They guys woke refreshed after a delicious dinner Friday night scheduled by Melinda and Dave Thomas. We traveled to the pitch to play the 7/8th place match against Union County (from New Jersey). The boys played like highlanders! After a couple of heart stopping moments near the end of the game, the highlanders triumphed (11-7).
The boys showered, changed and then settled down to watch some of the girls matches. Of particular interest were the twin centers from the Maryville, TN team. Between Steven yelling from the clubhouse “Have the twins scored yet?”, to Jim’s comments “Wow, it looks like she passed to herself” and Josh’s “They’re twins!”; the boys enjoyed the game. Later Coach Smith pointed out “Those girls could really play!”. The Maryville team lost to the Wisconsin #1 ranked Devine Savior Holy Angels’ Dashers (a real school team name!).
The team ate out at locale bar which was decked out with Pittsburgh Penguin regalia (Go Hurricanes, beat Pittsburgh!). After a nice dinner of wings, pizza and pasta; we all headed back to the pitch for the U-19 final (Highland vs. United). The Highland team won by a lot. They dominated United. The boys clearly had an enjoyable evening, even though the thunderclouds rolled in a soaked everyone in the 2nd half. There was a group of our boys sitting out (standing actually) in the rain, cheering for both teams. They were clearly having a great time and because of their enthusiasm, may end up on the TV highlights (ESPNU).
After the Highland vs. United game the two teams clustered together away from the crowd watching the Jesuit vs. Christian Brother game in a circle. The rain had ended, but darker (black) storm clouds were gathering in the western sky. Our boys noticed that something was happening and rushed to the circle. With the instincts of an experienced chaperone, I followed. In the midst of the circle, the group of the Highland team (led by the big # 8 Maori), were performing the Haka facing a handful of the United team of Maori descent (including the small winger). I was facing # 8 with his back to the black sky. Although I have seen the videos of the Haka on U-tube, It was chilling to see the intensity up close. With the storm clouds in the background and the big Maori’s eyes wide, the Haka concluded. The # 8 from the Highland team bear hugged the smaller winger from the United team while other boys grasped hands and slapped each others backs.
This performance punctuated the Rugby weekend until the North Carolina highlanders got off the bus after the long trip from Pittsburgh. After all of the bags were claimed, Asher got the boys in a circle as the coaches and parents watched from the parking lot. Not much was said as the boys contemplated an end to this astounding season. Asher then stepped to the center of the circle and led the team in one last rousing highlanders chant. They gathered together in the center as the band of brothers that they had become.
I am very proud of all of the boys. This trip ended a special season. As a parent, I especially appreciate all of the time that the coaches have put into the program. Job well done, Highlanders!
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