Switzerland Recap

Now that we have been back (to reality) from Switzerland for almost a month, it has given us all time to look back upon our great trip. For me, it is the completion of an almost two year planning process, from the initial meetings with Leo and Patrick at Global Football, to being in Switzerland watching our players being catapulted from boats into a ragging river with class IV rapids!

There were a number of highlights on the trip, including: the first day "man's" hike up the Junfrau mountain range, Nick Hicks floating down the river while "rafting," the day excursions across Switzerland, all the way to the many memorable moments during the game including listening to our countries national anthem being played pregame.

But to me, the memories that last the longest are the friendships that formed and strengthened throughout our team, coaching staff, support staff, and family members....that is what these trips are all about! And if we can spread the American culture and one great piece of it (football!) to a small piece of the world then I will always view our trips as a great success.

Thank you to all those who made this trip happen, we can't wait to travel in three years!

Coach Spencer

Switzerland Day Five: Lucerne

The fifth day of their trip found the Cardinals touring the city of Lucerne.

After exploring the city for a few hours, the team was taken across Lake Lucerne on a boat and brought to the base of Mt. Pilatus, a renowned tourist attraction and one of the highest peaks in the alps.

After ascending to the top by way of train, we were greeted with one of the most beautiful views one could possibly imagine.

The descent down the mountain came by the way of cable car, offering even more sights for the Cards to capture while heading down into the valley.

With a few days remaining, the Cards look to enjoy the rest of their time in Switzerland by canyoning as well as other outdoor activities.

Switzerland Day Four: Bern

Day four of their trip found the Cardinals venturing into the Swiss capital of Bern.

The name Bern is German for bear, and the city itself, until recently, featured many bears in pits along the river.

The river Aare runs through the center of the city and contains water from melted glaciers that rest up in the alps.

The city provided a nice relaxing afternoon for the Cards fresh off of their victory.

Switzerland Day Three: Game Day, Cards Victorious in Europe!

After a full nights rest on Thursday, the Cardinals departed their hotel in Interlaken on Friday morning for the town of Chur. Overall the ride took about three hours and took us through numerous winding mountain trails and tunnels. The city of Chur consisted of two parts, a modern industrial half and a medieval, historic half.



Upon arriving in Chur we were greeted by the head coach of the Landquart Broncos and given a tour of the medieval district of Chur. Its narrow streets and numerous shops provided some nice sightseeing and shopping for the early afternoon. After being treated to a delicious team meal, the Cards headed to the athletic complex where the game would be played.



The Broncos, who are currently in first place in their Swiss league, featured an American head coach as well as a number of American players in skilled positions. After a hard fought effort, the Cardinals were able to handle the Broncos fairly soundly with a 29-7 victory on foreign soil.



With the conclusion of the game and yet another victory in Europe under their belts, the Cardinals settled down for a post game barbecue with the host Broncos and their fans, who were more than welcoming and accommodating. The team itself would like to thank the countless number of people who have helped support this trip and given the Cardinals an opportunity to play overseas. The events of yesterdays game will be something that the players, coaches, and family members in attendance will never forget. After arriving back at their hotel late last night, the team will travel to the Swiss capital of Bern today for what should be another day of amazing sights and experiences!

Switzerland Day Two: A Day on the Water

The second full day of their trip found the Cardinals exploring the lakes and rivers of Interlaken. After a morning practice, several of the players and coaches opted to go whitewater rafting with the guides from Outdoor Interlaken, a company that specializes in extreme sports. The town itself has been dubbed the "outdoor sports capital of Europe" and is known for its many adventurous activities that test the bravery of tourists. Aside from rafting, Interlaken offers sky diving, hang-gliding, para-sailing, canyoning (which many of us will be partaking in on Monday), and the perhaps the most unique of all zorbing. Zorbing places a person inside a giant rubber ball and has them bounce down a slope of a mountain. Once everyone returned to the hotel and cleaned up, the Cards were treated to a sunset cruise of Lake Brienz, one of the two lakes that Interlaken sits between.



Over the course of the three hour cruise, we enjoyed the scenery of the towns and chateaus that lined the picturesque shores of Lake Brienz. Aside from the scenery, the food on the cruise was outstanding. Dinner included fresh vegetables and barbecued steak and bratwurst. The lake itself had the clearest water that one could ever imagine and was a beautiful sight to behold once the sun started to set and the clouds cleared for a brief moment. Tomorrow is game day and all are excited to have the opportunity to play against European competition!



The game against the Lanquardt Broncos will be played at 6:30 PM in a small Swiss town called Chur, which is about two and a half hours outside of Interlaken.

Switzerland Day One: "The Top Of Europe"

After what seemed to be days of traveling, we finally arrived to our Swiss destination of Interlaken on Tuesday at about 7 PM, which is around 1 PM local time. The first night was spent settling ourselves in and becoming adjusted to the time change. Our first full day had us taking a short train ride to the base of the alps and then another train ride up to the town of Wengen, a small village that can only be reached by train.



Wengen, which sits at the base of the Swiss alps, was a small and quaint village and provided great opportunities for breathtaking photos of the alps. Splitting into two different groups, we then proceeded to hike a long trail up the Kleine Scheidegg mountain. While our tour guides Leo and Yurick warned us that the trail was somewhat difficult, I think a majority of our group was surprised at just how difficult a hike in the alps can be. The high altitude and thin air made it a struggle to climb more than a hundred yards or so without having to stop due to fatigue. In all, the hike took around two and a half hours, much of which was up a steep incline.



The hike ended with another small tourist friendly village with an absolutely stunning backdrop of the snow capped alps. Words cannot describe just how immense and majestic the Swiss alps are. I think the hike served as a great team bonding activity and gave our team an appreciation for mother nature. The Swiss have been extremely friendly and welcoming thus far and I am looking forward to what the rest of the trip has in store.

Cardinals Arrive in London!

After an overnight flight from O'Hare airport, the Cards spent a five hour layover in London's enormous Heathrow International Airport. After the layover, they will be on their way to Switzerland and Zurich Airport.

Switzerland is here!

After over a year of planning and coordinating by Coach Spencer, the Cards are finally ready to embark on their trip to Switzerland. Over the course of the next seven days the Cardinals will be travelling the cities, lakes and mountains that the country has to offer, highlighted by their exhibition football game against the host Swiss team the Landquart Broncos. Be sure to follow along as we provide day to day updates and photos of the trip.

Countdown to Switzerland

Only 3 Days until Switzerland!

Countdown to Switzerland

Only 10 days until we leave for Switzerland!

Countdown to Switzerland

Now just 17 days until Switzerland!

Countdown to Switzerland

Just 23 days until Switzerland!

Countdown to Switzerland

Now, just 30 days until our Swiss adventures begin!

Countdown to Switzerland

37 days and counting until Switzerland.

Countdown to Switzerland

44 days and roughly 9 hours until we take off for Switzerland!

Countdown to Switzerland

Now only 59 days until departure to Switzerland!

Count-down to Switzerland

73 Days until Lakes, Mountains, Rafting, and football!

Count-down to Switzerland

Only 87 Days until Switzerland!

Count-down to Switzerland

Only 101 days until Switzerland!

Switzerland Calls to alums

Calling nights for Switzerland will be March 5, 9, 10, 11-taking place in the alumni office on the 4th floor of Old Main from 5:30 pm-8:30 pm. Pizza and refreshments will be provided. Sign up in Coach Spencer's office asap.