The last full day of the 2009 Sports Camp was an exciting one. We started the morning meeting with the Camper of the Day Awards. Coach Alexander also presented the 2009 MVP's. A most valuable player was chosen for each of the six team sports. The camper chosen MVP, excelled throughout camp in this sport. It was a tough decision, but with input from all of the coaches, referees and administrators, the list was chosen.
Soon after the meeting, the group divided up to either watch a basketball playoff game or the championship softball game. Also at this time, Coach Hogan took a group of volunteers on a golf outing. They were lucky enough to play the nine beautiful holes here at Woodberry.
The softball game proved to be a great match up. The Ohio State Buckeyes faced the mighty Florida Gators. The Gators have been strong in every sport throughout the tournament, so the Buckeyes knew they had a challenge. In the end it was the Buckeyes that prevailed. You gotta love those midwest teams! Way to go Buckeyes!
It was still undetermined who was going to play for all the glory in basketball. There were some playoff games before we could get to the championship. These games were played in the Dick Gym where the Tigers play their regular season games.
UNC faced USC in the first morning game. Unfortunately for the Tarheels, they just couldn't stop the Trojans. The Trojans have a real "ringer" on their team. I have to say, it's a joy to watch this guy. He's amazing and we look forward to having him here at WFS soon! UNC fell short with a 14-36 loss. Next up was Michigan and The Ohio State. This turned out to be a pretty good game. In the end it was Michigan over the Buckeyes by a score of 41-37. Michigan's point guard was pretty exciting to watch too. Everyone was looking forward to the USC/Michigan match up to be played later that afternoon.
At mid-morning, the Lacrosse champions were crowned. It was the Florida Gators again. Their tough defense and finesse offense were too much for the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. The final score was 4-1. Another championship for the Gators! Good job guys!
After lunch we fit in a hockey play off game. Texas took on the Gators. Those Gators had a full day of games. It's amazing they didn't run out of energy. They pulled off the win over the great Longhorns of Texas. The final score was 4-3.
Florida didn't really get to rest after that big win. They had to rush over to the soccer field to take part in another championship game. Once again they faced Notre Dame. Florida remained ahead during most of the match up, but then the Irish came back to tie it up. It remained tied for a good while, but in the end, the Gators finished off the Irish by beating them 4-3. Wow, what a team. Go Gators!
While the soccer game was going on down the hill, the basketball championship was being played in the Dick Gym. The USC Trojans vs. the Wolverines from Michigan. Go Blue! (did I just type that?.. I still have the maize and blue running through my veins, I guess.) My cheering wasn't enough to pull Big Blue through this game. USC was too much for them. The final score was USC 47, Michigan 28. Great job USC!
Finally, it was time for our last championship match up. A large group gathered in the Barbee Center to watch the Gators and the Buckeyes. The Gators were like a bunch of Energizer Bunnies! Even though they didn't pull off the win, they played like the champions that they are. The final was Ohio State 4, Florida 2. A big highlight in that game, was watching the "one timer" by our young "international" camper. This little guy is a great athlete and proved he can do anything. It was his great shot that put Ohio State in the lead for good! Way to go Buckeyes!
You are probably wondering what some of the teams were doing during these games? Well, if they didn't want to watch the playoffs or the championship games, there were some great "pick up" games happening around campus. In the morning a large group got together, under the direction of Coach Stowers for a soccer game. It was the funniest thing I think I've seen all week. The game started out with regular soccer rules, but then turned into some kind of crazy soccer/rugby/football and finally "kindergarten" style play. Sometimes the guys were laughing so hard at themselves, they could barely play. It was fun to watch and their laughing was infectious. Thanks Coach Stowers for a great spontaneous event.
After dinner it was time for the annual staff softball game. The campers gathered around the softball field to watch the counselors and administrators face off in softball. Wow, are they ever competitive. I guess guys never grow out of that! There were some great hits and some great snags. Soon after the game, the group loaded up on the mini buses and headed down to the campsite.
In addition to the Camper of the Week Awards, the Tiger Award and the Honor Camper Award were given out. In between we saw skits from USC, Notre Dame, UVA, LSU and the Referees. The skits were great. They seemed to get better every week. They had great material to work with. We've really got some characters here at camp this year. This weeks cleanest room winner was Florida. Can they do anything wrong??? This group is amazing.
We're looking forward to seeing all of you this morning. It's going to be a great closing day. Safe Travels!
