Apples Take A Hike
Appalachian Trail Provides Extreme Training

The 2007 FreshPoint Apples summer tour continued this weekend with a trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains and a back country training regime that challenged anyone who dared.

Led by Starting Outfielder Patty Pender, the Apples took part in a rigorous off season Appalachian Trail workout that would match even that of the United States Air Force Academy's basic training program.

Pender, who was named Defensive Player of the year following this past season, led the Apples as they took part in a variety of trail running, wood splitting and log carrying exercises along the famed Appalachian Trail.

" It's tough but enjoyable " said Pender during a break in the training. " It's nice to get a chance to do something different then the normal off season workouts we do back at the Apple Complex in Nashville " added Pender as she hydrated herself in the 100 plus degree temperatures that gripped the region.

" From what I can tell the Apples train harder then we do " said C4C Michael Oliver who last week completed his basic training as an incoming freshman at The United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO. "I'm not surprised for a second that Aunt Patty kicked butt in the woods because she has been kicking my Uncle Don's butt for years " added Oliver as he prepared for his attempt to make the Air Force football team as a walk on. When asked about the possibility of him joining the Apples following his stint at the Air Force Academy, Oliver said " yea, my plans are to be the first former astronaut to play for the Apples and I look forward to joining them on the field in about 30 years." Oliver then politely dismissed himself to join his fellow Cadets in attending a previously scheduled practice as a new member of the Air Force Academy Chorale.

As the Apples push their way through the dog days of summer it must again be asked, what's the next stop on the Apples summer tour? Although that question remains a mystery there is of course one thing to be said for sure... How bout them Apples!