Weekly Athletic Update, 11/29/16
As our winter teams embarked on early season training sessions just prior to the Thanksgiving break, our two Varsity soccer teams were immersed in their respective Class A NEPSAC Championship pursuits.
- Boys Soccer ripped through a quarterfinal match up with Belmont Hill, 4-1 and then disposed of a formidable NMH squad 4-0 in a classic semi-final match up. This paved the way for an opportunity to square off against the Berkshire School in Sunday’s final at Deerfield Academy. On a cold, blustery afternoon the Hilltoppers ran into a talented opponent who capitalized on a strong start in running past WA, 5-1. As they have all season, the team exhibited great sportsmanship and determination in battling throughout the 90-minute match and are to be commended for a tremendous season!
- Girls Soccer had two nail biters edging a determined Milton Academy team 1-0 in the quarter-final match before slipping past Noble and Greenough in overtime 2-1 in the semi-finals. Senior Gabby Diodati slammed in the winner to help advance the girls to their 2nd consecutive Class A final. The team travelled to the Brooks School to take on 3rd seeded Loomis-Chaffee and the two teams treated the fans to a terrific exhibition of soccer. Unfortunately on this afternoon, Loomis claimed the title pushing past the Hilltoppers in a 3-1 victory. The team accomplished so much during this incredible season and will be recognized with Silver bowls at next week's all school assembly to celebrate their undefeated regular season.
Athletic Tip of the Week
It has been documented that the number of high school students participating in high school sports has increased for the 27th consecutive year. The most recent survey put out by the National Federation of High Schools indicates there are now more than 7.8 million participants. Astonishingly, while less than one percent of these individuals will play sports professionally, many will stay involved in sports in other ways. One of the troubling numbers on the decline in sports, however, is the continual drop in the number of scholastic contest officials. The #1 reason most high school students play sports is to have fun and the officials who serve as referees and umpires are there primarily to ensure and enable these student-athletes to do just that! There has been a rise of late in the verbal and, in some cases, physical abuse of game officials by viewing adults who place winning above competing and it is serving to drive good, young officials (and some good veteran officials) on to more enjoyable pastimes.
Here at Worcester Academy let’s make sure that collectively – kids, coaches and parents – we have a proper focus on the value of education-based athletics. Whether rooting for one of our teams here at WA or travelling to support one of our teams on the road, let’s be mindful of the real lessons we are trying to teach our athletes. The #1 reason (based on a Ohio State University study) game officials abandon their connection to the sport they enjoy is due to poor spectator behavior. There is no place for boorish behavior here at Worcester Academy and I hope you will join us in enthusiastically promoting good sportsmanship to all game officials who work our contests!
