Yesterday was a "sleep in" day. Breakfast was served one hour later than normal. Afterwards we convened on the Dick Gym steps to take care of some "housekeeping" and listen to a great inspirational speech from Coach Frazier Stowers. Each Sunday morning, we ask one of our administrators to give a message to the entire camp. Frazier has been a part of sports camp for several years - decades in fact. He was a camper and a Woodberry student. He and Coach Alexander have been working Sports Camp together for 9 years. Frazier now teaches and coaches at The Bullis School in Washington, D.C..
Frazier spoke about passion. He used his coaching experience in baseball as an analogy. He talked about when he first began to work with his students he realized they didn't really have a passion for what they were doing out on the field. They were just showing up and going through the motions. They loved baseball, but they didn't love practice or the others kids around them. Coach Stowers decided he had to remind them everyday how much they loved the sport and he helped them to grow to love their teammates. Once they cared about each other and remembered how much they loved baseball they began to have fun. They played better. They didn't want to let each other down so they continued to play better. This was a very important message to the boys at our camp. They've been together for one week now. Hopefully they too have developed strong relationships and play with passion.
After the morning meeting the kids were pumped up and ready to begin competition. It was a good morning. The softball game went into extra innings - 10! We only play 7, so that was a tense game. UNC came out ahead on that one. Go Tarheels!
Another big show happening on Hanes field - UVA vs. Yale football game. The game ran a little late, so several other teams were able to catch the finish and what a finish it was. UVA was down 18-17 half way through the 4th quarter. With just 27 seconds to go in the game, they got the ball back, drove about 40 yards and with just 3 seconds left threw a 32 yard pass for a touchdown. AMAZING!
The competition and the weather continued to heat up in the afternoon. UNC was once again involved in a tight game. This time on the soccer field. Yale and UNC played two overtime periods and finally decided the game on penalty kicks. Yale made 5 and UNC made 4 of their Pk's. The Bulldogs pulled off the victory!
Inside the Barbee, Ohio State and Duke matched up well in hockey. The Buckeyes pulled ahead during overtime to win 4-3.
Last night's value was Dedication - "The strength to be firm on one's direction and purpose". How appropriate. The term fit nicely with Frazier's morning message.
We're headed into week #2 and still having fun. Have a great Monday!
Dedication - "I'm a great believer in luck. I find the harder I work, the more I have ot it." - Thomas Jefferson.
