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From Skiprace@aol.com Tue Jan 26 12:36:20 1999
Date: Tue, 26 Jan 1999 09:39:11 EST
From: Skiprace@aol.com
To: jsage@finchhaven.com et al
Subject: hoopSalute: more  memories, observations and opinions

My fellow Reign fans:

I don't know what else I could add to what has been said about hoopSalute. It was an amazing experience. Good basketball, great fans! The Yell Kids did their usual great performance, and later on, Sheri Sam and Naomi Mulitauaopele were on the court dancing, with Klik, the mascot.

Teresa Edwards is simply incredible - just to see her was worth it. Then you add the other players. This was too good to pass up.

I think you will get a good picture of what happened from what others are saying.

One of the greatest stories of hoopSalute is how Janey Elliott arranged and brought the Yell Kids from Seattle to perform. They had a great time. What a wonderful experience for them to perform out-of-state, and then get a limo ride to dinner and to the airport. Thank you Janey for everything!

- Skip

Wow!  You all sure do know how to throw a party down there.  What a great
time!

Naomi was at the airport, on the same flight as the Yell Kids, Tamika,
Geneva, their parents and me.  She was very pleased to have been treated
to a first class upgrade by some other Seattle fans.  She was really hoping
to be able to get copies of any newspaper coverage, especially with photos
-- as are the rest of the Seattle fans.  If anyone would be willing to pick
up an extra set of whatever papers have articles, please email me directly.
I'd love to send the originals to Naomi to show to her dad, and make copies
for the rest of us.

Janey Elliott
JaneyEl@msn.com
**************


First off, what an awesome game! I just got home at 10 so I am pretty
pooped. Just some random notes: Jamilia Wideman, Milena Flores, Tara
Vanderveer and Heidi Vanderveer were there. I was lucky enough to talk to
Heidi Vanderveer who was very sweet. She signed "Samantha, Keep shooting
for the stars! Heidi Vanderveer." I got to tell her how mad I was that the
idiots in Sac fired her and on top of that that they hired Sonny Allen over
Maura Mcguah (spelling?). I got several autographs luckily! Katy Steding
won the 3 point contest. I lost my name tag too. Just thought you'd like to
know :) Ok, now here are some first half stats. I can't at all say that
they are correct, with their fast paced game it was really difficult. I
stopped taking stats at the half for two reason, one its was just too hard
and too Sheri Sam kept switching teams! Everyone around me was laughing
cause I had to keep switching her. Forget team stats! haha. Keep in mind
these may not be accurate and they are 1st half stats. I am pretty sure
however the points are correct. Here we go:

Jennifer Azzi:		2 rbs, 1 ast, 1 steal, 2 pts
Teresa Edwards:		4 rbs, 3 ast, 14 pts
Clarisse Mach.:		3 rbs, 1 ast, 1 steal, 8 pts
Kate Starbird:		1 rbs, 1 ast, 6 pts
Anna DeForge:		2 rbs, 2 pts
Sheri Sam:		4 rbs, 2 ast, 1 steal, 7 pts
Naomi Mulit.:		5 rbs, 1 ast, 2 pts
Kedra Holland-K:	1 steal, 8 pts
Laurie Byrd:		1 rbs, 2 pts
Edna Campbell:		2 rbs, 3 asts, 3 pts
Sonja Henning:		1 rbs, 2 pts
Anita Kaplin:		1 rbs, 8 pts
Kate Paye:		4 rbs, 1 ast, 2 pts
Kate Steding:		3 rbs, 1 ast, 9 pts
Natalie Williams:      10 rbs, 12 pts

I'm pretty sure Teresa Edwards had scored in the high 20s. Great game all
around. Great job everybody.

Samantha aka Rep#22
potts@woodland.net 
***********


Other fun things that happened in/around/by/during/through the game:

- Several times, Azzi had the audience (instead of her teammate) 
inbound the ball.

- There were four stickers placed under bleacher seats, and the four 
sitting on those seats got to play one-on-one with the player of their
choice.  Ron Gonzalez, the new mayor of SJ, happened to be one of
the winners!

- There was an incredible media presence.  I'm surprised the players
could make any shots, there were so many flashbulbs.  I saw at least
four different professional-level video cameras and probably about
fifty photographers.

- I *think* there were about 2000 people there, based on something somebody
(maybe OgLady?) said.  It was crowded by not too cramped.  People were
sitting in the aisles but not in each others' laps.

- Twice, Kedra H-C snuck onto the court as a sixth person.  :-D

- Sheri Sam once accidentally passed to Azzi, who was guarding her.
She got all embarrassed about it.  :-)

- Teresa Edwards got fouled heavily and missed her layup.  She went
crashing to the floor and everybody else charged off to the other end.
T had a video camera stuck in her face, and just sat there on the
floor talking to the camera until the possession changed.

- Teresa Edwards is an amazing player.  She rocks.  So does Natalie
Williams.  Naomi M. was also pretty impressive for a rookie.
(Was this the first time since '96 that T and Azzi have gotten to 
play together? [I think T and Azzi played together in the series against the
Opals in Australia last year. - Nev Villiers: email: envy@uq.net.au])

- Everything ran extremely smoothly.  I was really impressed: everybody
showed up, there were enough basketballs, volunteers had these really
bitchin' lanyards, the mike worked, nobody tore their ACL, the shot clock
seemed to work.  Wow.

- It was really cool how I seemed to know every sixth person.  :-)
This group rocks.  :-)

Ducky Sherwood
ducky@webfoot.com
*********


In my very humble opinion, there will never be a game like the game we saw
today. These 15 women are not just the best there is in basketball but they
are women who represent the best there is in being a person. It was truly an
honor to be a part of the extremely appreciative audience.

Diana related some of the hijinks. I swear, I don't know how the players knew
which team they were on or which basket was theirs by about the 3rd quarter.
And it didn't really matter. Final score was 100 (Dunn), 101 (Beck) but that
tells you almost nothing. There was some amazing basketball and a whole heck
of a lot of fun. Beck's "lovely" green jacket went for a whole lot of $$$
during the auction. She managed to get a "T" for who knows what. That jacket
just got ripped off and thrown on the floor. Good thing she had on a blouse!

The announcer was a young woman who "does" the Stanford games. She was
incredible. Rolled with every punch, showed her incredible sense of humor,
and proved that she will go far in her field. The refs were fair and let
the game be played, and even were caught laughing a few times. They are to be
commended.

The crowd was huge, much larger than expected. Lots of folks stood the entire
game so others could sit. Hooray.

So who is going to hire Gay K. to bring on a new league??? I'd be there, first
in line, to apply to be on her staff.

Thinking of all you players and fans who couldn't be here today.

Laura
LSMant@aol.com
**************


Some of my favorite moments that haven't been mentioned yet:

Sheri Sam being talked into competing in the 3-point shootout.  She was
complaining that she was not warmed up and out of practice, etc. etc and
then going on to beat three players shooting at the other basket.

The girl scout troop singing "Yes She Can" -- twice, once to each side
of the gym.

Beck's Bombers looping through the gym after they were announced and
slapping everyone's hands (I got Mach, "T", and Azzi!)

Azzi going against Natalie Williams in the opening jump ball -- and just
losing the tip by a fingernail.

Mach wearing a brightly colored head scarf and Anna wearing a backwards
baseball cap all game.

The hard play, great shots, and scrambling for the ball even in the
midst of the silliness.  Players diving for the ball going out of bounds
and stealing passes.

Beck getting a rather trumped up technical and throwing her jacket to
the floor.

The announcers great one liners (Lin Dunn calls a time out and she
announced "Lin has the great joke she wanted to tell her players")

Anita getting traded at halftime, and her teammates dragging on to her as
she walked to the other side, pretending to cry and carry on.  Anna
bouncing up and jogging to the other side when she was traded, and the
announcer teasing her about it.

The refs just throwing up their hands at some of the antics.  And the
refs each trying to get the other refs to go dance with Klik.

Everyone playing and contributing.  I think everyone or about everyone
scored.

Natalie Williams' mastery of the boards.

That moment sometime in the 4th quarter where Beck's Bombers suddenly
realized that they wanted to win the game -- and came back from
something like a 17-point deficit to win on a shot with 3 seconds left.

The players signing and signing until the last minute before each had to
leave for the airport.

Anna at the signing table, mumbling about her hat getting swiped by one
of the other players and trying to hide her "hat hair".

Naomi signing my "Fans celebration frisbee" passing it on to Katy
Steding who promptly signed it Katy Stedingtauaopele.

And many more than I can bring all together right now!  I enjoyed
getting to met some of you and also seeing my graphics show up on total
strangers! :)

What a great, exhausting day!
--rebekah
lasersfan@riddlemaster.com
***********


In my opinion, that was the best game I have ever seen.  Yes, it was more
'goofy' than other games, but that's what I think brought out the spirit of
the game.  The score was 100-101, where in the last three seconds Teresa
Edwards scored a lay-up to win the game for Angela Beck's team.  I think that
the score didn't matter to the players though, but to just have fun and to
show the fans what it meant to them.  I enjoyed every minute of that game.
Being a teenager, these players really have an impact on me.  They show
teamwork, and how to stick by something without giving up.  

For those of you who could not attend the game, Katy Steding won the three
point contest.  Teresa Edwards put out a great show during the slam dunk
portion of half-time.  First by breaking a what looked to be a four foot or so
plastic hoop, to jumping on top of Jennifer Azzi to dunk into a 6-7 foot (?)
hoop.  The other people who have posted have given more details, so I will
leave it for others to finish.  All I can say is: 

Thank you so much, and "Yes she can!" =)

BBaiiCat24@aol.com
*********


I was just a spectator, so can't answer most of your questions, but will
tell you that it was everything I and those I went with expected and more. 
Naomi Mulitauaopele (Reign) sang the Star Spangled Banner and did a
fine job.  Lots of good basketball plus a lot of goofing around. For
example........
With Sheri Sam flying in unexpectedly from Italy to play, there were 8 on
Coach Dunn's "Dunkers" (white jerseys) and 7 on Coach Beck's "Bombers" 
(black jerseys.)  When the Dunkers got a ways ahead, Beck talked Coach
Dunn into letting Sam come play for the Bombers for a while.  So Sam put a
black jersey over her white one and went.  Pretty funny.  Shortly after
that, when the Dunkers got the ball, Sam (still on the Bombers) pulled her
black shirt up to try to fool the Dunkers into throwing the ball to her. 
Another time, a Dunker went up for a lay-up (I think) and Azzi stopped her
by grabbing her like a bear-hug in mid air.  I'm sure you'll hear about
other shenanigans.  Quite a bit of trading players back and forth.  Even
traded assistant coaches at one point. 

The umps were good natured and put up with about anything, but did call
some real fouls.  

I believe it sold out.  A couple of times before the game started they
told us to squish together because they still had to fit another 1000
people in.  And people did.  But it wasn't uncomforably crowded.  There
was quite a bit of press there.

Gay Katilius and all involved deserved to be very pleased and they seemed
to be.  Lots of well-deserved thanking and recognition afterward.

Diana
diwirt@svpal.org
**************


Hi all,

Finally home and let me tell you it was hard work.  BUT I would do it
all over again.  The look on the faces of the fans, and to see the
players playing great ball and having so much fun doing it.  Every was
very pleased with the event.

The emotions I felt when I finally looked into the stands and saw the
crowd, every shade, size, you name we had them.  No one having any
problem with any one else. I loved it when the announcer asked the fans
to yell out where they were from.  Everyone of the teams was represented
by at least one fan.  It was awesome.

I cant say much more tonight,  I have the worst toothache and my Tylenol
and codeine has kicked in, so sleep is here.   I am sure when the rest
of the committee gets home from dinner out together they will sign on
and give you more details.  (Wont you Lori R.)

Good night all.
Bonnie Hampton
alhamp@earthlink.net
Volunteer coordinator

Yes, if there is another league started I will be involved , I wont let
it slip through my fingers this time.
**********


Oh yeah....  At one point the announcer said "It looks like Azzi has put
on a pair of jeans.  Oh.  No - it's Azzi's sister."  Her sister had put
Azzi's jersey on and went in for a few plays in her place :-)

Diana Wirt
diwirt@svpal.org
***********


Just got back, finally, after sticking around for a while and then going
to dinner. The game was FUN. Much better than any old All Star Game,
since everyone was having fun and playing the way they can't always,
when it counts. This was what BBall is all about. Teresa was awesome --
I never really had a chance to appreciate her game since she was always
on the other team, but seeing her like this was special. 

I was so glad to see Sheri. She flew in from Italy for the game and she
looks much better. At the Lasers Farewell Party she was still in shock,
but here she was having fun and playing her game. All the players played
well and had fun, and the final score was 101-100, but Dunn's team
really lead pretty much the whole way.

Beck even put on a show and got a T. Ripped off that green jacket of
hers, which they ended up auctioning off at the end. But all in good
fun. And both Dunn and Beck ended up dancing with Klik at one of the
quarters. What a hoot. Poor Klik -- she was hard pressed to keep up with
a couple of the kids out there dancing. And the Yell Kids were there. I
was glad to see that they made it. 

Jennifer, Teresa, and Sheri all had some comments at the end, with Sheri
bringing tears to a lot of eyes when she thanked the three
Olympians(Jennifer, Teresa, and Katy) for all they had taught her about
dedication and believing in a cause. Jennifer gave her Olympic jersey to
Gay for all the work she put into it. 

The place was packed. I doubt that DeAnza's gym has ever had that many
people in it before. Gay said she just couldn't turn away those who came
to the game to buy tickets, so we all just squeezed in. The entire
committee deserves a real commendation. They did a terrific job and we
all had a great time. 

I could go on and on, there were so many things. But I sure hope they
made a tape and that we can buy a copy.

Charlie Russel
charlie@scribes.com
**********


The game was way cool.  The gym was jammed -- seems like they sold more
tickets than they had seats.  They had the announced 14 players, plus Cheri
Sam flew in from Italy at the last minute.  To keep the teams even, she
switched teams every quarter -- what a ham.  Naomi Mulitauaopele sang the
national anthem.  The players were obviously having a lot of fun, but played
pretty seriously for the first half.  They got more and more outrageous as
the game went on.  There was some trading of players and assistant coaches
at half-time.  Jennifer Azzi's sister (who looks quite a bit like her)
played for a few minutes, in jeans and a #8 jersey.

This probably sounds a little bit hokey, but there was still some great
basketball.  Made me clear one more time why being part of the ABL
experience was so special.  It was awe-inspiring to see that even when she's
not playing completely seriously, Theresa Edwards is still better than about
99% of all the people who have ever played basketball in the entire history
of the sport.  Seeing her and Natalie Williams playing in a tiny gym was, in
itself, worth the price of admission and the flight down.  Someone who
writes sports can describe this better than I can, but the game ended with a
completely staged play where Lin Dunn's team staged blowing an inbounds pass,
then someone managed to get the ball to Theresa Edwards in the last 3
seconds, allowing her to shoot the final scoring basket, ending the game
101-99.  Again, although they were all having a good time, the fact that
they could do that and still have a 100 point game touched me.

Some very nice speeches by Azzi, Edwards and Sam afterwards.  Lots of fun.
It really did feel more like a beginning of something else than an end.

Janey Elliott
JaneyEl@msn.com
***********


Hi Everyone! 

I have been 'off' the list since Thursday night and was heartened upon my
return this AM to read all the recaps of the game last night. Some of the
recaps reminded me of things I saw, and others still pointed out things I
missed. Yeah, I was there (running around like the proverbial chicken/head
thing), but much like some fast-paced movies, I would have to see this event
over and over to catch everything!

As I start to recover from this weekend (and after I get some work done this
morning), I'll try to post more later today and in the coming days about my
experiences. I also want to send a few kind words about some very special
people involved with this event.

I am writing now about the wonderful folks at DeAnza. They outdid
themselves, and I will also write more about that later, but specifically I
wanted to tell you that THEY KEPT STATS!!! Unfortunately by the time I got
my hands on them, most of the media who had requested them were MIA. So you
probably won't see them in the papers. I did hand a copy to Real Sports
Magazine and Tracie of West. 

I just ran down to my car to check, but the box with the stats is at home
and I am here at work. Soooo...please be patient, and tomorrow I will post
the complete stats of the game. Yes, DeAnza even managed to keep stats on
Sam based on which team she was on at the time! Amazing!!

Deb D'Spain
Deb_D'Spain@intuit.com
***********


I'm home and wound up from a fantastic weekend!  I met so many great people
while down there.  My thanks to all the Beam Team for hangin together.  I'd
especially like to thank the following people who were so gracious to me and
allowed me to be an honorary staff member and feel like a part of making this
happen - that staff badge (and accompanying lanyard!) will be special for a
long time.


Gay

Bonnie Hampton

Denise Woodard

Andi & Mary

Lori B & Melanie

Lori Rogers 

Deborah Dixon

Jill Prestigiacomo

Dave & Marion Cortesi

Amy Love & the Real Sports crew for their high level of tolerance

Suzie Q 

Leslie & Robi 

 

There were many others whose names escape me.  You are all so wonderful for
pulling this together, and I know many of you had little time to watch the
game you were so busy worrying about the rest of us.  I just sat there sobbing
at the end when Jen & T & Gay & others talked.   This was a hugely emotional
moment in my life that no one except those who were there will ever
understand.  I feel so honored to have been a part of this.

Best wishes to all of you.  See you at the next stop on the world tour.

Cynthia Buchanan (aka Czarina)
cynthiab@hevanet.com
*************


Doesn't it seem proper to anyone else that Teresa Edwards made the last
point? I mean, she was the first player to ever believe in the ABL. Fate or
something :D

Samantha
potts@woodland.net (Potts)
*************


Hi, All,

Well, we just got home from our limo ride, and (thanks to Lily Wong!) we
got to take Clarisse Machanguana to the airport. We were already pretty
tired, but it was worth it. The whole weekend was worth it, and yes, we
all tried to have even more fun for those of you who couldn't be here. I
was happy to finally meet some of the Portland and Seattle members of
the list. I hope someday we all meet again. (The 2000 Olympics are just
around the corner!) Thanks again to Gay and all the committee members
for making this actually happen!

--
Diana Foster
Information Systems
dianaf@netscape.com 
*******************


I returned to Columbus, Ohio, a few hours ago, still in awe over
the events of the past weekend.  The women in San Jose are
the absolute best.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart for
the most memorable game ever played by the best in women's basketball.  

I would like to offer a very, very special "THANK YOU!" to
Pat and Nick Hogle, who opened their home to me, a total stranger,
for the weekend in order for me to enjoy the hoopSalute weekend.

My experience could not have been better.

And the best part is the new friendships I have started
over the last 3 days.

I would also like to thank:  Denise Michaels for airport transportation;
Susan for talking me into going to the rest room BEFORE the game
and not at half-time; the man who stopped bidding on Natalie Williams'
practice jersey at $200 so I could get it for $205;
Pat for the city tours of San Jose ;-); Nick for the education on Barney,
and the Corduroy Bears;  Cynthia Buchanan for selling her Portland Power
autographed basketball to me; and Terry R. for
dinner last night and the ABL poster. 

All my love, to all of you....

Kirstie
kirstie@beol.net
*****************


Hi,

I wanted to share how wonderful this weekend was for me.

While there were some tense moments in putting this all together,
the committee showed such class, commitment and dedication 
that there really wasn't any way that it couldn't have been this successful.

I was honored to speak briefly at both the Player Reception and at the game
itself.

While I still feel a bit choked up about the end of the ABL, I'm so
proud of all of you for making this happen, for ending this on
our own terms and for sending the message that quality
professional women's sports is important and profitable!  :-) 

As a quick example of how many connections  I've been fortunate enough
to make with other Laser fans: my chiropractor, my realtor and the couple 
who encouraged me to take a great vacation were all made at Laser games.

Hopefully this "New Girl Network" will continue through the fans list...

Thanks again to all who contributed to making it all happen!!   :-)

Paz,
Kristin
knoel@cisco.com
*****************


Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough,
and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to
clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger
into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today,
and creates a vision for tomorrow. 
Melody Beattie from Simple Abundance by Sara Ban Breathnach

Now I can let go. I can heal. Now I can remember, I can focus. And for that
I am grateful.
I met new friends who shared the same cause, who had the same dream.  Thank
you. I can let go. I can heal.

Until another event, say hoopSalute II..I am at peace.

Thanx for the ride.

Cathi Clark
cclark@hardingmarcom.com
******************


Dave told us a story about something he saw Anna DeForge do.

Apparently, a fan asked her at some point if she were going to donate the
hat she was wearing to the auction.

Anna said "no", and handed the girl her hat.

How great is that?  What's funny was hearing that she teased her teammate
for "stealing it" leaving her with hat hair. She never mentioned
her kind act to that fan.

Mainly what I remember - the faces of the people in the crowd and the
players.  Smiles, Smiles and more smiles.  It was a day of high energy,
laughter, & tears.  All in all, for me, a perfect day.

Well, I'm out of time for now.  I have so many thank yous to say,  I think
that will have to be in my next installment.

Long live the spirit of hoopSalute !!!!!

Lori
Lori_T_Rogers@notes.seagate.com
*****************


"Published Monday, January 25, 1999, in the San Jose Mercury News"

"It took four hours of skills games, singing, dancing and basketball to
get it done, but the ABL ended with a party, not a wake."

"More than 1,600 fans at the announced sellout watched Lasers Coach
Angela Beck -- whose team beat Portland Coach Lin Dunn's team 101-100 --
throw her jacket on the floor during a tense moment one more time before
it was auctioned off with players' knee pads and shoes. They saw Azzi's
sister, Susanne Kramer of Davis, slip into the game for a few minutes in
Jennifer's No. 8 jersey."

"They saw Olympian Teresa Edwards, the ABL's second-leading career
scorer and member of the league's board of directors, win the game on an
inbounds play under the basket at 0:00."

"The future was on the mind of many of the fans as they celebrated the
past."

"``There has to be something in the (sports) world little girls can
aspire to other than figure skating and gymnastics,'' said Sue Crissman
of Mountain View. ``Both are fraught with poison. They send the message
that sports is all over-coached, driven to anorexia and ruining their
bodies instead of doing something healthy.''"

See: http://www.mercurycenter.com/premium/sports/docs/abl20.htm

I haven't found the stats, yet...

- John
jsage@finchhaven.com
http://www.finchhaven.com/
******************


Just wanted you all to know that Ilana was in seventh
heaven after this weekend!

She was so thrilled to participate--first in the 
kids clinic and then to be a ball girl! Plus we
loaned a ball to the 3-point contest and got it
autographed when we got it back. And we wound up
with a few momentos from the silent auction.

Ilana was so excited that when we got home she took
out ALL of her basketball memorabilia--balls, programs,
posters, pictures, cards, etc.--and put it around
the room. Then she had an auction and made my 
husband and I bid on everything there. It was so
cute--you should have seen it!

I want to thank everyone that put this weekend together.
You did a terrific job--it was absolutely amazing and
very well run.  It was a privilege to be able to participate
in this.

As Yogi Berra used to say, "It ain't over, till it's
over." Somehow I don't think this chapter of women's
basketball is quite over yet...

Linda
popky@newhome.Eng.Sun.COM
*********************


Gee, it sounds like some people might be interested in a tape of the game?  Do
I hear a YES!!!  hoopSalute found 2 wonderful guys, Steve and Roger, who
donated their time and taped the game.  Steve is in the process of reviewing
and editing the film now and we hope to have something available in a couple
of weeks.  Our intention is to provide a tape that will capture all the
pre game, game, half time and post game activities.  Cost hasn't yet been
determined, but all proceeds from tape sales will go to charity.  Please watch
the list for further information.

We have one small problem that I hope one of you fans can help us with. 
During the 3 point prelims, our cameramen both taped the same basket!  If
anyone has a tape of the prelims that has footage of the basket closest to the
entrance (Dunn's end), please email me privately.  We'd like to borrow your
tape and will return it unharmed with a complimentary copy of the hoopSalute
tape.  If you're in the San Jose area, I'll just pick it up from you.

I would also like to take this time to publicly thank Gay, all my fellow
volunteers (I have never worked with such a tireless, talented, dedicated
group of people), the players and coaches, Leisa Fearing for keeping the list
up and running, and especially all you great fans who believed we could pull
this off.  You came from the San Jose area, as well as other points across the
country and you made all the time and effort we put into this completely worth
it.  

I remember walking into the gym and seeing all those fans in the bleachers,
knowing we had a lot more outside.  I really didn't know where we would put
everyone.  I never heard any of you complain about being squashed together and
your behavior was exemplary.

Several times I was crouched against the wall under the basket by Dunn's bench
and looked up at the stands on both sides as you all watched the game.  Each
time I got this big lump in my throat.  I can't really tell you how I felt.  I
could have spent the whole game crying, but there was still work to be done. 
My only regret is that I wasn't able to meet most of you and talk to you
personally.

I have no idea where this effort will lead, but I do know what we accomplished
was very special and we should all be proud of that.

Deborah 
dixons1@pacbell.net
***************


And how could I forget ...

The huge ovation given to Klik when she came into the gym.

Helping sell T-shirts -- everyone was so excited about getting T-shirts and
the team photos.  Ball girls and refs coming out for their own T-shirts,
various people running out for more shirts for the players (somehow they
never wanted a medium!), one ball girl coming out for T-shirts for the
player "I can't say her name" - I assume she meant Naomi. :)

Everyone with their knees in the back of other people, hip-bone to
hip-bone, having to make parts down the blenchers for someone to get out --
And no one minding at all!

Sheri dancing with Klik and mimicing her moves.

The Yell Kids doing their routine at a quarter break and Club 55 making
their presence felt.

Driving Diane around and getting to know her.  Meeting people and
recognizing each other (thanks Pink for the name tag!)

Beck drumming up business for the live auction and the men who took her
ragging on them with good nature.

And ... Dunn and Beck grooving with Klik!!  I laughed so hard!  They were
totaling hamming it up, especially Dunn.

I do have bleacher sores today, but my hubby has it much worse -- not as
much natural padding!  (Our bleacher kept trying to separate on us too, our
section had to get up occasionally and push it back together.)

--rebekah
lasersfan@riddlemaster.com
***************


Along with everyone else... I can't believe how great I felt last night
after such a  wonderful week-end.  However, somehow I'm feeling like I'm about to
miss something very much.  I don't think the reality of "no more games" has
really hit me yet.  Somehow I'm expecting some other meeting or game or
another opportunity to get together with all of you. I guess thinking we
have something else to do keeps me from getting teary eyed.  Call it denial...

It was a great pleasure and honor to work with some very powerful, capable
and respectful women and men.  It does make returning to "work" hard even though
I love what I do.   I was so impressed, as Deb wrote, how we blended so well
as if we had been doing this for a long time.  There was a sense of
knowingness that takes a long time to cultivate, yet we had it almost immediately.

Some of my memories.....going into the player's locker rooms with my arms
full of their stuff to get them  autographed.  I'm holding Teresa Edwards
jersey, Jennifer Azzi's shoes, Omi's shirt..... WOW!  Past and future Olympic
players!!  And it was like nothing... just hanging out with the girls in
the gym.... Getting a hug and a kiss  on the cheek from Laurie Byrd as if she
were my close friend or cousin.... Great!!!

Holding Omi's hair so it wouldn't get into her eyes as she autographed her
fathers sweatshirt...   Mostly, I remember the overwhelming feeling in my
chest and stomach  and  tears in my eyes when all of us were in the middle
of the floor hearing the claps and cheers from the fans!!!  For that moment...
they choose to become our fans.  It was the highest compliment one can get.
The second highest compliment is to be acknowledged by your peers and to
know you did a great job and that you were a part of a great time in history.

You all did a great job!   I'm very proud of you and I'm very proud of
us!!!!

Gracias por todo, mis amigas!!!

Zandra
Zspine@aol.com 
************


In a message dated 1/25/99 5:04:24 PM Pacific Standard Time,
Deb_D'Spain@intuit.com writes:

<< I have been struggling with a way to describe what happened next. The
 cohesiveness of our group -- it was as if we had been working together for
 years. The trust level was so high.  There were no ego's involved. We didn't
 have time to second-guess anyone, or wait around for an answer if one was
 needed. 
 
 If I had to make a comparison, I would have to point to the '96 Olympic
 gold-medal women's basketball Dream Team. The best of the best, passing the
 ball without even having to look because you knew where your teammates were
 standing at all times. 

 snip

 I just don't think I can do justice to exactly what I am trying to explain.
 It appears my ability to communicate effectively has slipped away.
 Thankfully, words did not escape me (often) until AFTER game day!!
  >>

You hit it right on the head. You just explained why players play this game.
It's why I've loved this game for about 40 years now. Whenever I hear a great
player retire he/she doesn't talk about the trophies. They talk about their
teammates just like you just did.

John
Lompican44@aol.com
****************


let me say if we have any thing to say about it, it ain't over yet.  This
is just the beginning!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I heard Teresa Edwards tell a reporter that there seemed to be interest
in doing this event in other ABL areas.  I say let's go for it.  It would
take a lot of work, but if I could be paid for this job I would quit
this one and go for it.  I feel this let's the world see we can have fun
and still play top notch basketball.

Hey committee what do you think?  Could it be done again, (not us but an
organization).

PS. I would do it again in a heart beat.

Bonnie Hampton
BonnieHa@DiamondMM.com
**************


Well, you'll be happy to hear that the weekend was a huge success.  The only
downside -- no mall time for the kids.  We had kind of a delay in getting them
picked up at the airport, so they missed that opportunity.  It was quite an
adventure.  Some brave soul had volunteered her living room floor for them to
sleep on.  We didn't quite connect before I left for San Jose, an hour or two
before they did.  I wound up putting them up at a hotel, which turned out to
be a good thing -- they were up most of the night rehearsing, editing their
tape, etc.  

They are an incredibly nice bunch of kids -- very disciplined and serious
about their dancing.  They say grace as a group before they eat.  They have
plenty of energy, believe me.  It was pretty interesting travelling as a group
of 11.  We were quite an oddity,  I guess.

Their act at the game was a big hit.  They did their one long number, but
didn't get as many opportunities for free-form dancing as I would have hoped.
The volunteers did a great job of putting the event together, but had
difficulties with a few minor difficulties like getting the music going during
breaks in the game.  The best part, however, was that the volunteers had
arranged limos for transporting the players.  They had a BIIIGGG stretch limo
take the kids to dinner and then to the airport.  When I met them back at the
airport, after a couple of (very quiet kid-free hours), I asked how the limo
was.  They said, "nice".  I think that translates as an experience they won't
forget soon.

It may have been the craziest thing I've ever done, but I feel very blessed to
have been part of this.  I've had several people make donations directly to
me.  It doesn't really matter, though.  The entire weekend was magical, and
I'm feeling very lucky to have been there.

    -----Original Message-----

    From: Jean Godden <jgod-new@seatimes.com>
    To: Janey Elliott <JaneyEl@email.msn.com>
    Date: Monday, January 25, 1999 10:29 AM
    Subject: Re: Thanks!

    Thanks to you. Hope that all went well with the HoopSalute and the Yell
Kids. I felt a little chagrinned that I had not better told people what to do
with their money. (I had several calls and directed them to the Rainier
Community Center.) You must realize that I almost NEVER do anything socially
worthwhile. (It's not part of my job description.) But this really hit home
for some reason. 

    Blessings, Jean 


    Janey Elliott wrote: 

         Jean -- Sorry to take so long to respond, but my email was down all
last night (gasp! -- terrible timing).  I didn't see the paper Wednesday
night, but copies were flying at me when I got to work Thursday morning.
Thank you so much for the coverage of the game and the Yell Kids, and for its
prominent placement in your column.  I had no idea -- I was hoping for maybe
an inch.  I don't know how many non-on-line local fans even knew about the
game, but they sure do now.  So far, a few donations have come in both
directly to me and the Community Center.  Will keep you posted. And by the
way, Tammy Holder appeared on the Seattle email list a couple nights ago and
announced she was thinking of putting on a pro-am tournament as a fund-raiser
for the unemployed players.  I'm guessing we've not heard the last of the
Reign and the ABL in Seattle. Thanks again. 

Janey Elliott
JaneyEl@email.msn.com
************


What a tremendously enjoyable weekend! What a game! What a fabulous
crowd. While standing in line waiting to get in, Vera and I were
interviewed by Foxsports. When I got home I saw myself on
channel 2. 10:00 News.

Thank You Players for a wonderful experience and I was happy to meet so
many wonderful people. Even the Seattle fans in the front of the line!

I am very happy to have been a part of such a great effort!

Cec Varao
cecv@cag2.mfg.sgi.com
*******************


I'm back in Oxford, Ohio, but I wish I were still in San Jose.

I am at a loss for words to describe what an experience the weekend was or to
adequately express my thanks to all who were involved.

You are all the best - and Denise, you go one step beyond that.

I hope to see all of you again either when I return for the Final Four or next
November when I'll be out there with the Miami University Women's Basketball
team.

Or, better yet, I have nothing on my schedule for February.  How about another
hoopSalute?

Mike
Michael R. Detcher
miamiu@one.net
****************


Howdy, all. Although I had to work today and couldn't attend, I'll make my own
contribution: I've posted the article that will appear in tomorrow's CC Times
about the game.

It's at http://www.hotcoco.com/stories/hoops0125.htm

Sounds like it was a fabulous day. Enjoy the article.


Chris
cardinal91@angelfire.com
****************


And so there are Diana and Sharon wiping their eyes on the front page of the
Mercury News. I was right behind them a couple of rows up doing the same thing
at the same time as I imagine most of the 2000 people there last night were. I
dreamed about hoopSalute all night and it was the first thing I thought of
this morning. Yes, it's time to move on but there will never be a time when I
forget.

Laura
LSMant@aol.com
****************


Thank you everyone, once again, for everything.... It was absolutely
wonderful....... Thanks to everyone on the list, that has posted, for
sharing your memories it makes everything that happened just that much
more real. Our trip back last night was longer then usual, the pass was
closed due to snow, we had to go around through the high desert, that
added 2 hours to the trip, I got home at 3 this morning, needless to say
I was useless at work.....Our local paper, the City of Pomona based,
Progress Bulletin, actually has the AP article along with a photo of
Teresa Edwards (she was awesome) and Natalie Williams, on the second page
of the sports section. I couldn't believe it. but of course nothing in
the LA Times........  I actually got an added treat.... While in line
waiting for the doors to open I got to hear Ducky Sherwood practice her
singing and yes per her E-mail I could vouch to the fact that she did
know every 6th person there.......  :)

Maria C Guerrero 
lunacreciente-gnh@juno.com
***********


Janey - you are amazing. The Yell Squad (called them kids and got told they
were a SQUAD! - even using "people" wasn't satisfactory!) was quite an
addition to hoopSalute. Bravo to you for being brave enough (or crazy enough)
to even dream of getting them here. It was quite an experience for them, I
gathered. I was only sorry they didn't have more time here. They kept asking
where downtown was and it was hard to explain that Cupertino doesn't have a
downtown and downtown San Jose isn't really a place to shop or hang out. It
was so great that Denise was able to arrange for them to be taken out in a
limo and shown a good time. They'd been pretty impressed when we pulled into
De Anza behind a limo. I felt bad that they were crammed into my beat up old
mini van! Cheers to them and to you for becoming a part of hoopSalute.

Deb D'Spain - I thought you described your feelings very well. Lasers faithful
(and other ABL supporters) are special people. Ask and it's given, not just
once,  but ten times over. To have an abundance of volunteers is an incredible
blessing. Who ever heard of too many volunteers for anything??? And to meet
people with whom you have only shared basketball games and email is terrific
fun. Especially when they turn out to be just as dedicated, enthusiastic,
committed, and crazy as you are! Thanks for all you did!

Joanne and others who came in for the weekend - BRAVO to you. Some of you came
from FAR away to attend this celebration. Loved seeing those ABL, Columbus,
Power, Reign, and other shirts all over the place. I really got a kick out of
standing and waiting at the airport in my Lasers gear looking for someone
wearing ABL gear. No signs necessary. (And I again apologize for taking you
the LOOOONG route from the airport to your hotel!)

I am not good at figuring out what is next but I will jump right in as soon as
someone announces that they are taking over and are ready to make something
happen. Whatever it is, it will be an adventure and a whole heck of a lot of
fun!

Laura
LSMant@aol.com
***************

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