Sunday was a day of celebration at Northwestern University. I joined two separate groups of friends to watch a graduation ceremony followed by a thrilling softball game.
My day started at Welsh Ryan Arena. A couple friends had sons graduating, and I watched as they received their diplomas. Since I was already in the building doing pre-game work, I was able to attend the ceremony despite usual ticket limitations. I joined a group of other writers, getting a great overall view from the third level.
Upon the conclusion of the ceremony, I made a quick detour to nearby Mustard’s Last Stand for one of its outstanding turkey burgers. On the surface, it is a typical burger joint, but one taste of anything immediately tells you it is well above typical.
Next, I made the short walk to adjacent Sharon J. Drysdale Field for the playoff game between Northwestern and Miami (OH) University. The winner of this game would go to the Super Regionals for a chance to play in the Women’s College World Series. I knew I was early, but I love the serenity of an empty ballpark.
The seesaw battle started with the home team Wildcats quickly behind 2–0 to the visiting RedHawks. NU took a 3–2 lead, but fell behind again 4–3. The Wildcats took the lead for good in the last inning, but Miami kept it exciting, loading the bases with no outs, before NU’s ace pitcher ended the rally, getting the win and advancing in the playoffs.
Northwestern ace pitcher Danielle Williams
Much like the end of the earlier graduation ceremony, this standing-room-only crowd erupted and tears flowed as the game ended. After a short meeting on the field, the team mingled with friends and fans. Nobody wanted the day to end.
Photo credit: Northwestern University Athletics – NCAA.
Northwestern softball legend Tammy Williams
Chris Bejcek, Kevin Mooney, Crystal Stevens and me
It was a long but fantastic day. It started with several hundred winners graduating and ended with a team of winners moving to the next round of playoffs.
— John Wroblewski, online writer
Read This Next
Fall Fun is in Store at These 2 Texas Hotels
Daily
Oct 3, 2024
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Oct 3, 2024Fall Fun is in Store at These 2 Texas Hotels
Head south to Texas for Halloween fun and enjoy a warm-weather extension this fall. In Austin, elegance, history and spooky tales are the themes at The Driskill. The hotel is said to be frequented by the spirit of Jesse Driskill, who constructed the property in 1886. The scent of cigar smoke in public spaces allegedly announces his presence. A life-sized painting of Jesse is displayed in the hotel lobby, and guests can stay on the lookout for him during the daily 4 p.m. history tour.
Sponsored Content
Share Miles with Family and Friends with United Airlines
As you look ahead to winter travel, United Airlines and its MileagePlus loyalty program introduced MileagePlus miles pooling, which allows members to contribute and combine miles into a joint account. Groups of up to five members can now share and redeem miles in one linked account. As the first and only major U.S. airline to offer this feature, United also allows any MileagePlus member, whether relatives or close friends, to be in a pool with other members.
Daily
Oct 3, 2024Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows Reopens
Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows recently announced its reopening, featuring new developments like two culinary venues.
Daily
Oct 3, 2024Savoy Signature Elevates Personalized Hospitality with Tailored Experiences for Every Traveler
Savoy Signature, a luxury Madeira hospitality brand, is dedicated to redefining the guest experience by offering a diverse selection of experiences across its portfolio of properties. Whether a traveler is looking for wellness, luxury or a family-centric escape, Savoy Signature has a property for you.
Sponsored Content
Explore Egypt on the Most Extraordinary Tour Ever
Picture this: You’re standing in front of the Great Pyramid, the last of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, in complete silence, with no crowds in sight. As you step inside, your guide leads you to hidden chambers inaccessible to other tourists. Here, you’re granted a rare chance to delve into the deepest mysteries of ancient Egypt.
Daily
Oct 2, 2024Learn Why Zambia is One of Africa’s Best-Kept Secrets for Adventure
Zambia stands out as Africa's premier destination for adventure and extreme sports. The country’s Victoria Falls region hosts a variety of activities that attract visitors from around the world, from bungee jumping off Victoria Falls Bridge to whitewater rafting along the untamed Zambezi River.
Consider These IHG Hotels for Winter Stays
Daily
Oct 2, 2024Berlin Gets a Flying Electric Ferry
Daily
Oct 1, 2024Daily
Oct 1, 2024On the Wing
We’ve now reached our cruising altitude, so feel free to kick back and enjoy this issue of Global Traveler, which happens to be our annual Aviation Issue. Join us as we celebrate the fascinating world of aviation, from airlines to private aircraft, airports and lounges, and from flight schools and amenity kits to aviation museums. Let’s take flight!
Sponsored Content
Pick Your Paradise: Experience Bali at 3 Incredible Hotels
Bali is a name synonymous with island bliss. But there is more than just one side to this incredible place. Get a sense for the variety of experiences Bali offers by learning about three hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® with distinctive opportunities for adventure and relaxation. With the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Card, earn points for free nights at each of these properties.
Airlines
Oct 1, 2024Some Delta Air Lines International Flights Get Free WiFi
As of this August, Delta Air Lines officially brought its free, high-speed WiFi offering to international flights. In August the airline activated free WiFi on flights to Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy and the Netherlands. In September the airline began free WiFi on flights to Ireland, Iceland, Denmark, Greece, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, Belgium, the Czech Republic and Israel.
ShareThis