We began our day with a meeting outside the Dick Gym. Coach Alexander spoke about what July 4th really means. He encouraged the group to think about the men and women that sacrificed so much to give our country it's freedom.
Additionally, the meeting included an explanation of how the day would proceed. There would be a series of challenges at various places. In the morning session some of the events would have to occur at the same time.
Finally, we wrapped it up by awarding campers of the day from Saturday. The group then eagerly headed down the hill to disperse to the various events. At this time they could either hang out at one of three golf holes, view the swim relay or watch the lacrosse or soccer shootout.
During the individual competitions that were held earlier in the week, the teams determined who would represent them in the July 4 events. Each team chose one representative. In golf, the player would play three holes. These groups were set up by conference, so we had three groups of four players. They played the first three holes of Woodberry's nine hole golf course. Coach Marc Hogan hosted the groups.
Over at the indoor pool, the swimmers were involved in a 50 yard swim. There were two different heats with five campers per heat. The top times would compete in the final heat.
The lacrosse shoot out was a little different this year. Not only did we have an actual goalie to shoot at, we allowed a camper and counselor at this position. Each competing camper took 10 shots in 30 seconds. The soccer shoot out was similar, however we only allowed a counselor to act as goal keeper. Here too, the camper was allowed 10 shots in 30 seconds.
Once the lacrosse and soccer shoot-outs wrapped up, the group headed over to the track or the football field for a couple of more events. On the track we held the 400 meter run. At Johnson Stadium runners competed in the 100 yard dash.
By 11:30 groups either gathered inside the Barbee Center for the basketball shootout or they headed up the hill for the Tennis tournament or Strongest Man competition. At the basketball event, campers were given 10 shots in 30 seconds: Ten balls were placed behind cones two (2) feet inside 3 point line, they were to pick-up ball and shoot from behind the cone. The Tennis challenge included shots to designated spots, down the line, cross court, back hand shots and volleys. WOW, we have a talented group of tennis players. I wish I had their skills! Inside the Glover Fitness Center, at the strongest man challenge, campers were asked to do dips, pull ups and push ups.
Finally, it was time for lunch and rest period. We had a big afternoon in store, so it important that the guys take a rest before we got together again.
The afternoon began with a wrestling tournament down at the Barbee Center. This is always a favorite and draws a loud crowd. Wrestlers were divided into weight classes. The first wrestler with two take downs wins and moves on to the semi-finals and then the finals. This is one of the most exciting events of the day.
Once that was finished we moved outside to the Home Run Derby. We set this up a little differently this year. There were far more home runs, so it was a good move. This is also a group favorite. Lots of cheering for these guys. There is something about that sound - when the bat hits the ball just right?... you just know it's going out of the park!
The Quarterback Challenge was held at Johnson Stadium. This is always a fun event. Coach Alexander acts as a moving target driving a golf cart from one side of the field to the next. Loud cheers come from that crowd whenever the quarterback contestant hits the cart. They're especially loud if the coach gets hit! In addition to a moving target, the camper is to hit various spots on the field.
Finally, it was time for the Tug of War. Instead of doing this down at the pool, we decided to finish the challenges at the stadium. In the end it was Texas that was victorious. They were the tug of war champions this year.
The challenges were wrapped up by 4:30pm. The group headed into the Barbee for showers and then took off for the dorms for a short rest period. Around 6pm they descended to the pool for dinner and fun. For the next two hours they frolicked at the volleyball courts or in the pool. I even saw one group playing an interesting game of "soccer". It was some form of soccer, not quite soccer, but it appeared to be fun. Teams got together to play "the sponge game". The winner of this receives free milk shakes at the Fir Tree this week. Several campers and counselors got together for a diving competition. Coach Alexander rated each guy as he showed off his diving skills. Eventually, the other end of the pool watched in amazement as well.
By 8:30pm all campers were on dorm and getting ready for lights out. Another successful July 4th Celebration has passed. This morning we gear up for Tournament play. The brackets are set and Coach is all fired up to give his motivational pre-tournament speech.
Enjoy your week.
