What do battlefield tours, championship games and VIP visits have in common? They all happened at Sports Camp yesterday.
Meanwhile, back at the forest, the tournament continued. There were quarter final or semi-final games played in five sports during the first session. The lacrosse championship was played at 10:45am. Michigan met up with Kentucky. The Wildcats, as you may recall, upset LSU to make it to the final round. Michigan knew they were playing an underdog and decided to remind Kentucky of that fact. The Wolverines scored three quick goals on their first three possessions. Kentucky wasn't going to give in right away. They followed with a few goals of their own before half time. Michigan settled down during the rest, made some adjustments, and came out full steam to finish the game. It remained close through the third quarter but Michigan secured the win in the fourth. The final was 9-6.
After lunch and rest period the football championship game was played on Hanes Field complete with an announcer. Coach Marr and the head coach of Texas, DeTrea Smith shared the mic and exchanged banter during the event. It was a heck of a game. Campers who came out and weathered the heat were not disappointed. Just before the end of the first half Georgia had diminished UNC's twelve point lead. We had ourselves a ball game! The third quarter was a defensive battle. Neither team scored. Each team had come close. Finally toward the end of the fourth, UNC drove down the field and popped into the end zone. Georgia made some good ground but a turnover led to another UNC score. The final was 31-22 UNC. The Tarheels would win the first of their two championships.
After a championship photo, UNC grabbed canteen, water and some shade before they had to play soccer. The championship soccer game was scheduled during the final afternoon session. You never know how the brackets are going to play out. It just so happened that UNC would have to play back to back games. They were pumped after their big win and were up for the challenge!
Harvard had only played dodgeball in the morning session so they were fresh and rested for the afternoon soccer game. They came out strong. Their leading scorer was focused and determined. He was vocal and methodical throughout the entire match. Despite the efforts of Harvard's fearless leader, the Tarheels scored the first goal. UNC's mid-fielders are big and strong. They powered right through Harvard's defense. At halftime UNC was up 2-0. Harvard came out in the second half determined not to let this game get away. It didn't! They scored right away and now we had a game. Harvard would score two more times in the second half but UNC answered each one. The Tarheels eventually scored the final goal sealing Harvard's fate. The final was 5-3 UNC.
While the soccer championship was going on there was something goofy happening on the football field. Alabama and Oregon were scheduled to play a consolation game. They wanted to meet up again for a re-match so Coach Alexander scheduled the game. Apparently they weren't too serious about a 'do-over'. They just wanted to have fun and they did just that. Coaches and refs traded shirts with the campers. I was surprised to see young kids wearing orange shirts and whistles with yellow flags in their hands when I stopped by on my way to the basketball court. They were actually trying to conduct a game. It was total chaos but they were having a great time!
Just before the end of the afternoon period, Coach Alexander was called away. He had an unexpected phone call. He left campus briefly and returned with a special guest (VIP). CJ Prosise '12, Woodberry Alumnus, former Sports Camp Counselor, Notre Dame Alumnus and current Seattle Seahawk, was on his way home to Petersburg, VA when he decided to check in at the forest. What a welcome! Campers and counselors crowded around CJ. Kids recognized him right away.
CJ stuck around for dinner in the dining hall, the championship softball game, and then a visit to the Fir Tree. He had looked forward to getting his usual, grilled cheese with bacon and a blue slushie all day. We appreciate his thoughtfulness in stopping by and his graciousness as he was inundated with questions and kids who just wanted to touch him. It was so fun to watch.
Our final game of the day was played on the softball diamond. Georgia found themselves in another final. They earned it. They have some big hitters and fantastic fielders. West Point is a team equally as talented. In fact, they have one camper with a 75% home run rate. 75% of his 'at bats' resulted in a home run during camp. He is AMAZING and did not disappoint in this game. In fact, he hit two homers and a double. I am not sure how many RBI's he had but I'm pretty sure he was responsible for the majority of the runs. West Point was crowned the champions. Georgia surprised us all by celebrating with West Point. It was one of the best things I've ever seen at Sports Camp and I was able to capture it on video for you to enjoy.
July 5 Video
July 5 Photos
