CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES

For those interested in welcoming the team home tonight, local historian Jerry Elfendahl sent out this e-mail:

"TO WELCOME THE BOYS HOME!

Tonight! - Sat., March 10, 2007 -the Bainbridge HS boys basketball
team plays for a state championship for only the fourth time in
school history ---the first time in 52 years. They won it once in
1948 - 59 years ago. They excelled this year in the toughest league
in the state. They worked very hard for a long time to accomplish
this.

The team they play tonight for the title, they have beaten three
times before and lost to once - a one point game on the other team's
court. Our Island boys are winners in every way on and off the court
and deserve our applause!! Some have wondered how they might be
greeted coming home.

WHEN TO GREET THEM...MIDNIGHT...

They will likely be coming home on the 11:15 ferry - 'round midnight.
We imagine a hundred cell phones will be calling homes all over the
island. Get a phone tree going in your neighborhood. Wake up the
neighbors, and carpool or hike into town. This does not happen every
year!

WHERE TO GREET THEM...GREAT PLACES!

1.) ON OLYMPIC WAY (Hwy. 305), between the ferry dock & Winslow Way.
It is a tradition that the fire department will be there with bells
on to lead a welcoming if the team wins state. If they finish
second, apparently the engine may not be there. Win or lose, we
should all try and be there to greet them. PARKING: Around the
terminal & Winslow Way.

2.) AT THE ROUNDABOUT on High School Road. There is another and
newer tradition that when team and student rooter buses come home
that their buses take a "Victory Lap" around the Round-about. If
they win tonight, it will be at least a double lap! PARKING: Library,
St. Cecilia, Commodore and Safeway.

3.) AT BHS!

NOTE: The buses will go up Hwy. 305 and not through Winslow and up
Madison because of all the elder housing and not wanting to disturb
people's sleep.

HOW TO GREET THEM...LET THERE BE LIGHT, CHEERS & APPROPRIATE NOISE!

Bring flashlights, candles, bright lanterns, sparklers, spotlights -
leave car headlights and flashers on: Bring signs and creative
noise makers (where you won't disturb those who shouldn't be
disturbed). Put up a cheer as the buses pass: Call and response:
Bainbridge! Spartans!

POST CELEBRATION...
Then go home; set your clocks ahead one hour for daylight savings
time; get some sleep; give thanks for all this; and pray that some
day soon we will bring other boys, men and women home from over seas!!"

If you're wondering, yes, Elfendahl is incorrect - Bainbridge HAS beaten O'Dea all three times they've played this season, including a one point win at O'Dea for their first win in their gym ever.