Reece Report: Jamboree

I'm running about a day behind with all that's been going on. Today we'll have some pictures from the International Jamboree down in Austin, TX. Tomorrow, I've got a few shots of our scrimmage with Pike last night. Not that anyone would confuse Pike's stadium with UT's stadium (no offense to Pike), but I wanted to split up the events.

I tweeted out some of the initial reports from the Jamboree yesterday. It was moved up due to the threat of rain (you'll notice the clouds in the background on some of these). Devin scored a couple of TD's for USA Blue, and had a solid showing all around. Here are some pictures from the event (you should be able to click on these to get a bigger view).

This one's a little grainy, don't know why, but it was a good shot of Devin. 

Those jerseys are pretty sweet, if you ask me.

Action shot against Sweden.

A pretty neat view looking across the stadium.

Sideline, looking toward the scoreboard.

Reece Report: Day 4 Photos

Yesterday morning all the teams had a combined practice. They have three USA teams, Red, White, and Blue, as well as team Sweden (in yellow). Got some great pictures of Devin on an international stage:

Surrounded by Swedes

Watching Red on the adjacent field.

Adding some YAC.

Get up!

Get... sideways?

Neat shot with the campus in the background.

Nice little post route.

Several of the evening practices have been cancelled due to rain. This morning Devin had a walk-through for the Jamboree which was moved up to 2:30pm (from 7pm) due to more rain in the forecast. I should have some pictures from that late today or early tomorrow.

The rest of the Rock will be scrimmaging tonight. I'm hoping to snag some pictures of that and will try to demo the live scoring app on our website. Probably be shooting out some tweets as well, so if you're not there cheering in person, hit us up with some "rah, rah" on twitter.

Go Rocks!

Reece Report: Day 3 Photos

I collected everything from Sunday and decided to share it this morning. Devin tells me that he "killed" in 1 on 1's and 7 on 7. Team was a little more difficult, as the defense stepped it up. He has been starting X for the USA Blue team, working hard, and having a blast. Here are some shots from yesterday:

Take a knee.

1 on 1

Showtime

I see a window where I'd have thrown the ball.

Getting engaged

In other news, exciting week for the Rocks this week. Tomorrow night, Rocks scrimmage Pike @ Pike. 7pm. Going to try out the live scoring app on the website. We'll see how it works. Wednesday there is a team trip to Sky Zone. Friday night, we have a Rock playing in the IHSAA North/South All-star game. 7pm @ North Central HS. Come out and support your Rocks!

Reece Report: More Day 2

Got a few more photos from Austin that I wanted to share...

Longhorn Stadium

From the outside.

Devin with Kain Daub, a LB from FL, same HS as Tebow. He and Devin are playing on the "Blue Team."

Lunch time.

Reece Report: Day 2 Photos

Got another batch of photos from Austin. Some action shots in these. Devin had a second practice this morning before lunch. Devin shot me a text last night, he was pretty tired but having fun. A lot of catching drills and 1-on-1 work so far. Here are the pics:

Friday Night Lights

A little chat after the first practice last night.

Devin and his roommate, Brannon Barry from St. Charles, IL

Inside foot up. 

A bit high... no problem.

Low? That's cool, too.

Reece Report: Day 1 Photos

Got my first batch of pictures from the University of Texas at Austin. Devin's first practice was at 7pm tonight, but he was able to get registered and take a peek at the campus beforehand. Here are some of the photos...

A view of the campus

With the city in the background

#19

Outside of the stadium

From the Field: Reece Report

A new and exciting mini-feature has popped on my to-do list this week. One of our family members, Devin Reece, was invited to join the USA Football National Team this summer. He was actually travelling down to the camp yesterday (I talked to him in the car) and had his first practice today. Coach Gilbert contacted me and wanted to do a "Reece Report," chronicling this unique experience.

I have to admit, I didn't know much about this camp when Coach first called me. I took to the Internet to try and educate myself. You can find the website here. In particular, the Team USA stuff is here. I'm told Devin will be participating as part of the Under 17 International Development Week.

The Team USA football program was created as part of the NFL and NFLPA. They bring top talent from across the nation and coordinate internationally to promote the sport of football. It's a pretty unique program, and really cool that a Shamrock was invited to attend. I believe the saying "once in a lifetime" applies here.

As such, we wanted to share as much of the experience as we can with other players, family, and fans through our blog. We're hoping to be able to pass on some pictures and first hand reflections from Devin. The U-17 week spans July 6th though the 12th. The rough schedule can be found on page 11 of the brochure.

We love to highlight our players, and I've created the "From the Field" tag as a way of organizing player reflections. Specifically, we'll call this series the Reece Report. Stay tuned for more as I hear from our Rock on the field.