Learning To Slide

Surprise! If you signed up for the softball clinic today, you were in for a real treat. "Bring your swim suits. We're learning to slide." Coach Holmes set up a plastic tarp, doused it with soap and water, demonstrated the technique and they were off. By the time I arrived for a photo op, they were in "free style mode". I suspect spots for  the softball clinic will fill up fast on Tuesday.

In game play, the Stanford Cardinals had a ROUGH day; 3 matches, 3 losses... 2 played out in overtime. To start the morning off Stanford and UVA met up on the soccer field. It was so exciting. The game was tied at 1 at the end of regulation. At the end of a 5 minute overtime, they were stilled tied, so they each had a chance at 5 penalty kicks. Each team made their kicks! That is impressive. Then we had "sudden death" PK's.. UVA made their first, Stanford made their first. UVA made their second... but Stanford missed their second. UVA wins. Each team handled UVA's win beautifully and showed great sportsmanship.

During the afternoon lacrosse game, Stanford played Texas in an even match up. The game was tied at the end of regulation. Again, Stanford found themselves in a battle. Unfortunately for them, they couldn't get the offense back together for the overtime period. Texas wins 7-6.


The final game of the day brought another loss for Stanford. It was another soccer game vs. Navy. "Oh Baby.. Navy". The final was 2-1 and Navy didn't waste time showing off their "championship title belt".

We're so proud of Stanford. Despite a disappointing day, they were seen at the Fir Tree last night laughing, joking and hanging on each other. That's what it's all about guys... Boys being boys and having fun.


Over on the gridiron. We saw some great games today. Miami and LSU battled for a win. Speed turned out to be the factor in this game.. LSU is not big, but they've got speed and "speed kills". Miami managed to pop through to put a few sacks on LSU's quarterback.. but if he was able to hand the ball off or run they were on their way down the field.. moving the ball. The teams traded scores, but in the fourth quarter LSU scored a touchdown and got their extra point to secure the win 14-12.

 Later in the evening game, Miami - coached by Coach Alexander, beat Wake Forest 20-14. Coach saw the potential on the Miami team when they played LSU so he couldn't wait to get his hands on them. With a few personnel adjustments, a little offense and a pep talk, they were good to go. Last night it was "all about the U".

Ohio State only has the one loss. They are still rolling. Is it their little mascot King Arthur? hmmm... We'll have to see how it all plays out as we enter the second week of competitive play. I will say one thing, they are a fun team to watch.

We had a visit from a Sports Camp celebrity yesterday. He's a bit of a legend around here. Chip Brierre stopped by the Forest. He's the former Miami coach. Kids ran to him and gave him big hugs. Later in the day, I noticed other kids coming up to him and telling them how they've heard about him from their big brothers or cousins that have been in the camp. Our "Chippy" has a great internship opportunity with CBS this summer. Our loss, their gain! We miss you Chip.

The guys are sleeping in today. They need it... it's a been a great first week. Thanks for sharing your boys. We've had great fun and we're looking forward to another good week. Today promises to be another beautiful day. 

Have a blessed Sunday.

Campfire Night

We had our first of three campfires last night. Unfortunately a storm blew in just before sunset. So we decided to gather in Edwards Lecture Hall. A couple of counselors drew a "W" on the chalkboard in order to simulate the real burning W down at our campsite. It all worked. The awards were given out and the skits were just as funny. Each team awarded a "camper of the week" honor to a deserving boy. This camper would have shown leadership, positivity and outstanding play the entire week. There is also a "cleanest room" honor awarded to the team that scored the most points for clean rooms. Daily the rooms are checked by Coach Hannenburg. He is looking to see that the rooms are clear of debris and that the beds are made - nicely - each day. Points are given for each category. This week Virginia scored the most points. They had 71. The lowest scoring team had just 33. Good job Virginia...

Our day actually started out with a special "Camper of the Day" award. The award was the only one given yesterday. This young man was particularly deserving because of the kindness and compassion he shows towards others. Specifically, while he was visiting an orthopedic doctor office with his conference director, he paid special attention to an elderly lady that clearly was suffering from the disease Alzheimer's. The patience and tenderness he showed while in her presence for several minutes touched Coach Tisch. He was engaging and thoughtful while showing maturity. Coach Tisch was so impressed by this boy and and so are we. Coach Alexander talked at the morning meeting about these particular values. It's our hope that these boys eventually forget about the wins and losses and remember what they really learned at Sports Camp.

Speaking of the wins and losses... OSU was undefeated going into yesterday's games, but guess what? Notre Dame rallied in softball scoring 4 runs to beat Ohio State 4-2. AMAZING! We were so proud of the Ohio State coaching staff and all of their kids. They handled the loss with great dignity and sportsmanship. Notre Dame was excited, but they too handled their win beautifully and with humility.


All of the scores get tallied and added to a stat board that we keep at the Barbee Center. That way the teams can see their standings within their conference and the overall camp. These stats are important because at the beginning of week three, Coach Alexander will be setting up the playoff tournament. The tournament playoffs lead to the semi finals and championship games.

Loosing Gracefully...
Miami showed good sportsmanship yesterday after their loss to UVA in soccer. The game went into overtime and finally PK's. UVA won the PK round 5-4.


Brown, who got off to a slow start in conference play had a two game winning streak yesterday. They officially have 3 in the win column. The won a close basketball game to UNC 34-33 and picked up a 37-36 win over A&M... What nail biters!


Despite the stormy afternoon, yesterday was another fantastic day. Today promises to be mid 80's and sunny. We're looking forward to it.. We're also looking forward to sleeping in tomorrow. On Sunday's we have breakfast an hour later and time for fellowship.


Enjoy your Saturday!

Overtime Thrillers

What an exciting day for games. The competition is really heating up. Last night's football game between the Cavaliers and the Tar Heels went into overtime. Just as the sun was setting Virginia scored another touchdown to put them within one point of taking the lead. They made a gutsy call and decided to go for two. UNC secured the victory by taking the flag of the Virginia running back just two yards short of the goal line. 

Brown got their first win in any sport yesterday. The Bears were victorious over the LSU Tigers in soccer. They were HOT! The final score was 5-2. This team might be lacking in "w's" but they certainly don't lack in friendship and team spirit. 

Over on soccer field #2, The Aggies and The Fighting Irish were tied at the end of regulation. At that point the teams played a five minute overtime period. The game was still tied at the end of overtime so we began the penalty kick phase. Each team chooses five players to have a chance at a penalty kick. It's the just the kicker and the goalie. The teams made equal shots (4 out of 5 on each team made their shot), so we implemented a "sudden death" penalty kick phase. Notre Dame took their shot and missed. A&M took their shot and celebrated the sweet success of victory! It was a fantastic ending to a fantastic day here at Sports Camp.


We're gearing up for what we hope will be our last day of oppressive heat. The weather channel has promised a cold front late this afternoon. Phew....


We're looking forward to our first campfire night. Tonight we will present awards to the "campers of the week". We'll also watch 4 teams perform a skit. That ought to be fun. They have a lot of material to work with!


Have a blessed day.