Washington Reunion 2003

We did it again. Washington on August 2nd was a buzz with the competitive spirit at MLK park and Kenyans were determined to represent this year come rain or shine.
This year we all agreed there were even more players, a wider variety of teams and a new wave of Kenyan sports players in the US. There was an undisputably extreme desire to win as Coach Jack Arum had expanded the teams to provide more competition to the champs.
For those unaware, Jack was part of Hillo's glory years in sports. He helped develop basketball in Hill School in the 80's and commissioned by Bisc as Coach, took the teams to great heights, similar to what was occuring in Gymnastics with Mr. Mutitu, Charlie's swim-team and George Makiya's hockey squad. His talent eventually moved him to greater coaching prospects in the USA where he has lead various division 1 NCAA collegiate teams.
The crowds really had a treat seeing the level of play - a combined street-like and NY Knicks aggressive style that we thought was only seen during NBA playoffs. The guys teams were Jabali Africa, JoKisumu, Young Turks, Roga-Roga (2002 champs) and newcomers Texas (not Dallas) Mavericks. There were six teams in total including two ladies teams that feautured -Hillo's Anne Ndusu team and Ladies Texan Mavericks.

We witnessed some great games this year and the final icing was the unseating of last year's winners, by a challenging team that was really thirsty for victory. These guys electrified the Park with play -level that brought flashbacks of our provincial arch-nemesis St. Patricks -Iten.
Hillo Alumni and friends were strongly present and we had new faces Michael Rono('89) and (Angela '82) from afar as Texas .The regular guard- Grace, Anne, Allan and coach's Baltimoreans were in effect. After particpating in the ritualistic catching up, plans and discussions were made to engage in more alumni activities and to foster stronger commitment to Hill School support. The school turnout was just as spread out with alumni ranging from Wareng to the I.S.K. and some Kenyan expatriates from the Washington area simply showed up to be part of the festive activities. We each also got to obtain the 2003 Champion designer outfits for a minimal amount and it was later discovered they were reversible so that even added their value.
This year feautured a Safari-inspired cuisine from the Malawi trio who contributed their culinary skills to provide an authentic African menu, laced with realtively mild kachumbari for the East African taste.
There were showers on Saturday and intermittent drizzle on Sunday, but in the end, the champions emerged. Quite a feat considering the nocturnal parties on Saturday and the hangovered team-effects. It was a terrific weekend of fun, great food, friends and hillo memories. Hey Jack, we're sure you're proud of the turnout and game play displayed -maybe you should have some NCAA team scouts present next time!
We later caught up with Jack who gave an Interview on his take on Hill School.

We could go on and on about the day, but its probably best to show pics of the Reunion now:

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