The good news is that Yom Kippur has shortened our week to only 4 school days. Around 2PM this afternoon should be the first time I surprise myself with an "Oh yeah, it's actually TUESDAY!" moment. The holiday will not, however, interfere with your sports viewing pleasure because this week leads us directly into Brown and White WEEKEND, complete with full Friday and Saturday schedules. This is your opportunity to show your spirit all week long, come back to campus (those that are away) and visit with alumni as well as support current Bruins wherever they may roam. We look forward to seeing you!
Gearing up for the festivities, field hockey got off the schnide in dramatic fashion last week against the rival Quakers. The struggling squad summoned all their remaining heart and character during the waning moments of overtime following a scoreless tie, driving home the winner with under a minute left on the clock. While most every victory is sweet, this one was particularly satisfying and deeply needed. The next 2 contests ended in losses, but both were tight games culminating in narrow margins, 1-2 against Glenelg and 0-2 at McDonogh. Opportunities are starting to present themselves. While Park is no longer in the basement, they must find new methods of taking advantage of scoring chances in order to make an impact in the conference. Wednesday, the Bruins travel to Jon Carroll and Homecoming weekend brings us the top ranked Gators from Seton Keough on Friday and the Alumni Saturday at 2 PM.
FH: 9/30 @ JC, 10/2 v SK, 10/3 v Alumni
Boys' cross country again ran from the middle and back of the pack as the highly talented teams from McDonogh (4th in the A-Conference) and Calvert Hall (1st in the A-Conference) came to Park last week. Check the MIAA website for a brief summary, including the snippet where they mention Jamie DeMarco coming in 8th (our highest finisher) for Friends! Ugh. The boys hope to "never let yesterday use up too much of today" as they challenge McDonogh to a rematch, this time on their course, Tuesday.
MCC: 9/29 @ McDonogh
Girls' cross country traveled lightly to Seton Keough last week. The freshman class had just returned from their outing earlier that day and found themselves to fatigued to take part in the meet. That left Park short nearly half its regular allotment of athletes! Consequently, perhaps, the team came up short against the host school and Severn, though several Bruins that made the event ran personal bests. Park currently holds a 6-5 record, according to the IAAM, which somehow places them just behind AACS who is 1-4. Remind me to sit down with Kent and Paul for another tutoring session on how this sport is scored. St. Paul's rides high on the same list, sporting a 7-1 mark which, no matter how you figure it, ain't too shabby. As it so happens, they're next on the list for Park. Time to see what the girls are really made of.
9/29 @ SPSG
At Chapelgate last week, the girls' soccer team allowed an early goal following a collision involving Ariana Strome, the squad's goalie. Unfortunately, it proved to be the winner. The Bruins had their shots, but none managed to find the net. Like the hockey squad, these girls are beginning to find their mojo but haven't been able to light the lamp. Slowly, the girls appear to be building some cohesion just as some of their injured stars may be glimpsing the light at the ends of their respective tunnels. The upcoming schedule offers a wealth of variety featuring top-ranked St. John's at home on Wednesday, a bus ride to middle-of-the-pack RPCS Friday and winless Garrison on campus Saturday (at 12 noon).
WSC: 9/30 v St. John's, 10/2 @ RPCS, 10/3 v Garrison
Girls' tennis continued to roll last week, producing yet another 5-0 sweep of a B-Conference foe, this time Glenelg, and lifting the team to a 3-1 record. That's the past. 14-3 is the future. 14-3 is the combined record of this week's 3 opponents. On Tuesday, the girls travel to conference leader, and 6-0, Spalding to test their metal. Then comes St. Paul's, with their 4-1 mark, at Chestnut Ridge on Friday in our co-GAME OF THE WEEK followed by a trip to Friends (4-2) on Saturday. It's a very big week for the surging Bruins, who due to their off-campus home, see far too little of their fans. Take a trip to Chestnut this homecoming weekend and cheer for the brown and white!
WTN: 9/29 @ Spalding, 10/2 v SPSG, 10/3 @ Friends
Boys' soccer limped into their last game, 9/22 at home versus AACS, missing 2 of their top players due to illness and foolishness (see last week's entry for details). Perhaps more importantly, and certainly more surprisingly, they were also without Coach Mallonee who was a scratch from practice and games while he remained at home stricken with flu-like symptoms. In his stead, Roger Seidenman led the rag-tag bunch to a respectable 1-2 result, in which AACS jumped out to a 2-0 lead only to falter in the second half, giving up the Bruins' lone goal and several quality chances down the stretch. I'm happy to report that Coach Mal is feeling better and the rest of his crew are generally healthy and back in uniform for Brown and White. On Tuesday, the boys travel to face a very capable Glenelg squad before tussling at with jugernaut and recent A-Conference descendee, St. Paul's, Friday at home. The game against the Crusaders stands as our co-GAME OF THE WEEK and could finally propel Park toward their ultimate goal. Saturday, the Alumni take over at 1 PM for a nice, relaxing and safe (you hear me Alumni?) get together on Kelly Field.
MSC: 9/30 @ Glenelg, 10/2 v St. Paul's, 10/3 v Alumni
Best of luck to all and hope to see all of you on campus at some point this weekend!
GO BRUINS!
Friday, September 25, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
Week of September 21...
Park squads invaded the fields of rival schools last week, even as those teams littered our own venues. In the end, some Bruins excelled while others' heads hung low. A select few managed to do both.
To put it plainly, field hockey had a rough go. The Bruins labored to score goals and, in so doing, left themselves porous on defense as well, losing to Mt. de Sales 0-4 and Maryvale 1-6. Coach Hickok and her seniors struggled to maintain the team's composure in the wake of the losses, and must now find ways to avoid relinquishing their hope for the future. Fortunately, the season is still young and successes are not always measured by simple standings. Rebounding this week, however, will require a formidable (Herculean?) effort as Park faces a 3 game schedule. On Monday, the girls travel to Friends School to take on the 0-3 Quakers in a rivalry game to break out of the cellar in the B-Conference. Third place Glenelg then comes to campus on Wednesday and then it's back on the bus for a trip to first place and 5-0 McDonogh on Friday. Stay strong ladies. Go get 'em.
FH: M 9/21 @ Friends, W 9/23 v. Glenelg, F 9/25 @ McDonogh.
Though the 16-47 score may not have shown it, the boys' cross country team's loss to undefeated Loyola was not tragic. Coach Kessinger felt the lads ran well, further toughening their bodies and resolve for the second half of the season. That forward thinking and focus will again be tested when Calvert Hall, listed at 4-0 in the A-Conference, visits Park this Tuesday. If nothing else, the boys hope to challenge the Cardinals, earn their respect and yet remain under the radar until the November showdown at the championship.
MCC: T 9/22 v. Calvert Hall
Girls' soccer fell to 0-2 and the bottom of the B-Conference after losses to capable teams from Friends and St. Paul's. The lowlight of the week was not necessarily the losses, 0-3 and 0-6 respectively, but the lack of scoring. The Bruins had some opportunities but often found it difficult to find any flow through the midfield into the attacking zone. In the first half of the St. Paul's match, our girls appeared unready for the physical nature of the game. They made appropriate adjustments in both style and attitude during the break, but the goals remained allusive. The first opportunity to jump back into the thick of the conference race occurs Wednesday when Park travels to Chapelgate. On Friday, the girls hope to further tune their skills against non-conference foe Cristo Rey.
WSC: W 9/23 @ Chapelgate, F 9/25 v Cristo Rey
Park's girls' tennis team has, at 2-1, embedded themselves right in the middle of the B-Conference standings. Last week included two 5-0 sweeps of lower-ranked St. Tim's and St. Frances, even while missing two varsity players! Chalk one up for depth, strategy and good coaching. While the caliber of opponent in those matches may not have rivaled the early season challenge from McDonogh, each game provides opportunity for the girls to improve, further preparing them for the schedule to come and the finals themselves. Tuesday, Park hosts 0-3 Glenelg at Chestnut Ridge.
WTN: T 9/22 v Glenelg
The girls' cross country team also occupies the middle ground in the B-Conference. Last week included wins over Glenelg and Beth T'Filoh, improving the Bruins' overall record to 5-3 (of note, the IAAM website is entirely incorrect on this one). Tuesday, the girls face competition that resides above them in the standings when they travel to Seton Keough to race the Gators along with Severn and others. This week, the Bruins may indeed have to shed their smiles and claw for contention in order to continue their winning ways.
WCC: T 9/22 @ Seton Keough
The boys' soccer team may have had not only the most triumphant week of the lot, but possibly one of the more impressive regular season weeks in recent memory, knocking off perennial talents Friends School and Boys' Latin in successive games. The 2-1 and 1-0 victories catapulted the Bruins to second place in the B-Conference standings behind only undefeated, and recent A-Conference dropout, St. Paul's. Unfortunately, once the celebrations began upon the final whistle, emotion and an alleged game-long berating from antagonistic fans got the better of at least one Bruin, leading to an inappropriate taunt directed towards the crowd. The exaltation has resulted in the suspension of a key player for Tuesday's match against Red Division leader AACS, our GAME OF THE WEEK. Now, of course I'd prefer the focus of today's blog remain upon the outstanding effort and successes of the team. However, I feel it necessary to use the medium in some small way to remind current Bruins who may be reading that we at Park judge our actions not by means of some comparison to the behaviors of others, but according to our own standards of ethics, morals and sportsmanship. It's a matter of character, upon which we pride ourselves. No matter the degradations occasionally hurled by others, the flagrant fouls or other misdeeds that may occur on or off the playing surface; No matter what, you stay classy Bruins.
MSC: T 9/22 v. AACS
As always, check the website for updated schedules, times and venues!
GO BRUINS!
To put it plainly, field hockey had a rough go. The Bruins labored to score goals and, in so doing, left themselves porous on defense as well, losing to Mt. de Sales 0-4 and Maryvale 1-6. Coach Hickok and her seniors struggled to maintain the team's composure in the wake of the losses, and must now find ways to avoid relinquishing their hope for the future. Fortunately, the season is still young and successes are not always measured by simple standings. Rebounding this week, however, will require a formidable (Herculean?) effort as Park faces a 3 game schedule. On Monday, the girls travel to Friends School to take on the 0-3 Quakers in a rivalry game to break out of the cellar in the B-Conference. Third place Glenelg then comes to campus on Wednesday and then it's back on the bus for a trip to first place and 5-0 McDonogh on Friday. Stay strong ladies. Go get 'em.
FH: M 9/21 @ Friends, W 9/23 v. Glenelg, F 9/25 @ McDonogh.
Though the 16-47 score may not have shown it, the boys' cross country team's loss to undefeated Loyola was not tragic. Coach Kessinger felt the lads ran well, further toughening their bodies and resolve for the second half of the season. That forward thinking and focus will again be tested when Calvert Hall, listed at 4-0 in the A-Conference, visits Park this Tuesday. If nothing else, the boys hope to challenge the Cardinals, earn their respect and yet remain under the radar until the November showdown at the championship.
MCC: T 9/22 v. Calvert Hall
Girls' soccer fell to 0-2 and the bottom of the B-Conference after losses to capable teams from Friends and St. Paul's. The lowlight of the week was not necessarily the losses, 0-3 and 0-6 respectively, but the lack of scoring. The Bruins had some opportunities but often found it difficult to find any flow through the midfield into the attacking zone. In the first half of the St. Paul's match, our girls appeared unready for the physical nature of the game. They made appropriate adjustments in both style and attitude during the break, but the goals remained allusive. The first opportunity to jump back into the thick of the conference race occurs Wednesday when Park travels to Chapelgate. On Friday, the girls hope to further tune their skills against non-conference foe Cristo Rey.
WSC: W 9/23 @ Chapelgate, F 9/25 v Cristo Rey
Park's girls' tennis team has, at 2-1, embedded themselves right in the middle of the B-Conference standings. Last week included two 5-0 sweeps of lower-ranked St. Tim's and St. Frances, even while missing two varsity players! Chalk one up for depth, strategy and good coaching. While the caliber of opponent in those matches may not have rivaled the early season challenge from McDonogh, each game provides opportunity for the girls to improve, further preparing them for the schedule to come and the finals themselves. Tuesday, Park hosts 0-3 Glenelg at Chestnut Ridge.
WTN: T 9/22 v Glenelg
The girls' cross country team also occupies the middle ground in the B-Conference. Last week included wins over Glenelg and Beth T'Filoh, improving the Bruins' overall record to 5-3 (of note, the IAAM website is entirely incorrect on this one). Tuesday, the girls face competition that resides above them in the standings when they travel to Seton Keough to race the Gators along with Severn and others. This week, the Bruins may indeed have to shed their smiles and claw for contention in order to continue their winning ways.
WCC: T 9/22 @ Seton Keough
The boys' soccer team may have had not only the most triumphant week of the lot, but possibly one of the more impressive regular season weeks in recent memory, knocking off perennial talents Friends School and Boys' Latin in successive games. The 2-1 and 1-0 victories catapulted the Bruins to second place in the B-Conference standings behind only undefeated, and recent A-Conference dropout, St. Paul's. Unfortunately, once the celebrations began upon the final whistle, emotion and an alleged game-long berating from antagonistic fans got the better of at least one Bruin, leading to an inappropriate taunt directed towards the crowd. The exaltation has resulted in the suspension of a key player for Tuesday's match against Red Division leader AACS, our GAME OF THE WEEK. Now, of course I'd prefer the focus of today's blog remain upon the outstanding effort and successes of the team. However, I feel it necessary to use the medium in some small way to remind current Bruins who may be reading that we at Park judge our actions not by means of some comparison to the behaviors of others, but according to our own standards of ethics, morals and sportsmanship. It's a matter of character, upon which we pride ourselves. No matter the degradations occasionally hurled by others, the flagrant fouls or other misdeeds that may occur on or off the playing surface; No matter what, you stay classy Bruins.
MSC: T 9/22 v. AACS
As always, check the website for updated schedules, times and venues!
GO BRUINS!
Friday, September 11, 2009
Week of September 14...
If last week's arrival of the first few conference contests meant it was officially time to shake the rust and cobwebs from our games as athletes and fans, this week's schedule demands nothing less than mid-season form sporting at least 4 meetings with Friends and other arch-rivals.
Last week, What's Bruin? reported on the impressive numbers trotted out by girls' cross country coach Kent Walker. In their first meet, quality apparently coincided with quantity as Park knocked off 3 out of the 4 teams with whom they were matched. Only St. John's managed to outpace the Bruins as they bested Lutheran, RPCS and Catholic. Next, rivalry week kicks off as the girls host Friends and BT, among others, Tuesday the 15th at our home course, Oregon Ridge.
Boys' soccer didn't fare quite as well as the young runners, though technically there's no loss to report. It was early last year when Pallotti provided an overtime wake up call, testing the Bruins who managed to pull out the victory minus their best effort. Last Wednesday marked the beginning of the '09-'10 campaign in much the same fashion. This time, the double overtime match ended in a 1-1 tie. The Panthers were indeed improved, but the Bruins again failed to exhibit a peak performance. The preseason's rash of injuries left little opportunity for cohesive practices, resulting in a somewhat disjointed appearance in their first conference game. Rain provided at least 1 extra day of "rest" by postponing last Friday's trip to Severn. Perhaps the best example of our week of rivals theme, Tuesday (9/15) the boys travel to Friends and Thursday (9/17) they head to BL. If you have the opportunity, both games are nearby and a Park cheering section at either locale is always welcome.
Coping with a particularly rough start to their conference calendar is field hockey, who found themselves on the wrong end of 1-4 tally at Seton Keough. The team dealt with its own injury bug (not an excuse, simply a fact), losing 3 key players for much of late August and early September. The ailing group has little time to recover as they face 2 road games this week, at 2-0 B-Conference leader Mt. de Sales on Monday (9/14) and 0-1 Maryvale on Wednesday (9/16).
Battling a swarm of Gilman runners, the inexperience of the Bruins' boys' cross country squad was made immediately evident in the first meet of the fall season. 2nd and 6th place finishes by Jaime DeMarco (who trailed the leader by only 6 seconds) and Kyle Long, respectively, were left unsupported as much of the remainder of the somewhat depleted team worked to find their stride. The result was not wholly unexpected as the true focus for this group may be the second half of their season gearing up toward a strong A-Conference Finals' finish. Still, Coaches Hulleberg and Kessinger are hoping all the aching ankles and shins return to form before this Tuesday's (9/15) meet at Loyola.
Girls' tennis began a very promising fall with a 5-0 sweep of Lutheran followed by an unfortunate, though equally impressive, 1-4 loss at McDonogh. The Bruins provided the Eagles all the competition they could handle, extending each point, game and set at every level, even warranting post-match compliments from the opposing coach. This week, the girls look to continue their excellent play, while hoping to add to their win total, as they take on St. Tim's on Tuesday (9/15) at Chestnut Ridge and St. Frances away on Thursday (9/17).
The girls' soccer squad had their only varsity contest of the week rained out by Friday's deluge. As a result, rather than confronting Mt. Carmel, Park will launch their IAAM schedule against the likes of last year's B-Conference Finals pairing. Our inaugural GAME OF THE WEEK pits the young Bruins against the defending champion Quakers of Friends School (who's only loss during their '08 10-1 run was to... you guessed it, your Park Bruins), September 14th at 4PM on Boys' Varsity Field. Wednesday the 16th holds further challenges as last year's runner-up, St. Paul's arrives on campus. Please make every effort to show your support in your classrooms, the hallways and especially along the sidelines both afternoons!
Best of luck all. Get healthy and...
GO BRUINS!
Last week, What's Bruin? reported on the impressive numbers trotted out by girls' cross country coach Kent Walker. In their first meet, quality apparently coincided with quantity as Park knocked off 3 out of the 4 teams with whom they were matched. Only St. John's managed to outpace the Bruins as they bested Lutheran, RPCS and Catholic. Next, rivalry week kicks off as the girls host Friends and BT, among others, Tuesday the 15th at our home course, Oregon Ridge.
Boys' soccer didn't fare quite as well as the young runners, though technically there's no loss to report. It was early last year when Pallotti provided an overtime wake up call, testing the Bruins who managed to pull out the victory minus their best effort. Last Wednesday marked the beginning of the '09-'10 campaign in much the same fashion. This time, the double overtime match ended in a 1-1 tie. The Panthers were indeed improved, but the Bruins again failed to exhibit a peak performance. The preseason's rash of injuries left little opportunity for cohesive practices, resulting in a somewhat disjointed appearance in their first conference game. Rain provided at least 1 extra day of "rest" by postponing last Friday's trip to Severn. Perhaps the best example of our week of rivals theme, Tuesday (9/15) the boys travel to Friends and Thursday (9/17) they head to BL. If you have the opportunity, both games are nearby and a Park cheering section at either locale is always welcome.
Coping with a particularly rough start to their conference calendar is field hockey, who found themselves on the wrong end of 1-4 tally at Seton Keough. The team dealt with its own injury bug (not an excuse, simply a fact), losing 3 key players for much of late August and early September. The ailing group has little time to recover as they face 2 road games this week, at 2-0 B-Conference leader Mt. de Sales on Monday (9/14) and 0-1 Maryvale on Wednesday (9/16).
Battling a swarm of Gilman runners, the inexperience of the Bruins' boys' cross country squad was made immediately evident in the first meet of the fall season. 2nd and 6th place finishes by Jaime DeMarco (who trailed the leader by only 6 seconds) and Kyle Long, respectively, were left unsupported as much of the remainder of the somewhat depleted team worked to find their stride. The result was not wholly unexpected as the true focus for this group may be the second half of their season gearing up toward a strong A-Conference Finals' finish. Still, Coaches Hulleberg and Kessinger are hoping all the aching ankles and shins return to form before this Tuesday's (9/15) meet at Loyola.
Girls' tennis began a very promising fall with a 5-0 sweep of Lutheran followed by an unfortunate, though equally impressive, 1-4 loss at McDonogh. The Bruins provided the Eagles all the competition they could handle, extending each point, game and set at every level, even warranting post-match compliments from the opposing coach. This week, the girls look to continue their excellent play, while hoping to add to their win total, as they take on St. Tim's on Tuesday (9/15) at Chestnut Ridge and St. Frances away on Thursday (9/17).
The girls' soccer squad had their only varsity contest of the week rained out by Friday's deluge. As a result, rather than confronting Mt. Carmel, Park will launch their IAAM schedule against the likes of last year's B-Conference Finals pairing. Our inaugural GAME OF THE WEEK pits the young Bruins against the defending champion Quakers of Friends School (who's only loss during their '08 10-1 run was to... you guessed it, your Park Bruins), September 14th at 4PM on Boys' Varsity Field. Wednesday the 16th holds further challenges as last year's runner-up, St. Paul's arrives on campus. Please make every effort to show your support in your classrooms, the hallways and especially along the sidelines both afternoons!
Best of luck all. Get healthy and...
GO BRUINS!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
WELCOME BACK! Week of September 7...
Welcome back Park faithful! Let me first apologize for the delay in rejuvenating the blog. Thus far this year, it's often proven difficult to simply locate my laptop (much less sit and write upon it) through the preseason paperwork and calamitous crowds occupying my office. More on that later. Suffice it to say, professional visits to the ATR have far outnumbered the social calls during the early course of the season. Still, the weather is beautiful, the fields are green and whistles are blowing. Cleats are kicking and balls are bouncing, rackets swiping and runners... well, running. Spread the word; the Bruins are back.
The fall is officially gaining its stride with scrimmages giving way to conference games and early morning sessions having progressed to their more customary late afternoon slots, but before delving into a team-by-team address of what's to come, let's take a closer look at the highlights of what has passed. Over the summer, a handful of Park athletes were showered with accolades the likes of which we haven't seen in at least the decade I've been here, and certainly deserving of celebration among our community and elsewhere.
Departing senior Anja Fries ('09) and rising senior Lucie Weinberg ('10) were named High School Academic All-America honorees. Dawn Lee ('09) earned the Towson/Owings Mills Times Female Athlete of the Year award. And last, but certainly not least, Adrienne Tarver ('10) was recognized as a 1st Team High School All-America member and mentioned by Inside Lacrosse as a rising senior to watch this year. Oh, and she also verbally committed to Yale. To further satiate your appetite for all things AT, check the article from The Towson/Owings Mills Times. These girls are walking (running, playing, studying...) examples of the ideals set forth by Park Athletics; that while sports are certainly our passion, they do not define all that we are. Congratulations all!
Lucie ('09 All-Conference) and Adrienne join forces again this fall, leading the varsity girls' soccer squad along with fellow captain "Georgi" McCauley. They are 3 of only 4 seniors on the team of 23. The group that plays with "energy and enthusiasm," according to Coaches Piper and Jennings, is dominated by freshmen - 10 in all - and carries all the advantages and disadvantages of that sort of lineup. Limiting errors may prove the key in besting strong foes from St. Paul's, RPCS and Friends. In their first scrimmage, the girls took on Pikesville in a lopsided 5-0 victory. Their next test came against CHEN last Thursday (9/3); a game that, though tighter in goals, once again exhibited some of the potential of this year's team ending 4-1 in the Bruins' favor. This week, the "B" team takes on the Quakers at home on Wednesday. Mt. Carmel is next on Friday, the 11th, also at home.
Girls' field hockey will field 5 seniors, including captains Emily Breiter, Julia Meyerhoff and Maria Schwartz. Just like their counterparts on the soccer pitch, they've seen early success... supremecy, some might say. Their scrimmages - against Key, IND and Catholic - all saw first half shutouts that lead to premature resetting of the score. Coach Hickok hopes to burn out the scoreboard lights as conference play begins in earnest, but the team's path will be bumpy to say the least. Powerhouse B-Conference rival McDonogh is mentioned in The Sun's preseason top 15, and the schedule's first week provides little time to get comfortable with 2 games on the road; Wednesday at Seton Keough and Friday at Friends. Start strong girls.
Boys' Soccer has begun the year as a bit of an enigma. With 17 (count 'em!) seniors among the 27 athletes, you'd expect a disciplined, well-oiled machine, right? Early signs, however, lead Coach Mallonee, not to mention yours truly, to dread the repair bill rather than relish the performance of this experienced engine. A hefty portion of the Bruins found themselves sidelined by one malady or another during the early fall causing captains Jon Hettleman, Nick Ryugo and lone returning MIAA All-Star, Andrew Duberg to rethink their leadership strategy. Following a 4-0 blowout of Lutheran, a 3-3 wake up call against Key further increased the team's anxiety. It took a 0-4 loss against talented Gilman to expose what might be the first light at the end of the tunnel. Yes, I said a "0-4 loss." In that game, specifically the second half, the boys appeared to turn things around a bit and refocus themselves. Many players are in unfamiliar roles and/or positions and lack consistency. Several must step up, drawing on the Bruins' classic intelligence, toughness and hustle, if the team is to make a splash in November. Wednesday brings us Pallotti at home followed by a game at Severn on Friday.
Girls' Tennis rolls out a small army of 22 players (8 seniors) this fall. Captained by Sofia Macht and Jen Swirnow, the girls have only a month and a half to work out the kinks and find the apex of their game before the regular season closes in mid October. The abbreviated schedule certainly doesn't leave much room for error, but Coach Betty Medalie assures me that there are contenders among this bunch. Competition begins at Chestnut Ridge Tuesday (9/8) as the girls face Baltimore Lutheran. Make this early match if you can; finals are around the corner!
Lone senior and captain, Kyle Long, hopes to lead the boys' cross country runners to another top 10 team finish in the A-Conference. The past 3 years have witnessed Coach Hulleberg's "upstarts" string together consecutive 5th place awards in the Oregon Ridge final. Youth and inexperience may tilt the course slightly uphill against the Bruins this fall, but the boys' hard work in the off- and early-season is already paying dividends as the crew remains healthy, motivated and having fun. The gun goes off Tuesday at home against Gilman. Come cheer the boys through the woods from Kelly Field.
Girls' cross country fields its largest squad in the last 5 years with 13 members, only 3 of whom are seniors (Maggie Casey, Alix Gresov and Susie Yaster). This group, too, is young with 5 freshmen and 2 sophomores, but Coach Walker promises a "speedy" bunch with potential. Tuesday the girls travel to Lutheran to begin to ascertain both the quantity and balance of those 2 attributes. Work hard and have fun girls.
More info to come. Welcome to the new year! Always check the website to confirm dates and venues and don't hesitate to contact me to correct my errors!
GO BRUINS!
The fall is officially gaining its stride with scrimmages giving way to conference games and early morning sessions having progressed to their more customary late afternoon slots, but before delving into a team-by-team address of what's to come, let's take a closer look at the highlights of what has passed. Over the summer, a handful of Park athletes were showered with accolades the likes of which we haven't seen in at least the decade I've been here, and certainly deserving of celebration among our community and elsewhere.
Departing senior Anja Fries ('09) and rising senior Lucie Weinberg ('10) were named High School Academic All-America honorees. Dawn Lee ('09) earned the Towson/Owings Mills Times Female Athlete of the Year award. And last, but certainly not least, Adrienne Tarver ('10) was recognized as a 1st Team High School All-America member and mentioned by Inside Lacrosse as a rising senior to watch this year. Oh, and she also verbally committed to Yale. To further satiate your appetite for all things AT, check the article from The Towson/Owings Mills Times. These girls are walking (running, playing, studying...) examples of the ideals set forth by Park Athletics; that while sports are certainly our passion, they do not define all that we are. Congratulations all!
Lucie ('09 All-Conference) and Adrienne join forces again this fall, leading the varsity girls' soccer squad along with fellow captain "Georgi" McCauley. They are 3 of only 4 seniors on the team of 23. The group that plays with "energy and enthusiasm," according to Coaches Piper and Jennings, is dominated by freshmen - 10 in all - and carries all the advantages and disadvantages of that sort of lineup. Limiting errors may prove the key in besting strong foes from St. Paul's, RPCS and Friends. In their first scrimmage, the girls took on Pikesville in a lopsided 5-0 victory. Their next test came against CHEN last Thursday (9/3); a game that, though tighter in goals, once again exhibited some of the potential of this year's team ending 4-1 in the Bruins' favor. This week, the "B" team takes on the Quakers at home on Wednesday. Mt. Carmel is next on Friday, the 11th, also at home.
Girls' field hockey will field 5 seniors, including captains Emily Breiter, Julia Meyerhoff and Maria Schwartz. Just like their counterparts on the soccer pitch, they've seen early success... supremecy, some might say. Their scrimmages - against Key, IND and Catholic - all saw first half shutouts that lead to premature resetting of the score. Coach Hickok hopes to burn out the scoreboard lights as conference play begins in earnest, but the team's path will be bumpy to say the least. Powerhouse B-Conference rival McDonogh is mentioned in The Sun's preseason top 15, and the schedule's first week provides little time to get comfortable with 2 games on the road; Wednesday at Seton Keough and Friday at Friends. Start strong girls.
Boys' Soccer has begun the year as a bit of an enigma. With 17 (count 'em!) seniors among the 27 athletes, you'd expect a disciplined, well-oiled machine, right? Early signs, however, lead Coach Mallonee, not to mention yours truly, to dread the repair bill rather than relish the performance of this experienced engine. A hefty portion of the Bruins found themselves sidelined by one malady or another during the early fall causing captains Jon Hettleman, Nick Ryugo and lone returning MIAA All-Star, Andrew Duberg to rethink their leadership strategy. Following a 4-0 blowout of Lutheran, a 3-3 wake up call against Key further increased the team's anxiety. It took a 0-4 loss against talented Gilman to expose what might be the first light at the end of the tunnel. Yes, I said a "0-4 loss." In that game, specifically the second half, the boys appeared to turn things around a bit and refocus themselves. Many players are in unfamiliar roles and/or positions and lack consistency. Several must step up, drawing on the Bruins' classic intelligence, toughness and hustle, if the team is to make a splash in November. Wednesday brings us Pallotti at home followed by a game at Severn on Friday.
Girls' Tennis rolls out a small army of 22 players (8 seniors) this fall. Captained by Sofia Macht and Jen Swirnow, the girls have only a month and a half to work out the kinks and find the apex of their game before the regular season closes in mid October. The abbreviated schedule certainly doesn't leave much room for error, but Coach Betty Medalie assures me that there are contenders among this bunch. Competition begins at Chestnut Ridge Tuesday (9/8) as the girls face Baltimore Lutheran. Make this early match if you can; finals are around the corner!
Lone senior and captain, Kyle Long, hopes to lead the boys' cross country runners to another top 10 team finish in the A-Conference. The past 3 years have witnessed Coach Hulleberg's "upstarts" string together consecutive 5th place awards in the Oregon Ridge final. Youth and inexperience may tilt the course slightly uphill against the Bruins this fall, but the boys' hard work in the off- and early-season is already paying dividends as the crew remains healthy, motivated and having fun. The gun goes off Tuesday at home against Gilman. Come cheer the boys through the woods from Kelly Field.
Girls' cross country fields its largest squad in the last 5 years with 13 members, only 3 of whom are seniors (Maggie Casey, Alix Gresov and Susie Yaster). This group, too, is young with 5 freshmen and 2 sophomores, but Coach Walker promises a "speedy" bunch with potential. Tuesday the girls travel to Lutheran to begin to ascertain both the quantity and balance of those 2 attributes. Work hard and have fun girls.
More info to come. Welcome to the new year! Always check the website to confirm dates and venues and don't hesitate to contact me to correct my errors!
GO BRUINS!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Summer news...
For those of you out there still paying attention, we'll call this an addendum to the Year's End post. If you've been reading diligently, last week I mentioned briefly the rarity of a single All Metro award. This spring, we have THREE. Selected as Honorable Mention winners were Chelsea Burwasser for softball along with Adrienne Tarver and Lucie Weinberg for lacrosse. If the achievement alone is not enough to thoroughly impress you, consider that all 3 are underclassmen. Adrienne and Lucie are both rising seniors while Chelsea will be just a junior in 2010! Apparently we don't rebuild, we simply reload.
In addition, Park's girls' lacrosse team appeared on Digital Sports' Top 20 Poll in the "Other Teams Considered" category. Congratulations girls! Other 2009 springtime Bruins' distinctions:
All Conference:
Chelsea Burwasser - All IAAM C-Conference Softball
Andrew Duberg - All MIAA B-Conference Lacrosse
Alix Gresov - All IAAM C-Conference Softball
Jonathan Hettleman - All MIAA B-Conference Baseball
Andrew Keiser - All MIAA B-Conference Baseball
J. Harrison Macks - All MIAA B-Conference Golf
Adrienne Tarver - All IAAM B-Conference Lacrosse
Lucie Weinberg - All IAAM B-Conference Lacrosse
Congratulations all! Have a restful, yet productive, summer. More news to come this off season as it crosses my desk.
GO BRUINS!
In addition, Park's girls' lacrosse team appeared on Digital Sports' Top 20 Poll in the "Other Teams Considered" category. Congratulations girls! Other 2009 springtime Bruins' distinctions:
All Conference:
Chelsea Burwasser - All IAAM C-Conference Softball
Andrew Duberg - All MIAA B-Conference Lacrosse
Alix Gresov - All IAAM C-Conference Softball
Jonathan Hettleman - All MIAA B-Conference Baseball
Andrew Keiser - All MIAA B-Conference Baseball
J. Harrison Macks - All MIAA B-Conference Golf
Adrienne Tarver - All IAAM B-Conference Lacrosse
Lucie Weinberg - All IAAM B-Conference Lacrosse
Congratulations all! Have a restful, yet productive, summer. More news to come this off season as it crosses my desk.
GO BRUINS!
Monday, June 8, 2009
Year's end: 2009...
Last Monday we watched the Class of 2009 graduate and begin the next chapter of their own personal stories. In the weeks prior, our departing seniors reveled with teammates and classmates alike, celebrating 3 spring conference finals victories, and congratulated one another as the honored guests of the Athletics Breakfast. Among the hugs, applause and photo ops, we took the opportunity to reminisce, recalling the all-too-brief history of this group to be shared via this new platform. My personal archive, while likely tainted by the occasional inaccuracies of both a weary mind and lack of a credible online source (Barb and Lucky, where are you when I need you?), is nonetheless a testament to the prowess of the departing Bruins. It lists a double-digit tally of championship competitions with more wins than losses, as evidenced by banners hung and plaques displayed in recognition of successes by boys' basketball, girls' lacrosse (twice!), boys' tennis and softball.
17 all-conference awards, and 1 rare all-metro nod, have been stockpiled by the "Uh-Oh Niners" during their tenure here at Park. With 3 apiece, Carlos Cruz, the unstoppable, never-tiring waterbug of soccer, lacrosse and (finally) basketball fame, along with Dawn Lee, our very own imposing conglomeration of immovable object and unstoppable force, strode out of the Athletics Breakfast as Kelly Award winners. That same morning our Unsung Heroes received deserved, if unexpected and unsolicited, recognition. Lucas Hulleberg lead both on and off the field, through good times and bad, with little more than a smile and an infectious laugh, and triumphantly emerged from the daunting shadow of his older brother, providing much needed talent and cohesion to the cross country and lacrosse teams. Chris Benn proved a vital cog on the boys' soccer and basketball teams before battling through injury to win a tennis championship and, perhaps more impressively, managing to elicit the occasional chuckle from the Athletic Trainer in the spring (thanks Chris). Anja Fries, when not flaunting her bruises or boasting her bumps, spent her afternoons creating new ones on the hockey and lacrosse fields, culminating her career as a championship-winning goalie. The five honorees were the core of a small, but gritty senior class of athletes and all will be especially missed. Among the jumbled crush of numbers and statistics available (or not), the following were also of note:
All-IAAM Awards:
Rebecca Althauser - Soccer (1)
Kayla Bruun - Indoor occer (1)
Dawn Lee - Field Hockey (1), Basketball (2)
Julie Levitsky - Tennis (1)
Tess Shiras - Tennis (2)
All-MIAA Awards:
Carlos Cruz - Soccer (3)
Nathan Jones - Baseball (1)
Andrew Keiser - Baseball (1)
Karl Nelson - Basketball (3, 1 All Metro Honorable Mention)
Noam Yaffe - Soccer (1)
Departing seniors with at least 7 varsity seasons to their credit:
Rebecca Althauser
Nathaniel Colbert-Sangree
Carlos Cruz
Rachel Elliott
Dawn Lee
Indeed, like the long list of Bruins that preceded them, this year's group leaves in their wake a substantial void to be filled by rising underclassmen. Fortunately, the outlook is anything but bleak. The Class of 2010 enjoys both quantity and quality among their athletic attributes. As an example, 11 of the '09 juniors were 3-sport athletes this year, and the class has already matched the list above in number, counting 5 of their own as varsity letter winners in 7 or more seasons. What's more, the rising seniors have already accumulated 15 all conference honors!
The final seasons of the Class of 2009 gave us, among many others memories, the come-from-behind toppling of the Quakers in girls' lax as well as the heartbreaking finish to the girls' basketball championship. The former ranks among the most thrilling contests I've ever witnessed. The latter should instill a feeling of pride and community among each and every Bruin. Whether clamoring at the unimaginable feats of the victorious or shaking the gym in a losing effort, it is often the struggle rather than the outcome that are the ultimate reward. It is the friendships and emotion, rather than the records, that remain once the shouting has ceased.
Best of luck, gang! Keep in touch and continue to make us proud.
What's Bruin will return as we near the fall seasons and welcome the new school year. Take care all and thank you for keeping up with the blog and Park athletics!
GO BRUINS!
17 all-conference awards, and 1 rare all-metro nod, have been stockpiled by the "Uh-Oh Niners" during their tenure here at Park. With 3 apiece, Carlos Cruz, the unstoppable, never-tiring waterbug of soccer, lacrosse and (finally) basketball fame, along with Dawn Lee, our very own imposing conglomeration of immovable object and unstoppable force, strode out of the Athletics Breakfast as Kelly Award winners. That same morning our Unsung Heroes received deserved, if unexpected and unsolicited, recognition. Lucas Hulleberg lead both on and off the field, through good times and bad, with little more than a smile and an infectious laugh, and triumphantly emerged from the daunting shadow of his older brother, providing much needed talent and cohesion to the cross country and lacrosse teams. Chris Benn proved a vital cog on the boys' soccer and basketball teams before battling through injury to win a tennis championship and, perhaps more impressively, managing to elicit the occasional chuckle from the Athletic Trainer in the spring (thanks Chris). Anja Fries, when not flaunting her bruises or boasting her bumps, spent her afternoons creating new ones on the hockey and lacrosse fields, culminating her career as a championship-winning goalie. The five honorees were the core of a small, but gritty senior class of athletes and all will be especially missed. Among the jumbled crush of numbers and statistics available (or not), the following were also of note:
All-IAAM Awards:
Rebecca Althauser - Soccer (1)
Kayla Bruun - Indoor occer (1)
Dawn Lee - Field Hockey (1), Basketball (2)
Julie Levitsky - Tennis (1)
Tess Shiras - Tennis (2)
All-MIAA Awards:
Carlos Cruz - Soccer (3)
Nathan Jones - Baseball (1)
Andrew Keiser - Baseball (1)
Karl Nelson - Basketball (3, 1 All Metro Honorable Mention)
Noam Yaffe - Soccer (1)
Departing seniors with at least 7 varsity seasons to their credit:
Rebecca Althauser
Nathaniel Colbert-Sangree
Carlos Cruz
Rachel Elliott
Dawn Lee
Indeed, like the long list of Bruins that preceded them, this year's group leaves in their wake a substantial void to be filled by rising underclassmen. Fortunately, the outlook is anything but bleak. The Class of 2010 enjoys both quantity and quality among their athletic attributes. As an example, 11 of the '09 juniors were 3-sport athletes this year, and the class has already matched the list above in number, counting 5 of their own as varsity letter winners in 7 or more seasons. What's more, the rising seniors have already accumulated 15 all conference honors!
The final seasons of the Class of 2009 gave us, among many others memories, the come-from-behind toppling of the Quakers in girls' lax as well as the heartbreaking finish to the girls' basketball championship. The former ranks among the most thrilling contests I've ever witnessed. The latter should instill a feeling of pride and community among each and every Bruin. Whether clamoring at the unimaginable feats of the victorious or shaking the gym in a losing effort, it is often the struggle rather than the outcome that are the ultimate reward. It is the friendships and emotion, rather than the records, that remain once the shouting has ceased.
Best of luck, gang! Keep in touch and continue to make us proud.
What's Bruin will return as we near the fall seasons and welcome the new school year. Take care all and thank you for keeping up with the blog and Park athletics!
GO BRUINS!
Friday, May 15, 2009
Week of May 18...
Some minor computer difficulties and an internet outage or two slowed the writing of this week's post a bit, but perhaps the premier reason for the delay is simply a loss for words left to describe the weekend's events. A courageous quarterfinal defeat preceded three CHAMPIONSHIPS won by Park teams, each in thrilling fashion, and all exemplifying what we believe it means to be a Bruin. Let's go back to the beginning...
Boys' lacrosse faced huge odds. Even though they'd locked up a number two ranking entering the playoffs, the team had been decimated by injury. Several key players would be watching Tuesday's quarterfinal game against Glenelg from the sideline and, cheering as they might, would offer little aid in the end. The Bruins trailed by three in the final quarter of regulation after succumbing to the Dragons earlier in the season, but only after three overtimes. Somehow Park's boys found goals. They found huge defensive stands. Somewhere within themselves they found the sheer will to place themselves down only one score while with seconds left on the clock. Battered, bruised and weary, they even held the ball, albeit at the wrong end of the field. The final sixty yard toss sailed wide and the Bruins season was complete, but not before learning (and hopefully teaching) a valuable lesson. These boys refused to sit when a chair was offered and struggled literally until the final whistle, relinquishing their hope and effort only when the officials informed them that no time remained. The scoreboard read 9-8. Hold your heads high, boys.
Last Tuesday marked the start of the MIAA boys' tennis Individual CHAMPIONSHIP Tournament. Junior David Spivey and senior Chris Benn, dubbed Park's "number two" doubles
entry, began the season playing separately. As fate would have it, both were stricken by injury and forced to attempt to rehabilitate their way back onto the team with precious little time left in the regular season. While not at full speed, each made enough progress to be considered for doubles play, and the pairing was set. Though their ailments certainly stole a step or two from their game, the two meshed their strengths and in short time found a chemistry as well as a strategy all their own. The plan, they realized, would entail a simple "cat and mouse" tactic. True, others may simply deem the boys slow starters, but let's not ruin a good story.
The Bruins began as a five seed in the two doubles bracket, a victory in and of itself, for no Park player(s) had attained such a high rating going into the tournament in recent memory. They'd also achieved a bye in the first round, held Monday. We may never know whether it was the extra day off or devious strategy that accounted for the boys' shaky start against Mt. St. Joe's on Tuesday but, in the end, they'd managed a three set win going 4-6, 6-4 and 6-3. For many, a bye and a quarterfinal triumph would have proved accomplishment enough, especially given the fact that Wednesday's match pitted Park against number one, Gilman. Add to that, Chris and David immediately dropped four of the first five games in set one. Trailing 1-4 to the top seed, the easy and, perhaps, intelligent thing to do would be to simply yield and concede defeat. Instead, the boys rallied to 3-5, then 5-5, and eventually a tiebreaker win in the first set! Having broken the imposing Greyhounds' confidence, the Bruins stubbornly refused to deviate from their plan and lost the first two games of the second set before cruising to another 6-3 victory. On to Thursday's final, where there remained only one more hurdle between them and a title; the two seed from McDonogh. Nervous? When in doubt, stick to the plan. The first set passed 4-6, a seemingly painful stumble by the underdogs. The two may have even feigned a limp before their resurgent 7-5 and, you guessed it, 6-3 second and third sets that sealed the CHAMPIONSHIP. The boys showed grit and determination in the face of overwhelming odds, proving that no matter the name across the front of the opposition's jersey, Bruins are not to be trifled with. The theme would continue.
The softball team played their CHAMPIONSHIP
Saturday, but theirs was quite a different tale. A one seed and having run off ten straight victories, these Bruins were certainly no underdogs. Securing the title would be no small feat, however, as number two Bryn Mawr had earlier proven themselves a worthy adversary by testing Park's metal in a 4-3 loss. Just over halfway through the contest, though, it appeared that Park might again ride the pitching of Chelsea Burwasser (17 strikeouts in the game) to another easy win as the Bruins banged out a six run fourth inning to go up 7-0. With an all-star hurler in the circle and momentum thouroughly on our side, the game was over. There was one nearly fatal flaw in that notion. Namely, Bryn Mawr did not believe it and, perhaps more importantly, maybe Park did. The Bruin defense stumbled badly and even the unwavering accuracy of Burwasser seemed to falter. Suddenly at 8-6, up only two and reeling, the Bruins were on their heels looking for an escape from the fifth inning like a boxer praying for a bell.
The story of this game may have been a calming, deep, collective breath taken by the Bruins somewhere late in the afternoon when it appeared the sky was falling. The girls regained their composure and produced a perfect sixth and seventh inning, that's six up and six down, to gain the CHAMPIONSHIP. Again a situation had presented itself during which a Park team could have taken the path of lesser effort, succumbing to fear and doubt and what might have appeared an inevitable outcome to some as the game tilted in the favor of their adversary. Yet, the Bruins held their ground, rebuked the voices that whispered for their submission and rose to a new level of talent and success, worthy of the title.
Boys' lacrosse faced huge odds. Even though they'd locked up a number two ranking entering the playoffs, the team had been decimated by injury. Several key players would be watching Tuesday's quarterfinal game against Glenelg from the sideline and, cheering as they might, would offer little aid in the end. The Bruins trailed by three in the final quarter of regulation after succumbing to the Dragons earlier in the season, but only after three overtimes. Somehow Park's boys found goals. They found huge defensive stands. Somewhere within themselves they found the sheer will to place themselves down only one score while with seconds left on the clock. Battered, bruised and weary, they even held the ball, albeit at the wrong end of the field. The final sixty yard toss sailed wide and the Bruins season was complete, but not before learning (and hopefully teaching) a valuable lesson. These boys refused to sit when a chair was offered and struggled literally until the final whistle, relinquishing their hope and effort only when the officials informed them that no time remained. The scoreboard read 9-8. Hold your heads high, boys.Last Tuesday marked the start of the MIAA boys' tennis Individual CHAMPIONSHIP Tournament. Junior David Spivey and senior Chris Benn, dubbed Park's "number two" doubles
entry, began the season playing separately. As fate would have it, both were stricken by injury and forced to attempt to rehabilitate their way back onto the team with precious little time left in the regular season. While not at full speed, each made enough progress to be considered for doubles play, and the pairing was set. Though their ailments certainly stole a step or two from their game, the two meshed their strengths and in short time found a chemistry as well as a strategy all their own. The plan, they realized, would entail a simple "cat and mouse" tactic. True, others may simply deem the boys slow starters, but let's not ruin a good story.The Bruins began as a five seed in the two doubles bracket, a victory in and of itself, for no Park player(s) had attained such a high rating going into the tournament in recent memory. They'd also achieved a bye in the first round, held Monday. We may never know whether it was the extra day off or devious strategy that accounted for the boys' shaky start against Mt. St. Joe's on Tuesday but, in the end, they'd managed a three set win going 4-6, 6-4 and 6-3. For many, a bye and a quarterfinal triumph would have proved accomplishment enough, especially given the fact that Wednesday's match pitted Park against number one, Gilman. Add to that, Chris and David immediately dropped four of the first five games in set one. Trailing 1-4 to the top seed, the easy and, perhaps, intelligent thing to do would be to simply yield and concede defeat. Instead, the boys rallied to 3-5, then 5-5, and eventually a tiebreaker win in the first set! Having broken the imposing Greyhounds' confidence, the Bruins stubbornly refused to deviate from their plan and lost the first two games of the second set before cruising to another 6-3 victory. On to Thursday's final, where there remained only one more hurdle between them and a title; the two seed from McDonogh. Nervous? When in doubt, stick to the plan. The first set passed 4-6, a seemingly painful stumble by the underdogs. The two may have even feigned a limp before their resurgent 7-5 and, you guessed it, 6-3 second and third sets that sealed the CHAMPIONSHIP. The boys showed grit and determination in the face of overwhelming odds, proving that no matter the name across the front of the opposition's jersey, Bruins are not to be trifled with. The theme would continue.
The softball team played their CHAMPIONSHIP
Saturday, but theirs was quite a different tale. A one seed and having run off ten straight victories, these Bruins were certainly no underdogs. Securing the title would be no small feat, however, as number two Bryn Mawr had earlier proven themselves a worthy adversary by testing Park's metal in a 4-3 loss. Just over halfway through the contest, though, it appeared that Park might again ride the pitching of Chelsea Burwasser (17 strikeouts in the game) to another easy win as the Bruins banged out a six run fourth inning to go up 7-0. With an all-star hurler in the circle and momentum thouroughly on our side, the game was over. There was one nearly fatal flaw in that notion. Namely, Bryn Mawr did not believe it and, perhaps more importantly, maybe Park did. The Bruin defense stumbled badly and even the unwavering accuracy of Burwasser seemed to falter. Suddenly at 8-6, up only two and reeling, the Bruins were on their heels looking for an escape from the fifth inning like a boxer praying for a bell.The story of this game may have been a calming, deep, collective breath taken by the Bruins somewhere late in the afternoon when it appeared the sky was falling. The girls regained their composure and produced a perfect sixth and seventh inning, that's six up and six down, to gain the CHAMPIONSHIP. Again a situation had presented itself during which a Park team could have taken the path of lesser effort, succumbing to fear and doubt and what might have appeared an inevitable outcome to some as the game tilted in the favor of their adversary. Yet, the Bruins held their ground, rebuked the voices that whispered for their submission and rose to a new level of talent and success, worthy of the title.
No easy task indeed, with five minutes left in the IAAM B-conference lacrosse CHAMPIONSHIP, trailing undefeated
Friends School 11-7, a Bruin victory was simply impossible. The game had begun well enough for the girls as they traded goals with the aggressive Quakers and ended the first half down 6-5. It was an admirable effort that certainly left Park hope of success after having lost their previous two matchups with Friends by only a goal apiece. Early in the second half, though, Friends flexed their muscle and the Bruins gave up their own equivilent of a big inning, allowing a handful of tallies that landed them in their late game, four goal hole. Those four goals would have to occur in under five minutes to force a tie and overtime, thus salvaging their season for at least a few minutes. What's more, the girls would need to shut out the Quaker offense that had just exploded upon them as well. Just one of those missions might be deemed a very slim possibility, but both? Even the most steadfast and optimistic of fans subtly shook their heads and silently contemplated the impending heartache of a second successive lax final fallen short. Visions of another runner-up platter on the mantle loomed.
A roar of the crowd lifted eyes towards the field once again and the score was 11-8. Then, 11-9. 11-10. At just under a minute and a half, 11-11. Late in the game, Friends had chosen to possess the ball, wisely draining time from the clock, now their ally. However, once again it was a palpable change in the mindset of Park's athletes, an increased ferocity that belied not just a desire to win, but a sudden need for it that determined the ultimate outcome. Key turnovers, aggressive challenges to the goal and exhausting end-to-end sprints had enabled the Bruins to achieve the impossible and set their sights upon the unthinkable. Then, with only nineteen seconds frozen on the scoreboard, it was done. Park 12, Friends 11. Julia Meyerhoff had sunk the final goal and Adrienne Tarver scooped the last ground ball. The Bruins were CHAMPS. Fittingly, the team gathered tightly together and hoisted the trophy together. If there was ever a game that you had to see to believe, this was it. "Good game Friends. Thank you fans. Thank you officials. WAY TO GO PARK!"
This year's plaques will be displayed proudly, but younger Bruins should take note of what lies behind the polish. There can be little doubt that Park consistently fields a competitive level of talent. The stature of our bodies and the quickness of our feet are generally on par with our opponents. As exhibited by all three of last week's CHAMPIONS, the difference is often made in the strength not of our shoulders, but of our character. Physical advantages are often bested by mental toughness, and hunger and heart can topple the most confident of rivals. These athletes didn't simply hope that this would happen, nor were they satisfied by being given the opportunity. They each found in themselves a player better than they had known prior and, embracing that persona, became CHAMPIONS.
Congratulations all. Credits for photos to Digital Sports.
GO BRUINS!
Friends School 11-7, a Bruin victory was simply impossible. The game had begun well enough for the girls as they traded goals with the aggressive Quakers and ended the first half down 6-5. It was an admirable effort that certainly left Park hope of success after having lost their previous two matchups with Friends by only a goal apiece. Early in the second half, though, Friends flexed their muscle and the Bruins gave up their own equivilent of a big inning, allowing a handful of tallies that landed them in their late game, four goal hole. Those four goals would have to occur in under five minutes to force a tie and overtime, thus salvaging their season for at least a few minutes. What's more, the girls would need to shut out the Quaker offense that had just exploded upon them as well. Just one of those missions might be deemed a very slim possibility, but both? Even the most steadfast and optimistic of fans subtly shook their heads and silently contemplated the impending heartache of a second successive lax final fallen short. Visions of another runner-up platter on the mantle loomed.A roar of the crowd lifted eyes towards the field once again and the score was 11-8. Then, 11-9. 11-10. At just under a minute and a half, 11-11. Late in the game, Friends had chosen to possess the ball, wisely draining time from the clock, now their ally. However, once again it was a palpable change in the mindset of Park's athletes, an increased ferocity that belied not just a desire to win, but a sudden need for it that determined the ultimate outcome. Key turnovers, aggressive challenges to the goal and exhausting end-to-end sprints had enabled the Bruins to achieve the impossible and set their sights upon the unthinkable. Then, with only nineteen seconds frozen on the scoreboard, it was done. Park 12, Friends 11. Julia Meyerhoff had sunk the final goal and Adrienne Tarver scooped the last ground ball. The Bruins were CHAMPS. Fittingly, the team gathered tightly together and hoisted the trophy together. If there was ever a game that you had to see to believe, this was it. "Good game Friends. Thank you fans. Thank you officials. WAY TO GO PARK!"
This year's plaques will be displayed proudly, but younger Bruins should take note of what lies behind the polish. There can be little doubt that Park consistently fields a competitive level of talent. The stature of our bodies and the quickness of our feet are generally on par with our opponents. As exhibited by all three of last week's CHAMPIONS, the difference is often made in the strength not of our shoulders, but of our character. Physical advantages are often bested by mental toughness, and hunger and heart can topple the most confident of rivals. These athletes didn't simply hope that this would happen, nor were they satisfied by being given the opportunity. They each found in themselves a player better than they had known prior and, embracing that persona, became CHAMPIONS.
Congratulations all. Credits for photos to Digital Sports.
GO BRUINS!
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