Even though we lost to St. Joe by three (great day for the bookies who gave Loyola 3 points), it was well worth the trip to Philly.
Stayed at the downtown Marriott where the team stayed and got to talk to Coach Moser for about 15 minutes. He invited a bunch of us to attend the film session with the coaches and players.
The team flew in late Friday afternoon and had a rough flight on Southwest. Had to wonder if that and the fact that the Palestra was not available for a shoot around before the game impacted our shooting and accounted for the poor percentage.
The Palestra just itself was worth seeing.
On the outside it reminds me of the Alamo in San Antonio and the interior concourse reminded me a lot of the Mecca in Milwaukee.
The court reminded me of a smaller Hinkle and the seats were all right on top of the action. The sights and smells were strictly out of the movie Hoosiers.
A great time except for the score. The AD arranged for a number of us to sit three rows behind the Rambler bench.
Spent less than 48 hours in Philly but the hotel was right across the street from the Reading Station food court where there are all types of food options available.
The Philly cheesesteak was very good but not that much different from Jersey Mikes. I also prefer the unique Chicago beef from Al's or from Johnies in Arlington Hts, Great hotel. But there area a lot of street people sleeping outside the hotel on the side walk grates. Kind of sad.
There was also a great pregame alumni party before the game with ample food, drink and great service. It was at a bar in University City just a few blocks away.
Hats off to Steve Watson and his staff for a job well done. Had a chance to talk to Steve at the airport on the way back. Next year the team will play in the Cayman Islands the Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving. A Rambler junkies delight with three games in three days! Airfares do not look that outrageous and you can connect through Miami, Dallas or Charlotte.
Also had a chance to talk with Swellas favorite former Loyola AD.
All in all a great trip.
Despite the loss, I remain optimistic about the rest of the Rambler season for three reasons:
1. the team is improving and showing signs of cohesiveness;
2. I think Williamson's return will be a real difference maker;
3. The law of averages says the shots will start to fall.

As an fyi, if you call down to the Westin for the ArchMadness tourney, there is a Loyola block of rooms available.
Do not go through the national reservation number. Call the hotel itself and ask for Erica. She can book a room for you. I got a room rate of $199. If you call the 800 number they will tell you the hotel is sold out. The weekend of Archmadness there is a Garth Brooks concert at the Edward Jones Dome downtown so hotels may book up early.
Hope all Ramblermaniacs had a great CHRISTMAS!

Word of advise: Cancel all your credit cards, change all your passwords, delouse, use Glade to mask the stench of sulfur, and make a perfect act of contrition.

Film session? So jealous!