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It was a busy day on the courts and fields yesterday as camp played host to Camp Regis-Applejack in a variety of sporting endeavors. Not only did camp’s soccer players get another game in, this time with coed teams, but it  was also the first appearance of the summer for Pok-O-MacCready’s tennis, archery, and basketball teams. The day started with morning competitions in tennis and basketball. The tennis matches featured some outstanding hitting, with many international players in the leading ranks for each camp. The top match starred Lindsay Kantor, who continued her amazing streak of victories as camp’s number one tennis player, this time by a 6-2 score.. Pok-O-MacCready went on to an overall 7-3 victory, with wins recorded by Alicia Maravall, Sofia Oliva, Camille Roncoroni, Andres Orendain, and the doubles teams of Matt Shayne/Chris Takara and Matt Kantor/Max Schoen. The basketball teams engaged in a very close and exciting game, with neither squad able to open up much of a lead. The game seesawed back and forth until the last few minutes until Pok-O-MacCready, spearheaded by the passing and shooting of Geoffrey Livsey, was able to pull away to a 38-34 victory. Coach Johnny Mac said the team was very psyched with the win, given that it was the first time camp had beaten Camp Regis-Applejack in many years. Coach Mac  also singled out Collin McCullough for his great hustle and Robin Farrell and Caroline Wood for their strong inside play.
The players then took a break to share a lunch together in the dining hall, with players from the two teams sharing tables and conversation. Then it was time for the soccer and archery action. The younger soccer team played a competitive match before falling by a score of 5-1. Kaela Murphy scored the team’s only goal, while Zach Lynch registered many saves in goal and Cal Fullerton was a force all over the field. The older team played a thrilling game, falling behind early by a margin of 2-0 before rallying to tie the game in the second half. The Regis-Applejack squad finally prevailed with a goal with just two minutes left in overtime, ending a fine match with much spirited play. Among the outstanding contributors to the Pok-O-MacCready side were Spencer Ivey, Andres Ordain, Alejandro Buenfil, and Meredith Carroll. In archery action Pok-O’s top three younger archers quickly found their range and built up a steady lead over the Regis-Applejack trio of shooters. The final winning score was 490-390, with Isak Spanjol, Luke Sweeney, and Doug Fisher (top archer of the day) leading the way. All in all it was a fine day of good sports and good sportsmanship.
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Iroquois, the mightiest nation east of the Mississippi River, renowned for their prosperity in times of peace and unity in times of war. Until tonight. The evening started with the ceremonial dance of the sachems and chiefs, a dance that pleased the spirits and brought on the spontaneous combustion of the central fire. It was at this point, however, that disharmony set in, and by the end of the Great Council the tribes had declared themselves at war with each other. This turn of events was surprising, given the impending encroachment of the French from the north and the rumored voyage of a Dutch-sponsored man named Hudson to the south. Clearly, though, these Iroquois tribes felt their internal disputes must be settled before turning their attention outward; the Oneida tribe disagreed with this and boycotted the council fire. The five remaining nations have unburied the hatchet and agreed to a series of competitions over these next two days to determine the mightiest nation of all and claim the title of Tribal Champion. What is at stake? Only the entire security and future of these sacred lands that shall remain forever free of the white man.
It is often difficult to find the words to describe a place that you love. Many people have tried to describe the magic and wonder of camp. Finding the right words is nearly an impossible task. I have to say there is one great reason we love Pok-O: it’s not hard to make friends. We are at camp to be happy and enjoy ourselves and by doing so it makes others happy. In my six years at camp I have made many friends and memories that will last forever.