HONOLULU, Hawai’i – Radford softball’s trip to Hawai’i was a success on the field as well as off the field. In between the two tournaments, Radford alum Bob Crowley (’79, ’81) hosted the Highlanders at one of his P.F. Chang’s China Bistro’s in Honolulu.
Coming off a 4-1 showing at the Pepsi Malihini Kipa Aloha Tournament which included victories over No. 25 Mississippi State and Oregon State, the Highlanders spent an evening in Honolulu shopping and dining.
The team, after walking around Waikiki, met up with Crowley, who quickly became a fan of the Highlander squad. Over Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps appetizers, Crowley mingled with players and coaches reminiscing about the years he spent in the New River Valley as well as getting updates on all the changes that have taken place since he left.
For the main course, the team was treated to Lo Mein, Crispy Honey Chicken, Sweet and Sour Pork, Chang’s Spicy Chicken, Mongolian Beef and P.F. Chang’s Fried Rice. There wasn’t much left over and dessert was still to come. Everyone dug into the Great Wall of Chocolate, including head coach Mickey Dean, who is known to have a sweet tooth of his own.
With the evening winding down, the team, family members, servers (who did a fantastic job) and Crowley gathered for a picture to remember this wonderful occasion.
As Crowley was heading home for a home cooked meal, he told the ladies that he would stop by the field and root the Highlanders on in their next tournament.
A few days later when Radford was taking on Wisconsin and Hawai’i, Crowley stopped by and cheered on his alma mater. After watching his first ever Radford softball game, a 3-0 loss to Wisconsin, he said he couldn’t leave thinking he brought the team bad luck.
Crowley bought a few items at the concession stand and headed back to his seat for the Highlanders’ contest against the host Rainbow Wahine. After witnessing freshman Nichole Beall’s two-run first inning long ball, he was called back to work but was able to leave on a high note.
Radford went on to win the game, 6-1 and finish the trip 8-2 and in the process gained one more Highlanders fan even though he is over 4,000 miles away.