bell Academy about three miles south of the Marriott. MBA is closed for the Holidays--there is no one at the school who will answer their phones despite the schools hosting the top 75 policy teams, 12 LD students and 20 extempers in the country. The switchboard is closed. To reach us, call or text Strong. Remember we are judging in the tournament and will get back to you as quickly as we can.
Meals are included as follows: Fri dinner, Sat lunch, late Sat snack, a late Sat party and dinner for students, Sunday lunch and a mid afternoon refresher. There is no concession stand--if you want snacks, bring them!
There is a lot of pressure at MBA--if you deal with pressure by eating (Strong's proven method to a robust waistline) and don't like their Southern meals...bring lots of goddies. However, you most likely won't be disappointed. The average weight gain of MBA is five pounds! Coach (and NFL President) Billy Tate will make sure you have eaten well.
This is the fifth time in six years a Roosevelt student has been invited to MBA. It is a significant accomplishment to be included...significant is almost an understatement. Past attendees: Billy Strong (Jr/Sr seasons), Mirza Germovic (Sr), Catherine Chiodo (Sr) and now Nathan Leys (Jr) and Lily Nellans (So). There is only one way in to the field--being the best in the country! Both Nathan and Lily are very deserving, have worked hard and now will have a trip they will always remember! Amelia is making her third trip to MBA as a tournament official!
Students: Raincoats and umbrellas. You will be walking from building to building on campus during the competition. There is rain/snow in the forcast.
