A Look at Webb Sports

Webb Cross-Country: Girls varsity team off to solid start; Maddie Phaneuf shines with first place finish

Before we revisit the week’s happenings, I’d like to give a special nod to those student-athletes who are participating in two sports.

Many of our cross country runners are hitting the trails as their schedules allow based on their commitment to soccer, which takes precedence. This is no small feat.

Between classes, homework, special projects, and studying for tests, the academic requirements for a serious student are pretty demanding.

Add in other activities such as clubs, National Honor Society, and theater (to name a few) and these kids’ schedules can be as rigorous as a full time job.

Now, imagine taking on the stress of daily practices and games.

That would be like you or I coming home from work, heading out after dinner to do a couple of hours of volunteer work, and then doing a five mile run!

Of course, nobody is forcing them to do it. For these kids, it’s a labor of love. And, believe me, it would have to be.

For those that have been to a cross country meet, you’ve seen runners cross the finish line looking like they’ve been through the Hundred Years War.

Many of them literally collapse immediately after that final step, while others “toss their cookies.” Sorry for the visual, but that was the nicest way I know how to put it.

So, to all of those who “go the extra mile” or, in your case, the extra “miles,” know that you’ve earned our admiration and appreciation.

And, in honor of your efforts, we’ll give you all first billing this week! Continue reading →

Varsity girls win 9-0: Dave Leach’s team plays tight D, shows range of scoring options in soccer season opener.

The way I see it, there are two kinds of people, and a good part of what defines them is the way in which they look at life.

There are those that find themselves stuck in the past, constantly fretting about what might have been, or becoming depressed over the passing of time.

On the other hand, we have the eternal optimist. The person who can appreciate what has been, but always keeps an eye on the future.

Count me among the latter.

Yeah, seeing the last of summer does kinda suck. And make no mistake, I’d rather undergo a full body-waxing than deal with the six months of crap weather that are looming.

Rather than focusing on the joys of shoveling snow, however, I’m directing my attention toward our local Columbus Day festivities, followed by Thanks-giving and Christmas with my family.

And in that same spirit of looking ahead, why don’t we take a quick gander at the upcoming school sports scene, along with some early results… Continue reading →

Sophomore Ethan Kress breaks school track record John Best’s mark had stood almost 40 years. New record also set in pole vault by Connor Rockhill

I’ve been spending some time in the gym lately trying to stay true to this year’s New Year’s resolution, having faced the fact that serious attention to diet and exercise was long overdue.

And I’ve been running into old friends who are also “getting into shape” although, in my own defense, I was already in shape—round is a shape, isn’t it?

Among the guys I bumped into was Tim Leach, who was taking some good-natured ribbing regarding the qualifications for coaching track.

“How hard can it be? You just tell ‘em to get out there and run around in a circle as fast as they can.”

While the fellow poking fun surely knew better, others may underestimate just what goes into getting the most out of a track team, be it boys or girls.

This season the boys will be going for an unprecedented Three-Peat as Sectional Champs, so let’s look closer at the coach’s role.

First, as opposed to any of the “team sports,” there are a wide variety of events, each of which utilizes different techniques.

Running events, for example, require participants to consider stride length, pace, and breathing, among other things.

Jumping events such as the high jump, long jump, and triple-jump require completely different skill sets, although running is still involved.

The same can be said for throwing events, which rely heavily on technique and strength.

While pretty much everyone on a soccer or basketball team can benefit from learning the same fundamentals, a track team’s success is quite the opposite.

Then, once you’ve got everyone prepared for their individual events, it’s time for the really hard part—strategizing.

This is especially crucial for coaches with smaller teams such as Old Forge.

Since each athlete may only participate in four events at a meet, a lot of thought goes into who will compete and in which event.

This planning is a misunderstood and underappreciated facet of our track seasons.

A coach might, for example, keep his athletes out of a particular individual race, such as the 800 meters, in order that they be available for a relay which he projects they can score more points in.

Such strategizing requires that you not only know your own athletes’ strengths and weaknesses, but those of every other team you will be facing. That involves a lot of research and number-crunching.

For two years in a row Tim Leach has taken the information at his disposal and led his squads to Sectional titles.

This year he only has thirteen boys to work with—about half the size of recent teams.

Still, he maintains an optimistic outlook.

“We are quite small in number, but we have some truly outstanding athletes,” he said. “We’ll line up, do our best, and see what happens. Honestly, if we can stay healthy, I like our chances.”

With his experience, and the guys recognizing the rare opportunity to bring home yet another title, I wouldn’t bet against them.

Girls Varsity Track

With Spring Break behind them, and the snow finally becoming a memory, the girls traveled south on Wednesday, April 27 to take on Cooperstown and host New York Mills.

Showing very little rust, despite a complete dearth of practice leading into the meet, several of the athletes put up fine performances.

Maddie Phaneuf picked up right where she left off last year, leaving little doubt as to her level of determination to dominate her events, winning both the 800 and 1500.

Another Old Forge standout, Caitlyn Bailey, also took home two firsts in winning the 100 and 400 meter hurdles.

Lauren Holt had a remarkable day as she pointed in three events, including the pole vault (2nd), high jump (3rd), and 400 dash (3rd).

Sarah Branch also had multiple wins, placing third in both the 100 and 200 meters.

Finally, in her very first attempt at the grueling 3000 meter run, Taylor Payne impressed with a second place finish.

Boys Varsity Track

The guys were also in action at New York Mills and had an exceptional outing, losing to a much larger Cooperstown squad but besting Mills 65-62.

As he often does, Coach Leach used this early-season meet to get a feel for his athletes. Clearly, while being competitive on this day was in the plans, his primary goal centered on learning what matchups would provide an edge for later in the season.

If early results are any indication, these guys are going to present Coach Leach wit Continue reading →