Opening Ceremonies at Churchhill Downs

And we're off! Well.. kinda. But the 2012 NCAA DII Spring Sports Festival opening ceremonies were held tonight at Churchill Downs, which had a mildly successful horse race just the other week. However I have it on very good authority that Jenna Birch is ready for the big time after defeating two other horses on this computer simulation at the Kentucky Derby Museum.

After an outstanding meal and a tour of the extensive Churchill Downs festivities, the tennis teams and Jenna heard from the Mayor of Louisville, two former DII student-athletes, the Benedictine University AD and NCAA President Dr. Mark Emmert.

The evening concluded with some outstanding fireworks over the race track at Churchill Downs.

Tomorrow, it's practice.. practice.. practice. And then the games begin on Wednesday !

Fireworks over Churchill Downs on Monday evening at the Opening Ceremonies

The Armstrong men's tennis team at the Opening Ceremonies

The Armstrong women's tennis team + women's golfer Jenna Birch at the Opening Ceremonies