The athletic genes clearly went to...

Brett.  I've known this simple fact all my life, but it is weeks like this past one that make it so evident.  While it might have bothered me when we were five years old, I have come to accept it now.  It has actually become something that I cherish.  

I loved being the coach's daughter growing up, thinking that my simple task of carrying the bucket of baseballs was so important.

I loved being the excuse for my grandfather to buy french fries at the ballpark, both knowing that my grandmother did not approve of him eating them.

I loved getting to cheer "against" Brett in middle school and again senior year when TCA played JCS in basketball. Wanna know a secret? I always hoped he would make impressive three pointers and all of his free-throws during the games because I liked being able to say, "Yes, that's my twin."

If you haven't counted, that is two sports I've mentioned so far.  The guy has also been known to kick a mean soccer ball and wield a tennis racket when needed.  Oh, and there's also the one that he currently has a college scholarship for: GOLF.

The cheerleaders.

My parents and I just spent the past week in Silvis, Illinois cheering on the Union University Golf Team in the NAIA National Golf Tournament.  It was about a nine-hour drive, the same drive that we made a year ago when they competed for the first time in twelve years.  So, the course was a little more familiar....but that did not make it any less impressive.

It's a TPC course, meaning that it is certified for PGA tournaments. At least I think that's what it means.  If not, oh well...I tried :).  Full of hills, expertly placed sand traps and lakes, perfectly manicured fairways and greens, and two holes that overlook the river, it is a beautiful place to play or watch a round of golf.  Although for us, make that three rounds.

Day one, the guys were just getting their feet wet.  While three of the five had played the course before, two had not, so they needed a little refreshing.  While the weather was beautiful, Union finished the day just shy of the top twenty (I think).

Day two was a little crazy. Due to weather delays, all teams had a shot gun start at two in the afternoon.  That placed eight players on each of the eighteen holes, all golfing at the same time.  After completing seven and a half holes, the round was paused because inclement weather was approaching.  Despite the craziness, Union was playing magnificently, and was in good spirits to go and celebrate Matt Kelley's birthday.  A caravan of the team and some of us families traveled to Incredible Pizza.  It's basically a Chuck E Cheese on steroids.  We ate pizza, Matt spun the birthday wheel originally intended for small children, and Katie, Christin, and I attempted to beat the guys at putt-putt.  Needless to say that didn't work out :).

Teeing off in style.

Day three started out early, but not so bright.  It was windy, cloudy, and cold. Not just chilly...cold. At least too cold for my Chaco-wearing comfort.  But, I put on my sweatshirt and braved it.  I mean, it's not everyday that your brother is playing in a national golf tournament right?  They spent the morning finishing up the round from the day before, ate lunch, and then played round three.  It was a long day at the course that unfortunately ended with the guys not advancing to the final round.

However, the team played the round of their lives.  Unless I'm mistaken, four of the five finished with a 75 or below...par is 71.  And, freshman Steven Coffelt eagled his final hole. Eagled. On a TPC course.

So, the team might not have made it to the finals.  But, they worked hard and accomplished some personal goals, all while having fun as a team.

I will never get tired answering questions about Brett's sports career.  He graces the pages of the local newspaper faster than my mom can cut out the articles, and his face has popped up on WBBJ Sports more times than I can count.  Some people might get annoyed to constantly hear, "I saw your brother on the news last night!" or, "Your twin is the sports star right?", but I love it.  This is one situation where I don't mind just being known as the sister.

From a little five year old carrying a bucket of baseballs, to a twenty year old cheering on a college golf team, I will always be one of Brett Barry's biggest fans.

Becca