This week, head softball coach
Bob Coolen,
Jenna Rodriguez and
Kelly Majam, are all in Los Angeles, Calif. for ESPN's ESPY Awards Ceremony. Follow Coach Bob and his wife Nanci as they chronicle their exciting journey to the ESPY's in a daily blog on HawaiiAthletics.com titled, “On the Red Carpet.”
"Red Carpet, Show Time": Day Two, July 14, 2010
The "big event" arrived. We were police escorted to the Nokia Center and dropped off on the "Red Carpet," literally. Walking as a group, we proceeded through metal detectors and out into the spotlight. They announced our arrival onto the Red Carpet as the University of Hawaii Softball Team and our nominated category. It was then a show-of-shows, taking more pictures than being asked for of celebrities, such as, Zac Ephron, Shaun White, Drew Brees, Jon Isner, just to mention a few. We also met WAC Commissioner Carl Benson on the Red Carpet who congratulated us and thanked us for our contribution to the conference. As we proceeded inside, more celebrities and athletes were present: Samuel Jackson, Jennie Finch, Brett Favre, etc. We were escorted to our seats near the front of the stage and anxiously awaited the live broadcast of the ESPY's. Surprisingly, only a few categories were actually awarded on stage, with the "Biggest Upset" category being one of them. As the cameras panned on Kelly, the announcement was made that Northern Iowa had won the award based on fan voting. The rest of the show followed with mixed emotions--the elation of being nominated and being part of the whole show asthe letdown of not bringing home the ESPY Award for the State of Hawai'i. It was a miraculous run nonetheless and one that will forever be cherished. Thanks to all that voted on our behalf. It's an honor to be selected and have so many supporters out there. We are proud to represent the University of Hawaii and the whole State!
The whole experience was more than we could have ever imagined. No one expected one homerun in one single game to provide an experience of a lifetime for our softball program. From here, it is back to the real world--my real world, on the road again. Recruiting, family vacation, and then back to the Islands to begin another chapter in the Hawaii Softball program.
Once again, on behalf of our whole team and staff, thank you for one of the most memorable seasons and moments that we will cherish for a lifetime.
"Breakfast, more tickets, and ESPY preparations": Day Two, July 14, 2010
This is the big day. It began with a breakfast in the pool area, hosted by Hannah Storm. We ate with Jenna, her father, Kelly and her sister. The event was sponsored by Kelloggs and more gifts (tshirts, water bottles, and cereal) were handed out. We ran into Lindsey Vonn on the way down and saw Coach George Carl and Mike Wilbon (ESPN PTI) at breakfast. Every ride in the elevator is a who's who of Olympic and Pro athletes. We also picked up our tickets to tonight's event and Kelly, Jenna, and myself will be sitting together –we all have "camera seats" whatever that means. Back to the room for some rest, while my wife heads down to "hair and makeup" or as they call it here "the glam rooms". More to come after the ESPY's and again, thanks to all who voted, now we wait and see.
"Free Gifts, Athletes, and Paparazzi": Tuesday, July 13, 2010My wife and I walked down to the 2nd floor for a visit to the "gifting suites". We were met by an ESPN supermodel (Holly, from Project Runway) who escorted us through the approximate 15 rooms of free items. Each room had a short presentation/explanation of their product and then an offer to choose something. There were hair products, skull candy headphones, power balance bracelets, and Nike sunglasses to name a few. We enjoyed the presentation of the $100,000 watches (sorry, no free watch, but a nice ipad case) and $30,000 bracelets (again, no bracelet, but a nice small inexpensive one). In regards to the W-9 gift bag, we are still trying to decide as it is valued at $10,000 but I get to pay the taxes. The highlight of the gifting suites was the athletes we ran into. Matt Leinart (told us he watched every game) Reggie Bush, and Darren Sharper to name a few. We returned to our room to get ready for the pre-party at Blvd 3 nightclub. A shuttle drove us to the club where we were greeted by ESPN employees who directed Jenna, her father, my wife and I down the "blue carpet" for the paparazzi to take photos. Jenna was interviewed by an ESPN cameraman and we continued on to the party. Inside we saw Tim Tebow, Reggie Bush, Erin Andrews, and various other athletes. We returned to the hotel in yet another luxury shuttle provided by ESPN. (Kelly wasn't able to attend the pre-party as she is not yet 21)
"Wow, Robin Leach would be impressed" – Day one (cont'd): Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Well, we made it! It was a great trip over in First Class and upon arrival we were greeted outside the baggage claim by "the driver" and his sign that read "Coolen". He proceeded to grab our luggage (remember the dresses – I hear there are five now) and took us to the town car. He whisked us through the backroads of LA and West Hollywood right up to the luxurious "W Hollywood" hotel. Security guards checked our names off a clipboard and the driver gave our bags to a doorman who greeted us by name. We were guided through the "living room" (Lobby), where a DJ is playing loud music and athletes are sitting around catching up, to the hospitality suite. Once inside the suite we were given our official itinerary and tickets to tonight's "pre party" at Boulevard 3. The hotel suite is all white, modern and very high class. Out our window is the famous Pantages theatre, Capitol records, and the historic Hollywood tower hotel. Everyone is dressed to impress and we just spotted running back Chris Johnson. We are off to the "Gifting Suites" to pick up our gift bags where I hear they are so valuable you are handed a W-9 form. I am sure my wife wants two of everything.
"Wish you were here"- Day one (travel to LA & pre-party): Tuesday, July 13, 2010
As my wife and I sit at the airport and wait for our departure, we can't help but mention what is missing. Although we are grateful and appreciate everything from ESPN, we know something is missing - "the kids". The kids, both our real kids (Demi & Bo) and my "honorary kids", the Team. Everyone involved in sports, both coaches and players will tell you it takes everyone on the same page to reach the success we had this year. It takes everyone from the starting pitcher to the pinch runner to the coaches, trainers, equipment manager, tutors, professors, SID, even my family - everyone on the same page, working for the same goal. I wouldn't be sitting here waiting to go to the ESPY's without everyones support and contribution. So, although only a few of us get to be there first hand, truly, as the proverbial postcard says, "wish you were here."
Pre-departure: Monday, July 12, 2010
It was just two weeks ago we got a call from Assistant Sports Information Director,
Kara Nishimura, that the Hawai`i softball team had been nominated for an ESPY Award. The category is "Best Upset" when
Jenna Rodriguez hit the walk off homerun to beat #1 Alabama in the third-and-deciding game to go to the WCWS. This is a terrific honor not only for our program but also for the State of Hawai`i. Thank you to each and every one of you who voted for us, we hope to make Hawai`i proud.
So what has happened in the last two weeks? ESPN has been in contact with my wife, making all of the arrangements and sparing no expense. They also invited
Kelly Majam (and a guest, which is her sister, Allison) and
Jenna Rodriguez (guest, her father, Larry). We are going to be living the "high life" for the next two days. ESPN is flying us first class, sending a driver to the airport to pick us up, and providing two nights at the W Hollywood. Apparently, there will be a police escorted limo to the ESPY's on Wednesday. (My wife is most excited about the free hair styling and make up provided). Kelly and Jenna, who are both currently on the mainland, are also being picked up by drivers at their homes in California, and are both very excited. There are a total of four events scheduled (my wife bought a dress for each occasion) for the next two days beginning with VIP check in when we arrive to pick up our itinerary and "event tickets." The girls have been busy shopping and getting ready for the big event as well.
The last month I have only been in Hawai`i for a total of 7 days, but have managed to squeeze in a couple of suit fittings, shopped for new shoes, and even got a haircut! ESPN has shared with us that the dress code is "California Chic" not black tie, so a black suit it is. We leave on Tuesday morning, so all of the preparations are done – now it's time to enjoy the good life. Hollywood here we come!
