Even though some of them aren't too sure their message was heard, several expressed that the opportunity was a good experience.
"I think all of us knew that the legislators weren't just going to hand us each a hundred-dollar bill to take back with us," said sophomore Katie Gavenus. "Still, it was kind of enlightening to see how they responded to us and see the different perspectives of the issue."
Lady Mariner head coach Mickey Todd said he was happy with how the meetings progressed and the level of interest and knowledge his team displayed.
"All of the girls participated in seeing the legislative process in some way," Todd said. "They were either speaking to legislators or sitting in support of others. I was really impressed with their insight through the whole thing."
Mariner boys head coach Ed Kelly agreed.
"It was really a great experience for the kids to see the full gamut of the political spectrum," Kelly said. "We split the kids into four groups and just let them loose on the legislators."
While visiting the capital, the athletes were able to meet with Homer representative Paul Seaton, and Seaton got to catch some good soccer games.
"This was a great opportunity for the girls to see how the legislative body actually works," Kelly said. "And they were really impressed that Paul Seaton showed up for one of our games under the lights. That improved their view of him quite a bit."
Though everyone seemed to have a pretty good time with the experience, the general consensus was one of skepticism.
"I think all the kids got something out of it," Kelly said. "Some of the kids got answers, some saw how things worked, and I think some found out that not all the legislators really wanted to hear what they had to say."
Todd agreed.
"I really think the girls came away feeling like no one there had really listened to them," he said. "But they came back to the van, discussed it and decided that this was why they needed to vote. I think they finally saw how their vote really can make an impact."
In the end, Gavenus summed up the weekend's activities.
"Even if we didn't change anything or make a big impact, I think it was a good experience," she said. "At least we know now that we can go down and talk to them and let them know what we're thinking. Besides, we were already going down to play soccer."
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