Walk a Mile in Her Shoes

Do you know how the Vipers front office celebrated winning the NBA Development League Championship? Less than 36 hours later, we were right back out there in the community trying to help make a difference.

Brian Michael Cooper, Shu Muthyala, Michael Esparza and I participated in a one mile walk against domestic violence against women on the campus of STC. Men were given heels and flip-flops (for those of us who have feet that are too big for heels) along with pink t-shirts to wear.

It was a great event. Plenty of businessmen participated... including some in jackets and ties... We auctioned off an autographed basketball.

It is such an important cause. When Liana Cisneros, the best community relations director in the league (with no offense intended towards her colleagues), informed us about the event, we immediately signed up. When we got the Finals schedule, and saw that there was a chance that this event could be on the morning of a decisive Game 3, it didn't matter. All that meant is, if the series did go the distance, we'd better make sure to work late on the off-day to get everything done so we could do the walk. Luckily, it didn't come to that and the Vipers took care of business.

I'm just glad we didn't have to carry the Championship Trophy around during the walk. That thing is heavy!

I had the honor of holding it when the Hidalgo County Commissioners Court honored us on Tuesday. It was quite a workout. Gave me another excuse not to go to the gym (although I did go today and plan to go tomorrow at The Gym at Uptown).

Speaking of the Court, here's what the proclamation says:

PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, the NBA Development League (NBA D-League), the National Basketball Association’s official minor league basketball organization, was founded in 2001 and began with eight teams ; and

WHEREAS, in 2007, the league welcomed the Rio Grande Valley Vipers as one of the fourteen teams in the league; and

WHEREAS, for the past three years the Rio Grande Valley Vipers have brought enjoyment to sports enthusiasts across the Valley; and

WHEREAS, under the direction of Head Coach Chris Finch, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers earned the title of Western Conference Champions with a record of 34-16, earning them a spot in the NBA D-League Finals; and

WHEREAS, most recently, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers defeated the Tulsa 66’s earning them the title of National Champions; and

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT PROCLAIMED, that the Hidalgo County Commissioners Court hereby recognizes the Rio Grande Vipers and their coaches for their outstanding accomplishments this season and furthermore urge the residents of Hidalgo County to continue supporting their hometown team in seasons to come.

Approved this 4^th day of  May, 2010.

_________________________

RENE A. RAMIREZ

County Judge

_________________________                                                          ________________________

A.C. CUELLAR, JR.                                                                           HECTOR “TITO” PALACIOS

County Commissioner, Pct. 1                                                              County Commissioner, Pct. 2

_________________________                                                          ________________________

JOE M. FLORES                                                                                  OSCAR L. GARZA, JR.

County Commissioner, Pct. 3                                                               County Commissioner, Pct. 4

     Attest:

_________________________

ARTURO GUAJARDO, JR.

                                                                       County Clerk