June 7, 2016
A memorable, two-week trip to Australia begins Wednesday for Vanderbilt’s bowling team.
The bucket list journey is part of the Department of Athletics ongoing international program, which for years now has been sponsoring individuals for study abroad opportunities and teams to travel to far-away lands that most team members would never see in their lifetimes. The Commodore bowlers became the first NCAA bowlers to go abroad, traveling to Paris, Rome and Florence in the summer of 2012.
“We want to thank our athletic director, David Williams, for putting together the financial infrastructure that allows our team and others to make such wonderful trips,” Coach John Williamson said. “His passion to give Vanderbilt student-athletes more than a sports experience attracted the financial assistance of the Hendrix Foundation, that underwrites a large portion of these trips for our varsity women’s teams. Our student-athletes are the big winners; I’m not aware of anyone else offering these opportunities. We’re at the national forefront with our travel program.”
While there is always a sport component to international trips, with Williams’ encouragement and blessing, Vanderbilt has taken the approach that the trips are more about the educational opportunities than athletic competition.
The team and its contingent of coaches and administrative staff leave Los Angeles Wednesday night and fly 16 hours to Melbourne, landing approximately 7:00 a.m. local time Friday. (Where did Thursday go?!)
The travelers will be met by their travel guide and after clearing customs and immigration will go to St. Kilda Beach to unwind from the long flight. After checking into the hotel, the `Dores will leave for the Melbourne Cricket Ground for a tour and a visit to the National Sports Museum.
The following day they will compete in the Schweppes Melbourne Tenpin Cup in the morning and enjoy a walking tour of the city in the afternoon. That schedule will repeat Sunday depending upon how the bowling went Saturday; the afternoon/evening will include a visit to the Eureka Skydeck. On Monday, June 13 the Commodores will head for Phillip Island, stopping for fish and chips in San Remo, and then will visit Maru Animal Park in time for the Penguin Parade.
The following day the team will fly from Melbourne to the tropical city of Cairns, home to the world famous Great Barrier Reef. Team members will have the chance to snorkel, taking in the spectacular coral and sea life, ride a glass bottom boat and explore Green Island. They will stay in Cairns Wednesday, visiting Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures in the morning and having the afternoon to explore the beautiful city.
Friday the team flies to Sydney and will take the Harbour Cruise and the Sydney Harbor Bridge Climb with an evening of leisure. Saturday’s agenda includes a visit to the famous Sydney Opera House, Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair, The Gap and Bondi Beach. The evening will conclude with the Darling Harbour Fireworks.
The team boards a Quantas Airline flight bound for Dallas Sunday, concluding a spectacular adventure that is certain to be remembered over the lifetime of everyone.
