By Mike Hutchens UC Schools Communications Director
PENNS GROVE, N.J. – A 20-hour charter bus ride did nothing to dampen Union City’s enthusiasm.
Arriving more that six hours later that was originally scheduled on a 900-mile trip, UC’s football team went through a lively 90-minute practice session Wednesday night that left head coach Darren Bowling pleased.
“After a long bus ride like that, you wondered if they might come out flat or not focused, but that wasn’t the case,” the UC skipper said after the session that ended well after dark Eastern time.
“They had some fire in them and they’re excited to be here. We’re all excited to be here.”
The already-lengthy trip became even moreso due to some driving issues on mountain roads encountered by West Tennessee charter personnel. The UC travel party, which includes around 70 people including players, coaches, administration and coaches, was scheduled to arrive around 11 a.m. Wednesday after leaving Union City at 9 Tuesday night.
Instead, it was after 5:30 Wednesday evening when the first of two buses pulled into team headquarters at the Hampton Inn.
That led to issues with a planned three-hour practice session as there are no lights at Penns Grove Middle School’s practice field, where the Tornadoes were slated to work out.
UC was able to improvise though, spending about on hour on special teams and offense before darkness came. PG officials graciously provided a set of portable lights at the high school practice field and the Twisters made the one-mile trek there to finish up practice with a 30-minute defensive session.
Thursday will be a busy day for the Union City group as they’ll bus to New York City, a three-hour journey, to tour the 9/11 Memorial. They’re then slated to enjoy lunch at Times Square and likely to have a walk-through there before returning to the hotel.
An abbreviated sight-seeing tour in Philadelphia is on the docket Friday morning before the usual routine of pre-game meal mid-afternoon in preparation for the game between the unbeaten host Red Devils (3-0) and UC (1-3).
Bowling said while the educational part of the trip is indeed important, the game has his group’s main focus.
“There’s a time for sightseeing and we’re looking forward to that and are appreciative of that opportunity,” the coach concluded.
“But the game is what brings us here. We’re able to do this because we play good football. They guys have always represented Union City well everywhere we’ve gone.
“Our focus, though, is on the game. It’s our top priority.”
Kickoff is set for 5:30 p.m. local time Friday.
Mike Hutchens photo
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