Arcadia Invitational: Nice backpack, but where’s the media guide?

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Despite the best efforts of the traffic-clogged 210 freeway, I made it to the Arcadia Invitational about two hours before the showcase portion of the event. Unfortunately, I had to run around in circles for about 15 minutes trying to find where I could get my media credentials thanks to a bunch of security guards who insisted I was in the wrong place.

However, I eventually found my way to the heavenly-white tent where they hand out the all-access wristbands. I also received a snazzy Arcadia Invitational backpack, pictured, for my troubles.

The only bummer is I’m not sure if I should have accepted a backpack that has a tag value of $45. I’ll let you decide whether it’s an encroachment on journalistic values, but I have enough backpacks as it is. Plus, with my laptop and camera bag already weighing me down, I figure I’ll just roam the stands when I’m done writing and find somebody who needs a little more nylon in their lives.

Of course, the weirdest thing about all of this is we had to pay for a $5 program, pictured. Everyone I talked to in the media lounge (which is really the Arcadia HS weight room) said they would have rather been given a free media guide than a backpack. Hopefully, the organizers will take note of this for next year.

But the invitational is running smoothly and the results are pouring in. And I’ll actually try to blog about the athletes and their accomplishments from here on out.

-- Austin Knoblauch