Well, I have never been to Geneva on the French side of Switzerland. Sunday, my first trip as our First Team (Erste Mannschaft) of the Thun Tigers takes the long journey. Unfortunately, the Tigers make the cruise on a rainy day. Two and a half or three hours to contemplate playing on a soggy day.
A win locks up the division championship.
Following today’s contest with the Whoppers there is only one game left in the regular season – at home against the Fribourg Cardinals.
To this point Stephan and his rock-solid coaching staff has guided the talented Tiger team to a perfect record. But, a wet field and a slick ball can always lead to some problems. However, as my friend and longtime NFL head coach Steve Mariucci used to stay “If you are scared … don’t show up!”
The Tigers are going to show up!
As we zipped along Switzerland’s version of the Autobahn in our double decker bus (pretty cool transport … holds as many as 75 people … plus it has a beer larder for after the game) plenty of time for reflection.
It seems like a lifetime ago but the rainy drive reminds me of the bus ride from Appleton, Wisconsin to Green Bay when you play the Packers. Once a year for a very long time I would make that trip by bus with a different football team than today. Often in the rain! A little shorter – 45 minutes to an hour – but again plenty of time to think about the upcoming game.
Most teams (maybe all) that travel to play the Packers stay in the small college town of Appleton because there just aren’t any hotels right there in Green Bay. Since the home team uses the biggest one in town for their pregame meetings well – we all have to find other places to stay.
Not to say the Lions are better than regular people … but, NFL teams do not stay in the Red Roof Inn. Please … honestly we are not better than anyone else … I have spent many nights in the RRI and liked it.
But traveling pro football teams need major meeting rooms, large dining facilities, longer beds – for bigger men (6 foot 6 inch men who weigh 320 pounds or more) etc. ***Please my Swiss friends … not going to figure this out in meters and kilos.***
Plus, you need a hotel area that you can block off for security reasons… sorry Red Roof, Holiday Inn Express etc. Just different requirements.
Looking out of the rain streaked window of our supersized transport and seeing the vivid greens of Switzerland just kind of takes me back to a different time in what seems like an altogether different life. It really does rekindle some of those emotions (unfortunately it doesn’t change my hair from grey to the once dark locks I had! Hah!)
Trust me, this game in Geneva is just as important to the Thun Tigers today as it was to the Detroit Lions when we traveled to Lambeau Field to play against the Packers. Different times … but same football game. Fortunately, my mortgage payment doesn’t depend on the result anymore!
These rides also allow you to take a nap as well … accomplished that!
Well, we arrive at the expansive Cherpines Sports
Center outside of Geneva in Plan-les-Oates. The complex has several soccer pitches (one is synthetic), practice areas, a rugby pitch, locker areas and a bar – restaurant (notice I said BAR – restaurant … yup the BAR part goes first, they sell beer here.)
It’s a fantastic area for all kinds of sports. Actually, behind the area is a tennis complex that is covered by a portable dome. Our setup in Thun is really great … the Cherpines Sports Center is certainly top notch.
The Swiss know how to do things right!
The game starts out in a mist that changes to light
rain and then back to mist. A scenario that trends back and forth throughout the game. However, like every “pitch” in the country the grass is so well maintained that the wet weather isn’t much of a factor.
From the outset it is pretty evident that we have a superior team. Our leader and QB Nic guides an offense that is paced by a very physical and athletic offense line.
To have a quarterback who is unselfish and is an extension of the offensive coordinator (Stephan) is such an advantage. Their ability to work and think in unison gives the Tigers such an advantage. We are always a step ahead of our opponents.
Behind SIMON and his mates up front our 
balanced corps of well coached (Daniel) running backs to exploit several big gaps in the Geneva defense. Having my friend SIMON leading the charge is so much fun to watch.
Nic continues to be pinpoint when throwing the ball to our gifted receivers. Honestly, had most of these guys grown up in the states they would have been standout football players there.
The Whopper offense is completely shut down thanks to Albin’s creative defensive schemes. Johnny and Chuck lead the overpowering charge upfront on defense and the undermanned Geneva team has little if any success.
Midway into the second quarter it is a foregone conclusion that the Tigers would prevail. The only thing that had to be settled was the final score.
It is a shame that the Whoppers are short-handed. The guys who played … they busted their asses 
the whole game. Many are talented, but with a short bench and not a full complement of coaches … well, it is going to be hard.
It is pretty well known that the best players in the Geneva area want to play for the Seahawks who also represent the city (In the “A” league). But this city has the second largest population in the country – there are many more athletes here than in other Swiss cities playing football. Theyn should be playing for the Whoppers!
Eventually with the players here and the facilities … well I am guessing the Whoppers will become a top-flight club.
Most US coaches like me would have so many ideas on how get the job done in Geneva. But, as I have learned over my time in Switzerland – you really don’t know the inherent problems each club has.
Trust me, after coming here for several years – the football clubs here are doing the best they can with the things they have. As US guys we can help … but, honestly the Swiss have a great handle on things. I’ve learned the hard way to keep my mouth shut and just help where you are wanted!
Like I tell my coaching friends back home … don’t be the ugly American and think we have all the ideas. Just lend a hand where needed.
Congrats to the Tigers! You have an awesome team. Not just on the field … but your kinship off the field is very important as well. We have other important things to do together. Let’s stay zeroed in!
We have the Fribourg Cardinals coming into our home grounds next week. Let’s accomplish our second of three goals. First goal – win the championship! Second – go undefeated in the regular season, third win the Swiss Championship!
Let’s get the second goal crossed off this weekend!
GO TIGERS!
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