A new era initiated the men’s soccer team with the arrival of pre-season 2011 on August 18. This reporting date was a whole week earlier than any previous pre-season. This allowed the team to have the same period of preparation as our competitors. In years past, we have opened up against teams who had at least 2 games under their belt. Now we are able to open without the handicap of inadequate preparation.
The extra week allowed a much healthier approach to pre- season. This extra time allowed the coaches to prepare the team in a more progressive and thorough manner, rather than cramming so many things in so little time.
The fully engaged agreement we committed to inorder to get the extra week, had us experiencing some interesting approaches to team building. A team frisbee golf outing on the school’s 12-hole course was a big hit. (Only 2 of our 37 frisbees came back intact; so much for the Dollar Tree $1 specials!). Our team hike to St. Mary’s Wilderness had us arriving at the waterfalls just as a major thunderstorm cracked above us, and poured a torrential rain on us. James Dick, W&L’s Outing Club Director, led the team on a ropes course initiative. He was extremely complementary on the team’s performance: he had never had a large group complete the activity before!
A real big hit in pre-season was our use of a caterer, Effie, to serve most of our meals. Our Dining Hall meal schedule did not suit our practice schedule so we gave this a shot. The players were able to plan their menus, and loved her cooking. No doubt we will do so again!
(Robert Wiseman)
(Robert Wiseman)
No comments:
Post a Comment