The Macs Do Los Angeles

For the first time in Yeshiva University Basketball history, the Macabees traveled across the country to face two formidable opponents in California. The trip was moderately successful, earning the Macs a win and a loss, while the team enjoyed a fun-filled 6 days of winter vacation in sunny Los Angeles. The Macs returned from the trip with an 8-5 record, refreshed and ready to begin the second half of the season.

Now for an inside peek into the events that transpired during the Macs' stay in California: The Macs arrived in California on Thursday January 13, 2000 for what was touted as the "road trip to remember." The excitement was palpable as the Macs emerged from the airport to breathe the warm, although somewhat smog-infested, air of Los Angeles. After a quick check-in at the Holiday Inn Select located in Beverly Hills, where the team would be spending the 6 subsequent nights, the team went directly to the Santa Monica High School gymnasium for a two hour practice. After an exhausting practice Thursday night, followed by another one Friday morning, the team had some free time to see the city before settling in for a nice Shabbat hosted by the gracious and hospitable Jewish communities of Century City and Beverly Hills.

The team davened at the Young Israel of Century City, where they were warmly welcomed by Rabbi Muskin and the community. Meals were set up for Friday night and Shabbat day at the homes of local alumni who were kind enough to invite the members of the team and the accompanying staff. The entire team agreed that "the meals were "an excellent hook-up."

After Shabbat, the team got a chance to walk around the city sporting their "duds" at some of the most exciting places in Los Angeles for an evening of wholesome good fun. The team was back early Saturday night in anticipation of the early Sunday morning practice at the local YMCA. After practice, the team had some free time to do as they pleased, so the team split up for an afternoon spent either at Universal Studios, playing golf, or just lounging and watching some football.

The next day the team faced Chapman University for an afternoon game on Martin Luther King Day, allowing members of the Jewish community to come out and root for their favorite Division III basketball team. After a strong start and a quick lead, the Macs' momentum slowed as the point differential dwindled, culminating in a Macs' loss, in a close, down to the wire game, by a score of (69-69).

Coming off the disappointing and heart-wrenching loss, most of the team felt the best way to spend the next day was at the "happiest place on earth," Disneyland. Though the famed Space Mountain was closed, the team focused their attention on the excellent water rides including Splash Mountain and the Canoes. A good time was had by all, even though many of the members of the team left with colds due to the dramatic decrease in temperature when the sun set and they were wearing still wet clothing from the rides.

On Wednesday, the team had some free time before their game against La Sierra University. The Macs visited some famous LA sites, including the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Rodeo Drive, Nagila Kosher Restaurant, and Venice Beach, before packing up and checking out. The Macs then went on to the game where they put on a strong performance as they edged out their opponents in a (67-53) victory. With feelings of mirth and merriment and an overall feeling of satisfaction, the team departed for the red-eye flight back to New York.

The feedback that the Athletics Department received from the community of Los Angeles, as well as all the participants of the trip, was extremely positive. Based on the success of this trip, the team hopes that they will have similar opportunities in the future to represent the Yeshiva in communities around the country and the world.