St. Peter, Minn. – The Gustavus Adolphus men’s basketball team began its nine-day trip to Costa Rica on Tuesday, Aug. 12. The team will fly into Costa Rica’s capital city of San Jose and will return to Minnesota on Wednesday, Aug. 20.
“Our program is grateful and eager to be given the opportunity to travel abroad, play internationally, build team camaraderie, serve others, and tour the beautiful land of Costa Rica,” said Head Coach Mark Hanson. “This trip will not only give our players the chance to play basketball together but also, and more importantly, build long-lasting memories with their best friends in a foreign culture.”
Over the course of their nine-day expedition in Central America, the Gusties will sight-see in the areas of both San Jose and San Carlos. To go along with team-building excursions and sightseeing, the group will take part in a community service project at children’s shelter where it will work alongside severely underprivileged youth in impoverished housing areas.
Gustavus will also have the privilege of competing in three exhibition games during its time in San Jose. Hanson’s squad will face Escazu on Wednesday, Aug. 13, Grecia on Thursday, Aug. 14, and the Costa Rica National Team on Wednesday, Aug. 19. A complete trip itinerary can be found below.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in San Jose, Costa Rica
Day 2: Service Project at children’s shelter
Game #1 vs. Escazu
Day 3: Walking tour of San Jose
Game #2 vs. Grecia
Day 4: Travel to San Carlos
Hot Water Springs & Tropical Gardens
Day 5: Exploration of San Carlos
Team White Water Rafting
Day 6: Free day to enjoy the beach
Day 7: Rainforest canopy zip-line tour
Day 8: Travel back to San Jose
Game #3 v. Costa Rica National Team
Farewell celebration & dinner
Day 9: Arrive in Minnesota
For an inside look at the Gustavus men’s basketball team’s experience in Costa Rica, assistant coach Justin DeGrood has set up a travel blog and will be posting daily updates. The Gustavus men’s basketball international travel blog can be accessed via the link below.
http://www.offexploring.com/gustavus-mens-basketball-trip-2014