PLAYA HERRADURA, Costa Rica – Old Dominion men’s basketball took on the nearby zipline park on Wednesday morning. ODU is in the middle of its week-long trip to Costa Rica.
After grabbing an early breakfast at the team’s resort, the Monarchs took a short bus ride to Vista Los Sueños Adventure Park. The team was fitted for their gear, received safety instructions from the park staff, and then caught a tractor ride up to the top of the mountain.
“We’re out here in Costa Rica about to zipline, trying different avenues,” said newcomer Jordan Battle, a senior guard from Norfolk, Virginia. “I’ve never done this before, but I’m excited.”
While most of his teammates were ziplining for the first time, junior guard Rieco Hellams had done it before on a trip to Cancún, Mexico.
“I wanted to have a great time, but also get a nice view of the jungle below us. It was definitely a great experience and an opportunity to see how beautiful Costa Rica is. The views were a lot better this time and it was more fun to see all of the different personalities going down the zipline, whether it was their first time or not.”
The course, which featured a total of 10 ziplines, took the Monarchs flying through the trees of the nearby rainforest.
At one point, the team was presented with an opportunity to head down upside down and a few Monarchs were brave enough to try. One of them was sophomore guard Scottie Hubbard.
“I’ve ziplined before, but wanted to try something new and be adventurous and in the moment. I didn’t really know where I was going, all I could see were the trees flashing by below me. I’d definitely do it again. Riding above the houses and the views I got of the forest were really cool.”
ODU wrapped up the trip with lunch provided at the park, then returned to the resort to enjoy the rest of the afternoon. Most of the team made its way down to the pool for a competitive game of volleyball.
The Monarchs will be back at Vista Los Sueños on Thursday for an ATV excursion.