by Bud Hart If numbers are any indication, Solanco field hockey is on the rise. “This year [the number of] camp attendees have gone up,” said Fan Bender, camp director. Bender is also a long time field hockey supporter and mother of several former Golden Mule hockey players. According to assistant varsity coach Kylee Kostenbader, 45 youngsters signed up for the camp which ran from Monday, June 19, through Friday, June 23, with both morning and afternoon sessions. What pleased both staff and volunteers was the number of younger players, 27, who participated. “The rest are players with some experience - sixth grade through eighth,” said Bender.
When asked what the goals and objectives were for the season, Sammy Prange, a recent Solanco alumnus and hockey player, said, “We’re here to introduce basic hockey skills and have fun. I have been assisting with the campers who have some experience.” Also on hand was recent graduate and hockey player, Casey Foose, who assisted with the kindergarten through fifth grade camp attendees. Foose and Prange are good friends and have been attending the annual camps for at least 10 years. “This one is really running well,” said Foose. “It’s much smoother and it’s nice working with the little ones. They are showing a lot of improvement.” Conditioning was being stressed with the older campers. “I’m urging them to run, run, run over the summer,” said Prange. “I’m telling them don’t expect to get in shape when the season starts. No one wants to see you falling to the ground gasping and panting in the fall. You’ve got to put the work in before the season arrives.” Former Solanco varsity field hockey coach Deb Atkins was also on hand to share her expertise with a sport that has had its ups and downs. “I think I have been running and assisting a summer camp for about the past 15 years,” said Atkins. “I’m certain the year was 2002 when I first began here at Solanco.” Also on hand to assist was returning senior, Emily Hastings. When asked if there was a standout camper, the overall consensus named incoming freshman Kayley Wilson. “She shows a lot of promise,” said Prange. “And she is very kind hearted,” added Foose. As sticks clacked and encouragement was shouted, head coach Whitney Hawkins traveled from group to group photographing the action. The coaching staff confirmed that Hawkins is a bundle of energy and heavily involved in the promotion and success of the sport. Kostenbader said the coaching staff is optimistic and excited that 18 freshman will enter the junior varsity/varsity program. No one is talking L-L League championship, but all agreed the objective is to win every game. From the number of campers attending the five-day camp, the expectations of accomplishing that objective is high now and in the future. Comments are closed.
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