Alicante Here We Come

We forgot to mention... we here at Coppenrath Camp have packed our bags and headed East to Alicante Spain! We arrived last night and are having a great time so far! Stay tuned for live updates throughout the week!

Happy New YEAR!

Happy Holidays!

It wouldn't be Christmas in New England without a traditional Yankee Swap, right? Well, here are a couple pictures of Taylor at this year's Yankee: Hmmm...a large pink box. We're sure this contains exactly what he was hoping for.




reading the card and checking out the contents...a PURSE!

We're not sure it's really his color, but it does look pretty darn good. Don't you think?

He's Baaaaaaaack!

Taylor had a great first game back (after his illness) yesterday against Leche Rio Breogan. He played 23.5 minutes and had 12 points and 5 rebounds. He drew a charge with 1 second left in the game that clinched the win 89-86! Way to go Taylor!

Taylor is en route to VT now and will spend a couple of days home for the holidays. We're looking forward to seeing him!

Happy Holidays!

Update from Taylor

Hi Everyone,

Sorry for the lack of game updates! I had a gastrointestinal virus before the game last week (when my dad was visiting). When I started feeling better I began practicing and getting back with the team but just did not play that much. I should be back to more minutes this next game and hopefully produce some more points and rebounds! Happy Holidays!!

-Taylor

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

I know, another survey. But let's get into the Christmas spirit...

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? If I have time to wrap i like to wrap, if not gift bag!!
2. Real tree or artificial? Real
3. When do you put up your tree? The tree goes up about 2 weeks before Christmas
4. When do you take the tree down? Probably within a week after Christmas
5. Do you like eggnog? I have a little, but I am not a big eggnog person
6. Favorite gift rec'd as a child? Usually it was a nintendo or another gaming system from Santa
7. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes
8. Hardest person to buy for? Usually depends on how many people I am shopping for!
9. Easiest to buy for? My Brothers
10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I don't think I have ever really received a gift I didn't like, but I have received shirts or clothes that were too small
11. Mail or email Christmas cards? Usually I am around to see everyone without needing to send a card, but I tend to use ecards!
12. Favorite Christmas movie? Rudolph or Frosty
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I usually start shopping near the beginning of December, but I have finished shopping sometimes during Christmas Eve
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? No
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? I enjoy a nice breakfast of pancakes, eggs, toast, hash browns, apple struddle, and whatever else we have!!
16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? Clear
17. Favorite Christmas song? Drummer Boy, Silent Night, O Holy Night, Joy to the World, Let it Snow, Jingle Bell Rock, It's beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas, Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, almost every song!!
18. Stay home or travel? Well if I had more time I would like to travel after Christmas
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeers? Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Donner, Cupid, Comet, Blitzen, Rudolph
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Angel
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Morning
22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? Lots of traffic on the weekends
23. Do you decorate your tree in any specific theme or color? No
24. What do/did you leave for Santa? Cookies and Milk for Santa

We can't remember the last time we had so much snow in VT before Christmas- - Taylor will be SO excited when he arrives next week for the Holiday! He's always dreaming of a White Christmas!

Friday Fill-In (On Thursday... we know)

Here's another Q & A with Taylor! We're not going to "tag" anyone here, but if you want to answer these questions on your blog, let us know and we'll come check it out!

Here it goes...

I give you money and send you into the grocery store to pick up 5 items. You can only pick one thing from the following departments.. what is it?
1. Produce: Strawberries
2. Bakery: Nice fresh Rolls that are squeezable
3. Meat: Nice Filet Mignon
4. Frozen: Pepperoni Pizza
5. Dairy: Cheddar Cheese Extra Sharp

Let's say we're heading out for a weekend getaway. You're only allowed to bring 3 articles of clothing with you. So, what's in your bag?
1. bathing suit
2. sandals
3. towel

If I was to listen in on your conversations throughout the day, what 5 phrases or words would I be most likely to hear?
1. Like....
2. Fab-u-lous
3. I'm cold
4. I'm hungry
5. Yeah yeah

So, what 3 things do you find yourself doing every single day, and if you didn't get to do, you probably wouldn't be in the best mood?
1.Eating
2. Sleeping
3.Bathroom ;)

We're talking a 3 hour block with nobody around. What 5 activities might we find you doing?1.Swimming if its nice out
2. Watching TV
3. Going for a ride in my car
4. Playing games on the computer
5. Nap

We are going to the zoo. But, it looks like it could start storming, so it'll have to be a quick visit. What 3 exhibits do we have to get to?
1. Gorillas
2. Elephants
3. Dolphins

You just scored tickets to the taping of any show that comes on t.v. of your choice. You can pick between 4, so what are you deciding between?
1. CSI - any of them
2. Dr. House
3. Monk
4. Law and Order

You're hungry for ice cream. I'll give you a triple dipper ice cream cone. What 3 flavors can I pile on for ya?
1. Chocolate
2. Chocolate
3. Chocolate

Somebody stole your purse/wallet…in order to get it back, you have to name 5 things you know are inside to claim it. So, what's in there?
1. License
2. Address
3. Credit Cards
4. Some random pictures
5. Business cards from other people

You are at a job fair, and asked what areas you are interested in pursuing a career in. Let's pretend you have every talent and ability to be whatever you wanted, so what 4 careers would be fun for you?
1. Entertainer (singer, actor)
2. Teacher
3. Doctor
4. Video Game tester

If you could go back and talk to the old you, when you were in high school, and inform yourself of 4 things, what would you say?
1. Play football senior year
2. Do something in the talent show
3. Have more people sign my yearbook
4. Do not get in trouble

Taylor's Holiday Gift Guide

What He Couldn’t Survive Without

Well, because I spend so much time away most of the products I use daily enable me to communicate with my family and friends. So here's what I couldn't live without this holiday season:

1. Definetly my computer- - I email, IM, shop online, download music, watch movies- -I do it all!

2. IPODs are nice

3. PSP which is great

4. A Skype phone number and account- - if you talk to people long-distance or who are out of the country you have GOT to have one of these. You talk through your computer and can even video-chat if your computer has the capabilities- - FOR FREE. You can check it out at http://www.skype.com/ .

5. And lastly...I would have to say clothes are hard to live without. :)

Thoughts from Alicante

We have a guest blogger today, Sue Coppenrath (Taylor's Mom), is blogging with her thoughts about her visit to Alicante a few weeks back! If you remember Taylor's Dad, George, is visiting now- - hopefully we'll have another guest blogger in the next few weeks!

Here's where we'll hand it over to Sue:

Taylor met me at the Alicante airport early on a Thursday afternoon for a brief, 10 day stay. During that time I helped him organize his apt, watched him play in a game and swam in the Mediterranean Sea. Taylor was busy but he spent what time he could and showing me around the area. Alicante is a very interesting city on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. It has beautiful beaches everywhere including the downtown area on each side of the busy port. It is a combination of modern businesses and old shops and it known for its palm-tree lined, mosaic tile sidewalks with vendors from Spain and Africa selling crafts and other wares. We visited an old castle that sits on a small mountain in the center of Alicante, walked the wide, sandy beaches, and swam in the Mediterranean where the water was relatively warm and the outside temperatures were between 65 and 70. My stay was too short but the last day I got to watch a home game, which Alicante won 95 - 76. The next morning, Monday, I flew back to Vermont. I cant wait to get back for another visit with Taylor in the spring!

Thanks Sue!

vs. Cuidad de Huelva

Alicante won an exciting game yesterday 75-69. The team is now 7-3. Taylor started the game but is not feeling 100% as he recovers from a cold, and played limited minutes. He finished with four points.

Taylor's dad, George, is visiting and arrived yesterday around dinner time! Taylor picked him up from the airport and is looking forward to having someone around for the next couple of weeks to hang out with. (And we're looking forward to more pictures!)

Word on the street is that George brought pancake mix, real VT maple syrup (as if there's any other kind...) and Cabot Cheddar Cheese for Taylor. Let it be officially known that Cabot Cheese is Taylor's FAVORITE and he consumes more cheese than anyone we know. He loves cheese on/in his eggs, cheesy tomato sandwiches, and even enjoys a nice shredded cheddar on popcorn sometimes. Growing up in Vermont has certainly effected his taste buds.

What I'm Missing...

In an effort to take a break tomorrow and enjoy the holiday, we decided to give you Taylor's Thanksgiving Post today!

Hi Everyone,

Part of what I miss most being over here is Thanksiving. This is the third year in a row that I am missing a traditional Thanksgiving. The food that makes the day is my favorite and the time that I am able to spend with my family is certainly missed. If I was at home, the BEST Thanksgiving would be... a great big turkey dinner with gravy, mashed potatoes, warm rolls with butter, corn. In addition to having close friends and family around, telling stories, watching some football, and maybe even playing some games.

Enjoy this holiday and think about all of the things you have to be thankful for.

-Taylor

Oh, and think about me! over here! with no turkey! ;)

Two Game Update

Taylor has had two games since we last updated you. (And since they lost both of them we didn't think there was any rush with the update. Kidding. Sort of.)

On November 9 Alicante played against Bruesa and lost 87-78. Taylor had 8 points and played 18.74 minutes. On November 17 Alicante played Basket Cai Zaragoza and lost 84-60.

Here's to a WIN!

Getting to Know Taylor

So, we thought it would be fun around here if you could all get to know Taylor a little bit better. To do that we have some very special posts coming up in the next few weeks. Stay tuned for: Taylor's Holiday Must-Have list; Taylor's Favorite Thanksgiving; and Taylor's Holiday Traditions; plus MORE!

To kick off the GETTING TO KNOW TAYLOR posts we have a Q&A with him for you today. Remember, don't be shy, if there's something you want to know about Taylor, leave him a comment and we'll try to fit it in!

Camp Coppenrath: Share one food item that best describes the last year of your life. (example: “frozen pizza” because I did a 180-degree turn this year, or “cinnamon roll” because it had lots of twists and turns but overall was pretty sweet)
Taylor: tomatoe soup, its always the same thing every year.

CC: What one item in the kitchen best describes you and your personality?
T: refrigerator, I have a lot to offer and keep cool under all situations.

CC:What’s your favorite concert you’ve ever attended?
T: Trans Siberian Orchestra, and its the only concert I have been to.

CC: What cartoon character best describes you?
T: Raphael from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

CC: If you could live anywhere in the world for a year, where would it be?
T: Vermont, haha

CC: Complete the statement “I recommend…” (it can be a show, movie, book, restaurant, website, activity, etc.)
T: enjoying time with others.

CC: If you knew could you try anything and not fail (and money was no object), what dream would you attempt?
T: Try to make everyone happy :)

CC: What super-power would you most like to have, and why?
T: invisibility, who wouldn't want that?!?

CC: If you had $5 million to spend in 5 days, but couldn’t spend any of it on yourself or your family, what would you do with it?
T: Give some to people who have helped me in the past in anyway(schools, businesses, etc), give some to close friends, some to research for health, and some to other organizations that help others.

CC: Okay, this is a fun one, “2 Truths And a Lie” – Share 3 unique things about yourself and your life, 2 of them true, 1 false, and let the reader's guess which one isn’t true.
T: I have a tattoo, I like to eat fish, I am the tallest in my family

Well, readers, what do you think?!?

Where are you coming from?

We've had a lot of visitors recently from Colombinn and while we don't understand all of what is written there, WELCOME! And thanks to Ramon for sending some new visitors our way.

We do like to know who's here visiting so don't be afraid to "De-lurk" and say hello!

A Visit

We told you that Taylor's mom had visited and today, we have some pictures to share! (well, we actually have a LOT of pictures to share, but we're going to do a couple at a time.) It looks like they had a wonderful time together and Alicante is BEAUTIFUL.

Check 'em out:

Rumor Has It...

Taylor's game is going to be LIVE on the internet today! It started at 3:15pm EST.

Go to http://www.populartv.net/# in the upper left-hand corner there is a button/box- - VIVE en Directo, click on that and the game will pop up! Taylor is number 15.

GO TAYLOR! We're ALL WATCHING! (I mean working...) :)

A Special Day

Please join us in honoring this special day.

All together now...are you ready?

"Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! Happy Biiiirrrttthhhhday dear TAAAAAYYLLLOR! Happy Birthday to YOU!"

Happy Birthday Taylor, enjoy your day! We're all thinking of you!

Okay, let's leave Taylor lots of birthday comments, because really, who doesn't love getting

birthday comments?!? :)

P.S. We have some readers from Alicante, if you happen to see Taylor today wish him a HAPPY BIRTHDAY! That's "Feliz Cumpleanos", right?!?!!?

vs. Tenerife Rural

Taylor had a great game Friday night! The team was down by 14 at the half but came back with a big 3rd quarter and kept the pressure on through the 4th to win 95 - 90! Taylor played 24 1/2 minutes, was the game high scorer with 21 points, 6 rebounds, committed no fouls; shot 7 for 9 from the floor and 7 for 10 from the foul line. Way to go Taylor!

Can't wait until the next game!

Update from Taylor!

Tomorrow we leave to play a team on the Canary Islands. We'll practice early in the morning then head for the airport. Our game is at 9 (I think :)) on Friday night but you may have to check the schedule!

Things have been going well. The other night I had a flu shot so I have been feeling pretty tired lately. We haven't had a day off in a while so that could do it also... It was great to have my mom here visiting. It was nice to have a meal everyday (that I didn't have to make!) and help maintaining my apartment- - there are some things you're never too old for! It went by very quickly but she will be back in the spring.

We were able to go out to dinner, go shopping and she was able to catch a game. We won (of course) and we have been playing pretty well together. I really enjoy playing with these guys and even have fun off the court.

Just wanted to say Happy Halloween to everyone and make sure to not eat too much candy ;)!!!

-Taylor

Happy Halloween!

Taylor wishes a Happy Halloween to all!

And good luck to UVM in their pre-season game versus Concordia today! Here's to another great season!

They're Back

Alicante fought out a win against Union Baloncesto La Palma yesterday with a 97-76 victory after trailing well into the third period. Taylor played over half of the game (21 minutes) and finished with 12 points, 9 rebounds and one blocked shot.

In honor of such a great comeback and a WIN Taylor's mom, who's visiting for a couple weeks, cooked a celebratory dinner for Taylor and teammate Keith Waleskowski who played for Dayton.

A win and home-cooking... looks like Taylor had a great weekend!

vs. Plus Pujol Lleida

Alicante lost their 5th game Saturday night 78-76 (ugh...). In 14 minutes Taylor scored 6 points and had two rebounds. He sat for the entire 4th quarter and his team didn't score one basket in the final two minutes. Perhaps if he had played more they would have won?!? :)

Hey, we never claimed to be unbiased...

Tough loss though, we wished they would have won!

Another Game

Taylor's team won their game yesterday 96-70! Taylor started the game, was fouled early on (made both!) then had one more (questionable) foul which caused him to come out for the rest of the half. He started the second half and played the entire third quarter with two assists and two baskets. He picked up his third foul though and because the team was ahead by 30 points didn't go back in for the remainder of the game.

Congrats Alicante and Taylor! What a great start to the season!

Palma Aqua Magica

Taylor had 11 points in his game last weekend! Thoughts from Taylor coming soon!

Breaking News

We've just received an update on Taylor's first two games! In his game on Sunday he had 15 points (including a 3 pointer) and 5 rebounds.

Check out the Box Score:
15 COPPENRATH, TAYLOR BURTON

29:16 15 6/12 50% 1/1 100% 7/13 54% 0/0 0% 3 2 5 0 2 1 0 1 0 3 1 12

(we're having difficulties uploading the entire thing, please check it out HERE. It requires some click through- - If you click on the year 2007-2008, select the icon next to the Alicante game and you will be given the box score!)

Way to go Taylor!

Stay tuned for further updates!

The COAST is Clear

Alicante had their first home (VICTORY!) on Sunday. Taylor has found some very dedicated fans who certainly route for the hometeam. His team has a great following as well. It was a tough game, but the atmosphere was wonderful and left Taylor slightly reminiscent of his days in Patrick Gym. While nothing will ever quite compare to that, he is excited about the level of involvement of his new fans and was glad that they were able to win with a big victory! (He didn't leave info about the score, hopefully that will come soon!) This Friday he is headed to the beautiful island of Mallorca for the next game.

Taylor is still without a car... oh wait, we didn't tell you that story did we? COMING SOON! so he's been catching rides with teamate Keith Waleskowski. Everything is wonderful in Spain and Taylor says hi to all!

First Game

Hi Everyone! Taylor has his first game today (3pm EST/9pm Spain time) against Melilla. Melilla is on the Spanish coast of Africa and surrounded, expcept for the side by the sea, entirely by Morocco. (Melilla is an interesting and culturally rich area, read more about it HERE).

If you would like to watch the game "live" or at least see the scores go up as they happen, go to this website: http://www.feb.es/. There are no games being played at this moment, but we tried to access the site and it seems to be working.

Sending lots of good luck to Taylor tonight!

Settling In

Another update from Taylor!

I received my second bag last night and today I have internet and phone. This past weekend we played a little preseason tournament and came in second place. We started practicing in our home gym early last week and have been running and lifting in the mornings and practicing at night. I enjoy all of my teammates and coaches. Yesterday I was able to walk the beach that is in front of my apartment and went in the pool for a little bit. There is a huge store that is close to my apt and can find a lot of what i need there. I drive a four-door Ford Focus and I'm hoping to get internet at my apartment soon!

A room with a view... we think Taylor's pretty lucky to be in such a beautiful place!

Schedule

Hi Everyone!

If you want to check out Taylor's schedule with Alicante, click through the link HERE!

Update from Spain

Taylor checked in yesterday to let everyone know how he's doing! He writes:

"So far it has been an exciting trip! I flew from Burlington to New York and was delayed in Burlington- - before I could even get on the plane- -so I missed my flight scheduled at 6 to Madrid from New York. I scrambled but made it on a flight to Madrid from New York at 9pm and changed my flight from Madrid to Alicante since I would have missed that. I got to Madrid and had only 50 mins to make it to my gate AND through customs! I made it- - barely.

Once I arrived to Alicante I met the team and checked into a hotel where I will stay until my apartment is set up. I am hoping to get my car tomorrow and also have a press conference scheduled. Tonight I had my first practice which was great but pretty tiring. I did receive one of my missing bags before practice so it was nice to have some extra clothes. In the hotel I have internet and some channels in english so I'm good to go for a while! Hope all is well ttyl!"

Taylor is posting to and checking this blog from Spain so be sure to comment often!

Prevent Child Abuse

Someone left a comment yesterday, but we thought it was worthy of it's own post!

Prevent Child Abuse Vermont is honored and proud to announce that Taylor Coppenrath is the Honorary Chairman of the 2007 WALK FOR CHILDREN. Taylor has long been a supporter of child abuse prevention, and wants to help make Vermont the first abuse free state. He is very conscious of what a team can do, and is encouraging people to form teams and WALK in the 2007 WALK FOR CHILDREN.

For more information visit their webpage http://www.pcavt.org/.

Taylor's getting settled in Spain, look for an update this afternoon!

Landed

Taylor has landed! He has his first practice tonight (Spain time) at 7pm. We're sending good thoughts!

Spain, Spain

Hi Everyone,

We have exciting news over here! Taylor recently signed with the Alicante Costa Blanca professional basketball team of Alicante, Spain.

If you remember, Taylor first played professionally in Greece and spent the 2006-2007 season in Biella, Italy where he averaged 7.6 points and 4.8 rebounds per game while battling an ankle injury from the beginning of the season.

His new team, Alicante Costa Blanca, plays in the ULEB Gold League and has also signed American Cameron Bennerman from North Carolina State.

Alicante is located on the Eastern Coast of Spain and borders the Mediterranean Sea.

Taylor is really looking forward to being in Spain and meeting his new team. He flys out early next week.

Whew!

Coppenrath's Summer Slam finished on Friday- - what great fun! Many thanks to the campers and counselors for making it such a great week! If you missed the Colchester camp but still want to get in some summer basketball this year, don't worry! Next week there is a three-day clinic in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. Let us know if you would like more information!

More news coming soon!

Reminder

Just a reminder- - sign the petition for the Celtics to sign Taylor http://www.petitiononline.com/taylor07/

and remember, if there is ever anything you would like to see on the blog, let us know. We're open for suggestions.

Rock the Vote

Do you love Taylor Coppenrath?

VOTE FOR TAYLOR TO BECOME A BOSTON CELTIC HERE. Or cut and paste this link
http://www.petitiononline.com/taylor07/ into your browser.

It's a perfect fit. The Celtics need some help. They now have Taylor's favorite player. He'd be close to home. It's the NBA. And, if we do say so ourselves, he looks pretty darn good in Green.

Tell everyone you know-- and get your VOTE ON!

Barre Waffle-Off

The first annual Barre Partnership Waffle-Off at L.A.C.E. was HUGELY fun for Taylor! He got to meet some pretty fun people and eat. Waffles. With lots of fun toppings. For about two hours. If you have ever met Taylor, you know that this rates as one of the most fun things to do in a weekend. Or EVER. :) Here is Taylor taking a bite of the very first waffle cooked by The Champ.

And now trying the competitor's curry, coconut, sour cream waffle.


A shot of the judges.

Taylor takes the mic to reveal the verdict:

"While we enjoyed competitor's waffle, The Champ's was just slightly more fluffy and just what we were expecting from a waffle although he could work on the presentation."

And present he did.

As did the second competitor with her orange zest waffle toppled with blueberries.

The third competitor's PROTEIN RICH waffle.

The Chef's answer to the 4th competitor's Raised Overnight Yeast Waffle was this perfectly cooked, topped with chocolate ice cream and sauce waffle. Taylor loves waffles. Taylor loves chocolate. This was a perfect marriage and his top pick this round.

Finally, the fifth competitor cooks his "Ancient Family Secret Recipe". Can The Champ compete with this?

They're still cooking...

The verdict is in...

Taylor says, "We loved The Champ's waffles. Each time he consistently put out a waffle to be proud of so I'm going to congratulate The Champ on.... SECOND PLACE. Colin, we loved your family secret recipe and the topping was delicicious. Congratulations on your BIG WIN. We hope to see you next year.

Barre Homecoming Days

Taylor had such a great day Saturday at the Barre Homecoming Days. He had a tent set up in City Hall Park to talk to everyone, sign autographs and, of course, take pictures before walking in the parade. If you see yourself in one of these pictures and would like to get your name up, leave a comment and we'll add you to the caption!

Our first visitor whom Taylor called, "Rhinestone Cowgirl!"

This gentleman has been a UVM Basketball fan and Taylor fan for years. Taylor was pleased to meet him.

A family of basketball fans!

Barre Parks and Rec Staff

This is Iris, if anyone won an award for the best Parade Spectator- - she would have won!

Taylor did an on-the-spot interview with Froggy 100.9!

Channel 5 was there and inverviewed Taylor and some of his fans.

We took a break for some Real Italian Gelato and Sorbet- - Taylor felt like he was back in Italy! If you've never tried Leonardo's Geleton and Sorbet (click to see where to buy) RUN don't walk and get yourselves some! We tried Coconut, Vanilla, and Chocolate Gelato and Raspberry Sorbet and we could have eaten every flavor! This stuff is GOOD.