On Tuesday, July 10th my daughter and I traveled north for Dad and Me with the Seahawks Day at Qwest Field. After being serenaded by members of the Blue Thunder drum line in the ninety degree heat, our limited edition Dad and Me hats gained us entry to the main concourse of Qwest for registration. We were introduced to our Seahawks hosts for the day, misters Paul Johns, Craig Terrill, Marcus Tubbs, and Jim Zorn. A short video introduction led to the collected 250 children and parents being led to the Qwest Field playing surface for stretching and calisthenics with Johns. We were then split into three groups, and began the day’s activities.

As part of group B we were first assigned to Marcus Tubbs and assistants for drills in the obstacle course and the 40 yard dash. Needless to say, up close Marcus is a way big dude, and a lengthy knee brace extended below his cargo shorts. Good clean fun ruled the day as numerous four to eight year old boys and girls, dads and moms, and grandpas plowed through and around the agility drills of the obstacle course. Marcus seemed very good natured. I can then proudly report that I smoked my daughter (age 12) in the 40; 6.15 with one try, if you must know.

Group B then moved into the Hawks locker room for a session with Craig Terrill. Now, as those of you who have taken the Qwest tour know, gaining access to the visitor’s locker room is relatively easy – the home locker room is a massively big deal. Even better, certain players had chosen to leave personal affects in their lockers. My daughter got to try on Josh Brown’s helmet - SA’s jersey and shoulder pads were there for the wearing, as well. Marcus Trufaunt’s Under Armor shirts had small padding modules on the upper shoulder surfaces, perhaps reflecting his sensitivity following shoulder surgery. Following the departure of Robbie Tobeck, Terrill seems to be filling the role of resident smart-ass nicely, and his locker room commentary was quite candid.

Then it was back to the field for passing drills with Jim Zorn. After demonstrating basic throwing technique with his son Isaac, the Ring of Honor QB turned to the crowd and, amazingly, selected my daughter for a personal tutorial, along with three others. I was f**king stunned! Like the trooper she is, my daughter got up in front of the crowd, and chucked the ball. The Z Man gave great advice (imagine a table around your midsection, keep your elbow above shoulder, etc.), and by the fifth attempt she threw a scorchin' spiral to Isaac. The crowd applauded, life was awesome.

After a quick, informal dinner featuring Jones Soda’s new Qwest friendly flavors, and much chiding regarding my daughter’s stellar performance, there was an autograph session with Terrill, Tubbs, and Zorn. We received complimentary bags of swag (Hawks mini footballs, 2007 yearbook, Lofa posters), and were then off into the cooling Seattle evening. All in all, it was truly an afternoon’s experience that my daughter and I will cherish forever – or, at least as long as she keeps her elbow above her shoulder while throwing. Thank you Qwest, and the Seahawks.


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