It snowed today in Pullman, Wash., where we are beginning our PAC-10 season. Right now, we are waiting out a snow delay before we hopefully take on the Cougars for our third and series-deciding game.

Yesterday we played a doubleheader (and split) because the lights at the field kept malfunctioning. Despite the delay in the game, it was fun to be outside today while it was snowing. Being from southern California, I don't get to see a whole lot of snow. So, our team was acting like a bunch of kids.

After Washington State announced the snow delay, their team began to walk back to their clubhouse, while a bunch of our guys ran out to the field and played in the snow. It was fun running around and watching the snow fall. But it was cold. The high today is supposed to be 41, but the wind and snow made it feel about 20. Back home it is probably a beautiful clear day with the temperature around 80. Right now as I'm freezing on the bus, just thinking of 80 degrees almost thaws my toes out.

I have to get my mind off this cold weather.

The George Mason University Patriots are shocking the world right now. I love March Madness; it's full of upsets and all sorts of madness. Our team has been huddling around the TV screen in our clubhouse everyday before and after practice watching the tournament.

Every year I think Duke is going to win the tourney just because they have been so consistent and powerful for as long as I can remember. But instead of them making it to the Final Four, a small school no one believed in makes it. I hope they continue with a win over the Gators today.

And I'm sure everyone knows how the Sun Devils feel about the Gators after our loss to them in the College World Series. I hope the UCLA Bruins keep making the PAC-10 conference proud with a win, too.

It's time for me to get back to the cold reality of Pullman. It is raining now - and constant. I'm sure I could get some great ice fishing in up here.

Joe Pa

(photo courtesy of Arizona State Media Relations Office)