
Photo by: Brad Phalin, BGSU Marketing and Communications
#FalconsInCuba: Day Four
August 13, 2016 | Women's Basketball
Salsa lessons highlight Saturday’s itinerary for BGSU women’s basketball
Salsa lessons were the highlight of the day for the Bowling Green State University women's basketball team, as the Falcons enjoyed another day in Havana, Cuba. The entire BGSU team and staff participated in salsa lessons, and a great time was had by all.
DAY FOUR PHOTOÂ GALLERY
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After breakfast in the Parque Central Hotel, the travel party walked just a few blocks down the street to a second-floor studio for two hours of salsa dancing lessons. Each of the players, coaches and support staff were paired with an instructor for roughly two hours of lessons. The members of the BG travel party displayed varying levels of skill, ranging from very good to not quite as good, but all 22 participants displayed maximum effort and enthusiasm, and all received much-deserved certificates of completion at the end of the session.
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On Saturday afternoon, the travel party made a short bus trip to a large market near the water's edge, with a chance to shop for souvenirs and gifts from the Cuba trip. Some members of the travel contingent then boarded the bus back to the hotel, while others chose to walk around the Old Havana area and return to the hotel on foot. The latter group's trip was delayed by a thunderstorm that lasted for roughly 30 to 45 minutes, but lowered the temperature just enough to make for a more comfortable walk.
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The Falcons are scheduled to play the third and final game of the trip on Sunday morning (Aug. 14), before checking out of the hotel and heading to an all-inclusive resort in Varadero.
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Sophomore Maddie Cole and junior Haley Puk each took time from their busy schedules to talk about Saturday's fun and their overall experiences on the trip so far.
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Sophomore Maddie Cole
"Salsa dancing was really a lot of fun today. My dance partner did a great job of teaching me and leading me through it. I have to say, the best part about salsa was watching Coach Roos, who showed no emotion as she was concentrating so hard.
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"Abby (Siefker), Jacey (Brooks) and Jane (Uecker) all looked really good out there, but all of my teammates did a great job. Coach Roos mentioned something about having 30 minutes of salsa lessons at the end of one practice every week, and if we do, I'll be ready."
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Junior Haley Puk
"This trip has been a great experience in many ways. I've learned new things about the culture here. We got to visit the U.S. Embassy yesterday, and it was neat to see how they operate over there. We take for granted the things we do and the things we have.
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"The games we've had so far have been a great experience as well, and the clinic yesterday was an awesome experience. I enjoyed teaching those kids some new things, and they taught us some new things as well. It was great to communicate through basketball even though we didn't always understand what they were saying and vice-versa.
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"Today's trip to the market and yesterday's trip to the cigar factory both were very enjoyable. Overall, it has been a wonderful experience for the team, the boosters and everyone on the trip."
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DAY FOUR PHOTOÂ GALLERY
Â
After breakfast in the Parque Central Hotel, the travel party walked just a few blocks down the street to a second-floor studio for two hours of salsa dancing lessons. Each of the players, coaches and support staff were paired with an instructor for roughly two hours of lessons. The members of the BG travel party displayed varying levels of skill, ranging from very good to not quite as good, but all 22 participants displayed maximum effort and enthusiasm, and all received much-deserved certificates of completion at the end of the session.
Â
On Saturday afternoon, the travel party made a short bus trip to a large market near the water's edge, with a chance to shop for souvenirs and gifts from the Cuba trip. Some members of the travel contingent then boarded the bus back to the hotel, while others chose to walk around the Old Havana area and return to the hotel on foot. The latter group's trip was delayed by a thunderstorm that lasted for roughly 30 to 45 minutes, but lowered the temperature just enough to make for a more comfortable walk.
Â
The Falcons are scheduled to play the third and final game of the trip on Sunday morning (Aug. 14), before checking out of the hotel and heading to an all-inclusive resort in Varadero.
Â
Sophomore Maddie Cole and junior Haley Puk each took time from their busy schedules to talk about Saturday's fun and their overall experiences on the trip so far.
Â
Sophomore Maddie Cole
"Salsa dancing was really a lot of fun today. My dance partner did a great job of teaching me and leading me through it. I have to say, the best part about salsa was watching Coach Roos, who showed no emotion as she was concentrating so hard.
Â
"Abby (Siefker), Jacey (Brooks) and Jane (Uecker) all looked really good out there, but all of my teammates did a great job. Coach Roos mentioned something about having 30 minutes of salsa lessons at the end of one practice every week, and if we do, I'll be ready."
Â
Junior Haley Puk
"This trip has been a great experience in many ways. I've learned new things about the culture here. We got to visit the U.S. Embassy yesterday, and it was neat to see how they operate over there. We take for granted the things we do and the things we have.
Â
"The games we've had so far have been a great experience as well, and the clinic yesterday was an awesome experience. I enjoyed teaching those kids some new things, and they taught us some new things as well. It was great to communicate through basketball even though we didn't always understand what they were saying and vice-versa.
Â
"Today's trip to the market and yesterday's trip to the cigar factory both were very enjoyable. Overall, it has been a wonderful experience for the team, the boosters and everyone on the trip."
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Players Mentioned
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Thursday, March 06
Paige Kohler, Coach Chmiel, & Amy Velasco Postgame Interview (Feb. 26, 2025)
Thursday, February 27
In the Paint: Lexxus Graham-Blincoe
Wednesday, February 26
Erika Porter, Amy Velasco, & Coach Chmiel Postgame Interview (Feb. 22, 2025)
Sunday, February 23