Week of November 2...

A bump and a dive. That's how the boys' soccer season ended; a bump and a dive. Friday's quarterfinal match culminated in a converted overtime penalty kick, the result of a catastrophic amalgam of a minor foul, a bit of acting, and a referee's regrettable actions. As unsettling as the final chapter may have been, one must find the objectivity to step back and ascertain how it came to be that a talented Park squad found itself tied and in a position to suffer defeat at the hands of an odd bounce or a misguided whistle. The Bruins tallied two first-half goals but failed to overwhelm the Quakers, allowing them opportunity and the subsequent confidence to claw their way back into the game. The boys' effort and emotion were certainly evident throughout, but something, some unseen, uncoachable energy, was missing that day. Unfortunately, that thing has failed us before, in big games and championships, in kilts and cleats, sneakers and shorts, shooting on hoops and cages alike. Is this soccer season, or any other promising schedule finished prematurely, a failure? Of course not. Much was learned, and the moments we perceive as 'lows" are often even more critical than the "highs" to which we aspire in shaping the people that we become. Cherish them equally. Still, in the interest of developing a more complete and well-rounded athletic persona, while striving to further cover with banners the remaining empty spaces on our gymnasium walls, we should investigate and discuss our shortcomings; discover where that occasionally missing thing resides within us and decipher the code that unlocks it.

MSC: Season ended.

Girls' cross country ran their hearts out at their own postseason competition, last Wednesday's Championship. Ellie Kahn was our top finisher at 19th (out of 105!), completing the course in 23:29.90. Only one other Bruin finished in the top 50 (fellow senior Dani Haswell at 48) and the team finished 10th of 16, more or less equaling their performance during the regular season. Behind Dani, Park's next 3 runners were all freshmen who, along with sophomore Ellie, intend to return the team to past glories. Unfortunately, the speedy girls have eluded me since the race so I've little to offer regarding their take on the race. Look for more pictures on the IAAM website. More to come... Congratulations girls!

WCC: Season ended.

Field hockey battled courageously in their opening playoff game but, unfortunately, goals are not awarded for gritty play. The Bruins lost 0-2 to Glenelg, an eventual finalist (the Dragons lost to McDonogh 0-1 for the title). Since then, the players have scattered to the farthest reaches of the athletic center and beyond, casting off their sticks for the moment and venturing inside for the soccer and basketball teams of winter or simply some well-earned relaxation. Among the latter group is Emily Breiter, who was voted an IAAM All-Star. Congratulations Em! Next year's team will again play in the B-Conference.

FH: Season ended.

Girls' soccer, however, will endure a minor adjustment, requesting entrance into the C-Conference next year. Decisions on movements among conferences will not be made until around Thanksgiving. The foot-ballers had one IAAM All-Star as well, sophomore goalie Arianna Strome. Congrats!

WSC: Season ended.

Another mover is girls' tennis, who will jump to the A-Conference next fall pending the IAAM's verdict. They'll do so minus two IAAM All-Stars, senior co-captains Sofia Macht and Jenn Swirnow. Thank you, girls, and congratulations!

WTN: Season ended.

So then, what's left to get rabid Bruins' fans out of bed in the morning? The boys' cross country team is still running strong, awaiting their date with destiny (at the risk of sounding overdramatic...) at the MIAA Championship this Thursday at Oregon Ridge. The boys finished the regular season with a loss at John Carroll, struggling to a 1-7 record. Running, however, is a sport that offers those failing to finish first not only the abstract intrinsic rewards seen in other activities, but tangible, concrete numbers beyond the "score" that gauge each athlete's performance. This year's Bruins may indeed be seeking these very accolades but, nevertheless, they're striving for success. The GAME OF THE WEEK begins with the first race at approximately 2:15 PM this Thursday. Go get 'em boys!
GO BRUINS!

MCC: 11/5 @ MIAA Final

GO BRUINS!