The Grind

It's day twelve and the teams continue to grind. They're grinding their way to a better overall record. They're grinding their way to a high 'seeding'. There's one more day of regular season play and then it's tournament time!

We played rounds 30 through 33 today. There weren't any overtime games but some were close. To start the day, Michigan and Notre Dame met up on the softball field. Both teams have some pretty good batters and fielders but neither team scored until the late innings. In the end Notre Dame won 5-4. After the morning session we held more individual testing. Campers were tested today in a variety of sports based on their age. Additionally we held a 100m dash contest. This was a team event. One representative from each team competed. The fastest time in the race was 13.12. 

Tonight's seven o'clock football game was sure to be a barn burner had it not ended due to lightning within an unsafe distance. Brown was up 30-26 over West Point. These teams could have traded scores a couple of more times had we been able to continue. Midway through the fourth quarter we had to 'call it' so Brown was the winner. It was a great game. Both teams had an excellent game plan!

Despite the poor weather this evening, the day overall, was beautiful. The temperature remained in the 80's with cloud cover off and on so it was quite pleasant. We're facing some rain this weekend but we're not worried. What would Sports Camp be without a little adversity? 

Enjoy today's photos!

Sports Camp Photos June 25, 2015

Testing, Contests, and Lights

Yesterday was one of the most beautiful days we have had during camp. The temperatures remained in the mid-80's and there was a light breeze. There were so many outdoor activities on the schedule  and due to the fantastic weather, we were able to accomplish each one.

During the morning session each team played two games and had canteen in between. Before we knew it we were walking up the hill for lunch. After rest period the entire camp met for a meeting to go over the remaining schedule. Our goal, during the afternoon, was to finish up individual sport testing and also complete two more team competitions. During individual testing, campers are given a score for the sport in which they are being tested. On the football field the thirteen year old group threw a football and also punted. Their yardage was added together. The top four campers will receive a ribbon for their placement in the sport. The ribbons will be placed in their exit packet and handed out at the end of camp. Other testing, which was completed yesterday, included basketball shoot, chipping and putting, batting, lacrosse accuracy and speed, and swimming. 

Once the testing was finished everyone enjoyed canteen. At this time teams were to decide if they were going to stay inside the Barbee and watch the three-point Basketball Shoot or go outside and watch the Homerun Derby. Being able to make several three-pointers under pressure is quite impressive for a boy under the age of fourteen. Equally exciting is watching a boy whack a few balls out of the park!

We played our 28th round of games during the 4:45pm session. No big upsets or surprises. It was a good solid round of games. After showers everyone headed up the hill for dinner. Post dinner we had to have another meeting to clarify a few things. One of the items was about the football game which was to be played under the lights. Coach Alexander gave the teams the option of attending the game or going to the Fir Tree and then having their values meeting. The other topic was about camping. Two teams were scheduled to camp last night. Boy, were they lucky! It was a perfect night for camping. I didn't get a chance to take photos out at the campsite. I had to choose between the lights and the campsite...

Last night's values meeting topic was Effort. What a great topic to discuss at this point in camp. We're more than halfway through camp. At this point we're nearing tournament play. Effort is going to mean more than anything. They'll have to dig deep and find the will and the strength to persevere! Everyone will have to put forth a strong effort and work as a team if they want to make it to the finals. Things are heating up here at Sports Camp!

Sports Camp June 24 Photos