The day began with much anticipation for the arrival of parents. Breakfast was quick. Before you knew it, the dining hall was empty as kids hustled to morning meeting and raced down the hill to see if their families had arrived. There were hugs and smiles all morning long as campers were reunited with their loved ones.
We completed our last championship game, floor hockey, in front of a crowd. UNC and Texas faced off in a final match up. In the end, Texas was victorious over the mighty Tarheels of UNC. Final score - 5-2.
There were other exhibition games played this morning as well. Duke and Notre Dame in basketball, Florida took on LSU in football, Penn State and Ohio State faced off in Lacrosse, USC and Michigan in soccer and today's softball match up was Oklahoma vs. Virginia. The families had a chance to see their little guys in action. By the end of camp roughly 260 games had been played. That is amazing!
After lunch we all headed over to the Walker Center for closing ceremonies. WFS Headmaster Dr. Dennis Campbell spoke eloquently about Woodberry Forest and the Woodberry Forest Sports Camp. Red and Cathy Caughron founded the sports camp in 1967. Although they couldn't be with us on Saturday, they are always in our hearts and minds as we make our way through camp each year. They began a long standing tradition of values that we strive to uphold. Dr. Campbell finished by introducing Director, Clint Alexander.
Coach Alexander spoke about how fast the time had gone by, due to all of the fun we had. He reminisced not only about the athletics, dorm time, camping, campfires, trips to Water Country, Kings Dominion and the hike to Stony Mountain, but also about getting to know each other. He then delved into the real reason we gather at this camp and that is to teach and provide a safe loving environment. Coach quoted Al Fracassa "Leadership is the gift of a good example" as he went on to talk about his expectations and to thank the Sports Camp Staff. They did a great job and we're proud of every one of them.
The coach of every team then introduced his campers and handed out a packet of memories, for them to take home. Each coach acknowledged his assistant coach and spoke of the time he spent getting to know "his team".
At the final campfire Friday evening, some important awards had been handed out. Coach Alexander spoke about the awards and read the list of names the award was given to.
Honor Camper Award is presented to the member of each team, who has made the most significant contribution to the team in the areas of athletics, sportsmanship, citizenship, and leadership. The Honor Camper is the most dependable and reliable member of the team, not only on the playing field, but in all areas of camp life. It is the highest honor bestowed by the teams coaching staff to a member of their team.
The Tiger Awards were also presented last night at campfire. It is presented to the team member who displays considerable athletic talent and a strong desire to win. The winner of the team's Tiger Award is usually the boy who hustles in every sport, leads the team in spirit and sportsmanship, and encourages all members of the team to do their best in all activities.
Coach Alexander then went on to present the most prestigious awards at Sports Camp.
The Tom Baumann Memorial Spirit Award is given annually to the camper who during his years here has contributed positively to the atmosphere of the camp with his pleasant nature, willingness to participate, and unselfish spirit. The winner of this award is admired by all members of the camp for his zest for life and warm, congenial personality. The award is given in the memory of Tom Baumann, a 1972 Woodberry Forest School graduate and former counselor who possessed these same qualities.
The Sportsmanship Award is given annually to the camper who possesses the qualities which the staff of Woodberry Forest Sports Camp tries so hard to instill in each of our campers. The winner of this award is fair, generous, a respectful loser, and a gracious winner. He encourages his teammates, cheers for his team, and never argues with officials. He maintains a positive attitude at all times and in all situations.
The Team Sportsmanship Award - Woodberry Forest Sports Camp has always taken pride in the fact that good sportsmanship is emphasized just as much as athletic skills during the boys' time here. The Team Sportsmanship Award will be given to the team with the most outstanding record of sportsmanship during the entire camp.
The Moubray Conference Award – This is the first year for this award. This is a bowl that will have the winning conference each year engraved on it.
The Best Athlete Awards are given to the best all-around athletes in the camp's four age divisions. The recipients of this award are talented in all sports, put forth consistent effort in every game, and continually show supreme effort, determination, and a drive to succeed. A camper's ability to handle adversity and lead his team in a variety of situations is also considered in determining the Best Athlete Award winners.
The Staff Award is given to the camper who, in the eyes of the counselors, has distinguished himself with his helpfulness and positive attitude. The recipient of this award is dependable and willing to give of himself for the benefit of others.
The Richard Glover Leadership Award – This is the first year for this award.
The Red and Cathy Caughron Award is named for the founders of the camp. Red and Cathy started the camp in 1967 and directed it for the first 25 years. Their tireless dedication and infectious charm made the camp the overwhelming success it is today. We all owe Red and Cathy an immense amount of gratitude for all they have done for the camp. This award is given to the camper who through his dedication to the camp and his team over the years has distinguished him from his fellow campers.
The Outstanding Camper Award is the most prestigious award a camper can earn and it is given to the boy who displays the highest qualities of athleticism, leadership, sportsmanship, responsibility, and fair play. The Outstanding Camper possesses a sense of integrity, character, and maturity that distinguish him from other campers. The recipient of this award has a positive impact on the camp in many areas and his presence makes everyday camp life more pleasant for counselors and campers alike. He serves as a role model for younger campers.
Coach finished the day by thanking the families, campers and staff for making this wonderful opportunity possible. He went on to say, we hope this marks not just the end of camp, but also the beginning of a long term friendship with the camp and all of the campers, counselors, and families involved. Great memories were created in a month, but stronger and long-lasting friendships have been formed that will continue on into the future.
God Bless and we look forward to seeing many of you in the future.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Championship Week Day Four
Wew! Friday was a hot one.
The championship games started promptly at 9am with semi-final matches on the Hockey floor and the Soccer field. Texas vs. USC in soccer was a great defensive game right up until the end. Texas was victorious at 2-1 when it was all over. Texas went on to play, you guessed it, Penn State in the championship game that afternoon.
Florida took on UNC in the Floor Hockey semi-final. What a game this turned out to be. Overtime! Both teams wanted this win badly. They were running, shooting, yelling, screaming... the Barbee Center was rockin'. In the end though, it was the Tarheels of UNC that pulled off the win. They will play Texas in Saturday's championship game at 9:30am.
At 11:20am UNC took on Texas in Lacrosse for their semi-final match up. Texas had a real big day playing in soccer, floor hockey and now Lacrosse. UNC was too much for them in the LAX match, they fell 8-0 to the Tarheels. UNC played Notre Dame in the afternoon championship. At the same time as the LAX semi, the softball Championship was being played. The Michigan Wolverines took on the Duke Blue Devils. It was Hail to the Victors as Michigan beat out Duke 3-1 in this game which was scoreless until the latter innings. Good job guys!
If teams weren't playing in games this morning, they were taking part in other fun activities like, room clean up (they're favorite), softball, core training and today we introduced rock climbing. Mrs. Hemming took several groups during the course of the day to the inside rock wall. We are so blessed here at WFS to have an opportunity to explore new things! The wall is challenging and each group was very serious about accomplishing the goals that Mrs. Hemming set up.
After lunch it was to the outdoor pool and if you weren't doing that, you were finishing up the individual tournaments. We finally have our winners. The guys worked hard to achieve their place in these tournaments. We'll find out the winners on Saturday.
The Soccer Championship was played at 3pm. Texas and Penn State played a great game. It was so hot.. hydrate, hydrate, hydrate is what you heard from the coaches for the entire hour. In the end it was Texas over Penn State 4-3. Way to go Longhorns. They had such a challenging day and finally, a pay off.
Soon after the soccer game, we turned to the Lacrosse field where it was UNC and Notre Dame. The fighting Irish had trouble early against UNC. Their team of experienced LAX players was just too much. UNC went on to beat ND 6-2. Way to go Tarheels!
The much anticipated Staff Softball game was played after dinner. The campers gathered on the stands and around the field to watch the game. There were large cheers from the crowd as their favorite counselors came up to bat. As Sonny Close came up to the plate I heard, "we love pirates, we love pirates"... not sure about that one, have to ask the guys! Every one's favorite Ade Oyalowo received "Ade, Kumbaya, Ade Kumbaya".. Ade, now dubbed, strongest man alive, hit one out of the park, but was ruled a foul. Later, he showed off the "guns" to the boys that crowded around him. Some of our counselors have never even played baseball or softball. That was a sight to see. When big Duke arrived at the plate, the kids yelled Doooooke, Dooooooke! Waiting for a big hit, Duke, who hadn't really ever swung a bat, accidentally let go as he did... Too much power. Stick to the shot put and Discus Duke!!!! What a show! This game was fun and these boys can hit hard and throw hard.
We headed on down to the last campfire right after the softball game. It was long one tonight with so many awards to hand out. We watched four skits tonight. Again, a talented bunch of kids performed.. My personal favorite from LSU, the famous bar scene from Top Gun, "you've lost that lovin' feeling".... LSU went on to win the contest and went back to dorm where a pizza party was awaiting them. The Tiger Awards, MVP of sport Awards and the Honor Camper Awards were given out tonight as well. There were cheers from all the campers as these achievements were acknowledged. The entire camp voted on the MVP for the five sports, the Tiger and Honor Camper Awards were decided by the coaches. Last, but certainly not least.. one of the most important was awarded at the end, cleanest rooms for the week... given to Oklahoma! Great job guys. They also had a pizza party waiting for them.
Coach Alexander said a few closing words and for the last time this summer, it was back up the hill, showers, huddle meetings and lights out. As the kids spend their last night on dorm, we prepare for a final championship game and closing ceremony, dreading the silence that will fall on campus late Saturday afternoon. Sleeping in on Sunday will be a luxury only to wake up and find that those faces so cute and filled with joy have gone home to their parents. Coach said, and I have to agree with him, this summer's camp has been the best since we've been here. Enjoy the rest of your summer and safe travels home!
The championship games started promptly at 9am with semi-final matches on the Hockey floor and the Soccer field. Texas vs. USC in soccer was a great defensive game right up until the end. Texas was victorious at 2-1 when it was all over. Texas went on to play, you guessed it, Penn State in the championship game that afternoon.
Florida took on UNC in the Floor Hockey semi-final. What a game this turned out to be. Overtime! Both teams wanted this win badly. They were running, shooting, yelling, screaming... the Barbee Center was rockin'. In the end though, it was the Tarheels of UNC that pulled off the win. They will play Texas in Saturday's championship game at 9:30am.
At 11:20am UNC took on Texas in Lacrosse for their semi-final match up. Texas had a real big day playing in soccer, floor hockey and now Lacrosse. UNC was too much for them in the LAX match, they fell 8-0 to the Tarheels. UNC played Notre Dame in the afternoon championship. At the same time as the LAX semi, the softball Championship was being played. The Michigan Wolverines took on the Duke Blue Devils. It was Hail to the Victors as Michigan beat out Duke 3-1 in this game which was scoreless until the latter innings. Good job guys!
If teams weren't playing in games this morning, they were taking part in other fun activities like, room clean up (they're favorite), softball, core training and today we introduced rock climbing. Mrs. Hemming took several groups during the course of the day to the inside rock wall. We are so blessed here at WFS to have an opportunity to explore new things! The wall is challenging and each group was very serious about accomplishing the goals that Mrs. Hemming set up.
After lunch it was to the outdoor pool and if you weren't doing that, you were finishing up the individual tournaments. We finally have our winners. The guys worked hard to achieve their place in these tournaments. We'll find out the winners on Saturday.
The Soccer Championship was played at 3pm. Texas and Penn State played a great game. It was so hot.. hydrate, hydrate, hydrate is what you heard from the coaches for the entire hour. In the end it was Texas over Penn State 4-3. Way to go Longhorns. They had such a challenging day and finally, a pay off.
Soon after the soccer game, we turned to the Lacrosse field where it was UNC and Notre Dame. The fighting Irish had trouble early against UNC. Their team of experienced LAX players was just too much. UNC went on to beat ND 6-2. Way to go Tarheels!
The much anticipated Staff Softball game was played after dinner. The campers gathered on the stands and around the field to watch the game. There were large cheers from the crowd as their favorite counselors came up to bat. As Sonny Close came up to the plate I heard, "we love pirates, we love pirates"... not sure about that one, have to ask the guys! Every one's favorite Ade Oyalowo received "Ade, Kumbaya, Ade Kumbaya".. Ade, now dubbed, strongest man alive, hit one out of the park, but was ruled a foul. Later, he showed off the "guns" to the boys that crowded around him. Some of our counselors have never even played baseball or softball. That was a sight to see. When big Duke arrived at the plate, the kids yelled Doooooke, Dooooooke! Waiting for a big hit, Duke, who hadn't really ever swung a bat, accidentally let go as he did... Too much power. Stick to the shot put and Discus Duke!!!! What a show! This game was fun and these boys can hit hard and throw hard.
We headed on down to the last campfire right after the softball game. It was long one tonight with so many awards to hand out. We watched four skits tonight. Again, a talented bunch of kids performed.. My personal favorite from LSU, the famous bar scene from Top Gun, "you've lost that lovin' feeling".... LSU went on to win the contest and went back to dorm where a pizza party was awaiting them. The Tiger Awards, MVP of sport Awards and the Honor Camper Awards were given out tonight as well. There were cheers from all the campers as these achievements were acknowledged. The entire camp voted on the MVP for the five sports, the Tiger and Honor Camper Awards were decided by the coaches. Last, but certainly not least.. one of the most important was awarded at the end, cleanest rooms for the week... given to Oklahoma! Great job guys. They also had a pizza party waiting for them.
Coach Alexander said a few closing words and for the last time this summer, it was back up the hill, showers, huddle meetings and lights out. As the kids spend their last night on dorm, we prepare for a final championship game and closing ceremony, dreading the silence that will fall on campus late Saturday afternoon. Sleeping in on Sunday will be a luxury only to wake up and find that those faces so cute and filled with joy have gone home to their parents. Coach said, and I have to agree with him, this summer's camp has been the best since we've been here. Enjoy the rest of your summer and safe travels home!
Friday, July 11, 2008
Championship Week Day Three
The day started out beautifully. The temperature was mild and the sun was shining. It proved to be a glorious day. During the morning meeting Wednesday's Camper of the Day Awards were given out and coach continued to stress good sportsmanship. He went on to say it was crunch time. We have a lot games to fit in and some won't like the outcome, finishing with "it's all meant to be fun, so enjoy it". The campers and counselors descended down the hill with great enthusiasm and anticipation of how the day would unfold.
It was all Penn State on Thursday. Go Nittany Lions. You couldn't help but be happy for them. They persevered through some adversity and were victorious in two championship games.
Semi-final games in football between Penn Sate and UNC started the day. Penn State beat out UNC by a score of 20-7 to move on to the championship and LSU over Texas 40-29. The Championship game went on to be played last evening with Penn State beating LSU 37 - 20. It seemed that LSU just couldn't stop the combination of 4 year camper quarterback extraordinaire and his two tall receivers. It was a sight to behold. Many made the trip down the hill to see this shootout today. LSU's weapon, 4 year camper, all around great athlete was slowed down just enough by the Nittany Lion defense. It was a great game and both teams played well. Good job players and coaches!
Friday morning the floor hockey semi finals will be played with the championship game later this evening. Texas will face off with Notre Dame while Florida meets UNC. Good luck guys!
Another semi final match up will be played in Soccer. Texas and USC will play and Penn State will challenge Ohio State. Yes, those Nittany Lions are still alive in soccer. Should be a couple of great games.
Notre Dame awaits their opponent in Lacrosse today. They beat Ohio State yesterday to secure their place in the championship game. The other semi-final between UNC and Texas will be played at some point. Texas has a big day ahead of them as they are in three semi-final games. Hook em' Horns!!!
Softball's Championship Game will be held mid morning today with with Duke meeting up with Michigan. The Blue Devils had to beat that all mighty team, the Longhorns last night as Michigan watched to see who they would face today. It was Virginia that they took down in the semi-final.
The Oklahoma Sooners played the Blue Devils in the quarter finals. Duke went out to an early lead. The Sooners, however, rallied in late innings keeping their hope and faith alive. The game finished with a score of 4-3. Oklahoma was devastated, they have had a tough run these past couple of weeks. Their coach called an immediate meeting. It was difficult, but the Sooners held their heads high. This group of kids have been really dealt some blows, but they are a great group and have proven themselves to be the real champions.
Our late night game yesterday was the basketball championship. I even outlasted my kids who had long gone to bed by the time this one was over. It was a great game that brought out our new Head Varsity Basketball coach to see his possible future. It looks bright Coach Justice!
It was those Nittany Lions again. They faced off against Duke earlier in the day and squeaked by with a 43-42 victory to move on to the championship game. At 8pm we watched Texas take down UNC. It wasn't easy. UNC held their own all night. They don't have the height or the fancy skills possessed by Texas, but they have speed and heart. Way to hang in there Tarheels! Eventually it was Texas over UNC 43-40.
Texas was given some Gatorade and a few minutes to collect themselves. They seemed re-charged and ready to take on their formidable foes, Penn State. It was back and forth all night. What a show. Both teams seemed to dig deep and really put it all out on the floor. Now remember, Penn State had just played in the championship football game, so both teams were coming off some big games. In the end, Penn State was able to pull off the win. The final score was 38-31. It was an impressive game, definitely a true championship. Great job guys... I'm sure they slept well last night.
We'll see you all on Saturday. Feel free to check the blog before you head over to see how Friday ended. We're all looking forward to another exciting day, plus the final campfire. Today is the day we share excitement, joy and some reflection on the three weeks we've spent together.
Safe travels and remember to be aware of the construction traffic here. We're making some exciting improvements, the disruption will be worth it. Take care!
It was all Penn State on Thursday. Go Nittany Lions. You couldn't help but be happy for them. They persevered through some adversity and were victorious in two championship games.
Semi-final games in football between Penn Sate and UNC started the day. Penn State beat out UNC by a score of 20-7 to move on to the championship and LSU over Texas 40-29. The Championship game went on to be played last evening with Penn State beating LSU 37 - 20. It seemed that LSU just couldn't stop the combination of 4 year camper quarterback extraordinaire and his two tall receivers. It was a sight to behold. Many made the trip down the hill to see this shootout today. LSU's weapon, 4 year camper, all around great athlete was slowed down just enough by the Nittany Lion defense. It was a great game and both teams played well. Good job players and coaches!
Friday morning the floor hockey semi finals will be played with the championship game later this evening. Texas will face off with Notre Dame while Florida meets UNC. Good luck guys!
Another semi final match up will be played in Soccer. Texas and USC will play and Penn State will challenge Ohio State. Yes, those Nittany Lions are still alive in soccer. Should be a couple of great games.
Notre Dame awaits their opponent in Lacrosse today. They beat Ohio State yesterday to secure their place in the championship game. The other semi-final between UNC and Texas will be played at some point. Texas has a big day ahead of them as they are in three semi-final games. Hook em' Horns!!!
Softball's Championship Game will be held mid morning today with with Duke meeting up with Michigan. The Blue Devils had to beat that all mighty team, the Longhorns last night as Michigan watched to see who they would face today. It was Virginia that they took down in the semi-final.
The Oklahoma Sooners played the Blue Devils in the quarter finals. Duke went out to an early lead. The Sooners, however, rallied in late innings keeping their hope and faith alive. The game finished with a score of 4-3. Oklahoma was devastated, they have had a tough run these past couple of weeks. Their coach called an immediate meeting. It was difficult, but the Sooners held their heads high. This group of kids have been really dealt some blows, but they are a great group and have proven themselves to be the real champions.
Our late night game yesterday was the basketball championship. I even outlasted my kids who had long gone to bed by the time this one was over. It was a great game that brought out our new Head Varsity Basketball coach to see his possible future. It looks bright Coach Justice!
It was those Nittany Lions again. They faced off against Duke earlier in the day and squeaked by with a 43-42 victory to move on to the championship game. At 8pm we watched Texas take down UNC. It wasn't easy. UNC held their own all night. They don't have the height or the fancy skills possessed by Texas, but they have speed and heart. Way to hang in there Tarheels! Eventually it was Texas over UNC 43-40.
Texas was given some Gatorade and a few minutes to collect themselves. They seemed re-charged and ready to take on their formidable foes, Penn State. It was back and forth all night. What a show. Both teams seemed to dig deep and really put it all out on the floor. Now remember, Penn State had just played in the championship football game, so both teams were coming off some big games. In the end, Penn State was able to pull off the win. The final score was 38-31. It was an impressive game, definitely a true championship. Great job guys... I'm sure they slept well last night.
We'll see you all on Saturday. Feel free to check the blog before you head over to see how Friday ended. We're all looking forward to another exciting day, plus the final campfire. Today is the day we share excitement, joy and some reflection on the three weeks we've spent together.
Safe travels and remember to be aware of the construction traffic here. We're making some exciting improvements, the disruption will be worth it. Take care!
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