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.