As we begin spring vacation, I'll reflect on a couple of heroic teams, and offer a photo tribute to a third. Let's start with boys' varsity basketball, which--with one returning player (a sophomore)--simply did not have the talent, size and experience to win at the extraordinarily competitive level that is NEPSAC Class AA. Denied the sweet experience of winning, Gregor and Scott's squad practiced and played with spirit, character and pride, and--as a community--we are very proud of them.
Another inspirational story is that of girls' varsity hockey, which won 19 games with only eight tenacious skaters and one talented goalie! After holding Canterbury scoreless until the final four minutes of the NEPSAC Quarterfinal game last week, the opposing coach praised the stamina, skill and team play of Christina's gutsy team.
No team, however, overcame a nightmarish challenge as did boys' varsity hockey. All twenty-one players inhaled unventilated exhaust fumes during a practice on January 3, and the ramifications were serious, scary and upsetting. To play hockey at this level, kids start skating when very young. The sport means more than a set of seasonal games. They identify themselves with hockey, and the challenges they faced this winter were extreme.
It is hard for spectators to see the faces of hockey players, so I've gone through image archives to bring you a glimpse of twenty-one boys whom we admire. It is my hope that this photo essay provides some insight into their character and spirit!
