Award Season

Hey everyone I hope you had a good weekend and weren’t too affected by Nemo. CVPH had their annual winter carnival and Nemo couldn’t have hit at a better time for that. Macee, Ashley Pagano and I all attended to volunteer, but honestly the whole team should have just gone and hung out. They had snow shoeing, ice skating, tubing, cross country skiing, a waffle toss, and free food. It was actually a ton of fun, but we were just extra chilly because for some reason we didn’t think we needed snow boots. Everything was completely free, the hospital just asked that you donate a canned food item for the local food shelf. On Sunday, a majority of the freshmen did some more community service and volunteered at an event run by the ASPCA.

On Sunday night we had our end of the season banquet at bmike’s house. We played ping pong and fuze ball and basically just used the time to catch up with everyone. The coaches handed out the team awards and as usual picked the worst pictures of everyone to put on the awards. Kristie took home offensive MVP and the Jess Allen award. Hannah got defensive MVP, Devin got Most Improved, Em Lalo got the Jill MaConi award and Ashley Pagano got the coaches award. After the awards each class preformed a little skit. The freshmen did a great job reenacting the year’s best Wiley moments. The mile, one-on-one meetings and practice huddles. Taylor Florio did the best job impersonating Wiley I have ever seen, gobble whistle and all.

A little bit about what’s coming up, 32 days until we leave for Costa Rica, 7 a.m. practices start in Sibley next week, and tonight is the first game for intramural basketball so wish us luck. We have a few fun fundraisers coming up so Ill keep  everyone posted on that as it gets closer. Have a good week!

 

(Ashley and Macee snowshoeing)

We're backkkkk

I hope everyone had a great break and is thrilled to be back at school! My class load is a bit light this semester as I am only taking three classes on Tuesday and Thursday. So that means I will have lots of time to write blogs posts! My girls were very busy over break, Em LaLone learned how to snow board, Macee Maddock went on a cruise and we had a few girls up here running track for Plattsburgh. We had our first team meeting on Sunday and since then have already jumped into one of our goals for the semester which is team bonding. Some of the girls went sledding behind Memorial last night, so happy to see on my girls spending quality time together. 

 

Only 44 more days until we are headed to Costa Rica! A.K.A 44 more days to lose the holiday fat and get in soccer shape. And considering we are working out with our new trainer Sarah five days a week I think we will be able to get there. Our itinerary while we are away includes training and playing three friendly games, sightseeing, zip lining, white water rafting, a community service project and much more that I will get into as the trip grows closer. 

For our community service project we are visiting a children’s community center which cares for children and educates 230 low income children between the ages of 1 and 12. If you would like to donate some supplies for us to bring to the children’s community, the following items are requested. 

·         Crib sheets

·         Books

·         Puzzles, board games

·         Towels

·         Children’s toys

·         Plastic cups and other kitchen utensils

·         DVD movies in Spanish

·         Children clothing and bibs

·         Bathroom supplies

·         Coloring and craft supplies 

Anything you have new or used would be greatly appreciated and can be dropped off in the first floor office (Room 314) in Memorial Hall. 

During the spring we focus a lot on community service projects and one of our favorites in handing out water and Gatorade to the runners of the Plattsburgh half marathon. This year’s race is extra special because our own Em LaLone and Lauren "Grandma" Gonyea are going to be running! So proud of them. 

On top of our five day-a-week lifting schedule we are going to play indoor futsol twice a week in Sibley hall…at 7 a.m. Futsol is five vs. five indoor soccer with a small ball that is weighed down so it cannot be kicked high in the air. It is ideal for working on first touch and foot skills, something we should take advantage of while inside. Other than that I don’t have much to update everyone on,  I’ll keep you guys posted on what events we will be volunteering at and any other fun activities we do.  

(Lauren ran a marathon in Vermont with this on...)

 (Macee said this once and I loved it, so I am getting her this tank.)

Happy Holidays!

Well, that was the quickest semester of my life. Literally I don’t know where it went. And while the rest of you have been home for a few days cuddling with and posting countless pictures of your dogs, I’m still in the burgh until Sunday..SUNDAY. It’s alright though, it’s the life of being an RA, but I won’t have to stay to close the building for Spring Break because I’m going to Costa Ricaaaa. The Costa Rica countdown has officially begun and in 91 days we will be on our way. Here are some fun facts to enlighten you on our upcoming adventure.

1)      Costa Ricans refer to themselves as Ticos (males) or Ticas (females).

2)      Costa Rica has a population of 4.5 million and a life expectancy of almost 77 years, one of the highest in the world.

3)      There are 800 miles of coastline in Costa Rica between the Pacific and Caribbean coasts.

4)      There are more than 121 volcanic formations in Costa Rica, and seven of them are active.

5)      A soda is a small, informal restaurant that serves traditional meals like chicken, rice, beans and salad for $2-$3 a plate.

6)      A pulperia is a neighborhood store that sells essential foodstuffs like canned goods, eggs, milk, bread and some produce.

7)      For most of Costa Rica, the dry season runs from December through April. During these months, the Pacific coast and most of the Central Valley receive little rain, or the odd afternoon shower.

8)      Costa Rica's official language is Spanish, though a large number of its citizens are bilingual. English, due to its status as the international language of tourists, is the most common second language in Costa Rica.

9)      The Costa Rican government is democratic, with presidential elections every 4 years, and no standing army. Costa Rican president Laura Chinchilla is the first woman president of Costa Rica.

I hope everyone did phenomenally on their finals and got home safe. My plans for the winter include working, interning and looking for a big girl job..ew. But I will be back mid-January to resume my true calling in life, writing this blog. But I will be updating the twitter so please follow us @PSUWomenSoccer1. Also, it was announced that we won the NSCAA National Team Academic Award for the fourth consecutive year! So proud of my little Cards. Seee all those hours in study hall really paid off. Good luck to all the winter sports that have to stay and brave the Plattsburgh winter. Happy holidays everyone! Have a safe and thrilling break!

 

 

Oh Oh Oh It's Thanksgiving

I know we’ve all missed these posts, so here is just a little fill-in on what’s been going on since the season ended.

With no practice to keep us all entertained and in shape the team has taken to different means of fitness. Monica and I have started to play racquetball, and by that I mean we went one time to play but the courts were all full so we went to the downer. Liv and I have started to work out with Michelle (our trainer from the Spring) only to need to take a week off after our first session because we were so sore. And Taylor and I went to the gym the other day and went on the arc trainers for 20 minutes and then laid on the mats. There are a few girls who have been better about their gym regimens such as Lalo who has made a few spin class appearances and Macee and the rest of the crew have been running every day, god bless them. Clearly we are all concerned about the upcoming break and the five pounds the average American puts on during the holidays. Nawt. My theory is that we’re all taking this time off and are going to kick it into high gear after the winter holidays because when we get back for second semester we start our spring workout program which is Monday through Friday. I don’t think anyone’s complaining too much about it though because we all need to get our Costa Rica bods.

K. Rab had her second knee surgery last week and we are all so proud of her and wish her the best recovery. We’re all pulling for her to be 100% by softball season. If you happen to see her crutching around campus, offer to pick her up or carry her bag or give her a Mountain Dew or something.

And for anyone who has been wondering where Buddha is, he has been living in Mason Hall with me. The only problem is we’ve been having a rough few weeks because a Buddha is not supposed to live in a bedroom, they are supposed to greet you in a foyer. Also, Buddha projects whatever feeling you project on to him. So when we loved Buddha, we gave us positive energy, and when we started questioning his love, his energy turned bad. I don’t think he ever forgave me for the bad energy, or for stealing him from Lalo for that matter, so we are working out our differences while he sits in my closet. (If Buddha has to be in the bedroom he needs to be in a closet and at night the closet has to be shut, I Googled it.)

Other than that were all looking forward to getting together after break to do paper plate awards and have the coaches present the team awards. We also have a tradition where each grade comes up with some sort of skit to act out for the rest of the team. The seniors last year acted out Wiley’s top ten best coaching moments, hilarious. Other than that it has been pretty quiet. Here are some pictures and music to keep you entertained until next time! Have a safe and great break everyone.

 

Thanksgiving Song

 

 

 

Schmitt and Marley (Wiley's Dog)

 

 

When Kalya was the backup goalie..

 

 

 

 



This is the last time you will ever hear my complain about this

This is an essay a wrote last semester for my sports writing class, and this is the last time I’ll bring up how much I hate when people spit on the turf, promise..

Spitting, hackin a lugi, blowing a snot rocket.

All things that in the heat of a game can be that second of relief the athlete needs to clear their airways and push themselves through. Something so miniscule, yet so dangerous. Not to mention gross.

Players are put at risk everyday because of the spit left on the turf that can enter the body through open wounds. In 2005, the New England Journal of Medicine reported that athletes who play on turf have shown higher rates of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA. This is a type of staph bacteria that can cause life threatening infections.

When someone spits on the turf, they are putting everyone at risk for infection. Turf is rougher than grass and therefore it is easier to break the skin when you slide or fall. Turf burn is caused by the friction of skin and turf which generates heat and removes layers of skin. Also known as raspberries, turf burn is painful and a gateway for infection; perfect for saliva to seep into and make the raspberry look even more attractive.

Many communicable diseases find passage from one person to another through contact with saliva. Major diseases include the common cold, the flu, tuberculosis, mono, Hepatitis B and bacterial meningitis as well as many others. Anything that is in the human body that is subject to effect the immune system can find its way out through any bodily fluid, including salvia. All of these diseases could side line a player for days, weeks or even months.

According to LiveStrong.com, because a body in motion is under a variety of stresses during a workout, more saliva or mucus will be produced. The production of saliva increases when athletes begin working their lungs and cardiovascular system. As the body warms up, it will produce more saliva. There are many factors that effect this and sometimes make is necessary to remove the excess liquid from your system. When running outside in cooler temperatures,(a.k.a every time you step on the field in Plattsburgh)  your nose must warm and humidify the air you breathe before it reaches your lungs. This action produces mucus in your nose and throat, and the mucus acts as a humidifier to condition the air before it reaches your lungs.

The problem with spitting it out during a game however is that is it has nowhere to go but the top of the turf. Astroturf does not absorb liquid like a grass field. So when someone spits on the turf it sits right on top for the remainder of the game or until it gets swept away.

Ponder this for a second; if someone starts to bleed on the field or on their jersey, it gets cleaned right away because everyone is worried about the spread of disease. You are not even allowed back on the field until you have on a new, clean jersey and your cut is properly cleaned and bandaged. Yes, blood is a bittt more potent than spit, but shouldn’t the same type of precautions be taken? Many of the diseases that can be spread by coming in contact with blood, you can get by coming in contact with spit. Crazy right? No one wants to skin their knee on the field to stand up and find moist liquid mixed in with the blood and skin. That’s disgusting.

 

So pay attention the next time you’re playing a game on the turf. Watch for how many athletes relieve themselves on the turf you’ve come to know and love. Please think about this next time you want to have a spitting contest with your teammates during warm-ups. If you want to be the jerk that gives your team mono by hackin a lugi, by all means, be my guest.

 

Last away trip a.k.a best trip everrr

This was one of the best away trips I have been on and I am so happy that my last trip on the Burghy bus ever was such a great time. We left Thursday and stopped at Moe’s and Panera and it was delicious (duh). And for the next four hours we watched The Proposal and The Blind Side, yes both Sandra Bullock movies. The six hour trip, which everyone was dreading immensely, went by surprisingly fast and we got to the hotel around midnight.

Everyone got to sleep in on Friday which was a huge treat and at 11:30 we were up taking laps around the hotel. Wiley’s idea obviously but with subs and coffee in hand we walked around the hotel six times. It must have done the trick though because we did in fact come out with a win that afternoon vs. Geneseo.

 

 

 

 

I think the reason we actually won was because at half time Maddie got pooped on by a bird, right on the side of her face. It took us a little while to get back on topic because we were laughing so hard but you know what they say, it’s supposed to be good luck. We scored three goals in the second half sooo way to take one for the team Madds. Devon put a perfect ball on Em LaLone’s head off a corner for the first goal and Kristie got the next two. Even though it doesn’t change our SUNYAC fate it was still nice to get a win in before the end of the season.

After the game we got a real treat and went to Buffalo Wild Wings for dinner. Most of the girls got wings-obvi-and instead of bread they give you chips and salsa, in which my table had four orders of. B-Mikes tried to get some free dessert out of it too, but they don’t give you ice cream if it’s your birthday, so we just tricked Kristen instead.
 

 

After dinner we had fresh warm cookies waiting for us in the lobby. I’m betting the hotel staff was wishing they put the cookies out five minutes later than they did because we took them all. The rest of the night turned into prank calls, painting our nails, stealing Taylor’s giraffe repeatedly and stacking furniture in front of Pat and B-Mike’s door.

 



Now, if I was to sit here and give each team we play a different award, Brockport would win hands down for best warm up CD. My favorite part of traveling is listening to what other teams put together and Brockport hit the nail on the head for pump up songs. I don’t know why we didn’t ask for a copy before we left, but I intend on emailing someone about that. The Brockport game was a great game, one of the best we’ve played all season and really enjoyable to watch. The crowd was super involved and pegged Ashley Pagano as public enemy #1. Our bench was loud and supportive and Grandma had a really nice goal. We played physical, smart and I think most importantly we had fun.

On the way home we watched Miss Congeniality and Two Weeks Notice, yep two more Sandra Bullock movies. And on Sunday the Gonyea’s had everyone over for a pasta party, it was delicious. Overall it was a great weekend with surprisingly beautiful weather unlike the torrential rain and hail that ripped through Plattsburgh. Luckily, my window stayed up while I was gone which was a fantastic surprise.

Wednesday (October 24) the men’s and women’s soccer teams are having cystic fibrosis games. The games are to promote awareness and raise money for the cause. The women’s game is at 4 and the men’s game is at 7 both at the field house. There will be raffles and food and games so please come down for a bit and support an awesome cause.

 

 

When you leave here, don't forget why you came.

I’m sorry if today’s post is a tad sappy, but I am a senior and I am allowed to have one sappy post in the midst of all of my team hilariousness.

I feel old. I feel like an old lady. I had my senior game for college this weekend and that means I am old. Below is a picture from my senior game of high school. I felt old then and look how little I was. What made the senior game this time around a little more special was the fact that I was actually able to play in it. (See below the knee brace due to an acl tear) But what made it more sad is that I’m not going anywhere to play for another four years. I had this realization as I was listening to B-Mikes talk in the locker room and it made me realize how important it was to enjoy these last two weeks and be thankful for all of these years I was able to play.  

My girls did a beautiful job of decorating the locker room and making the four seniors feel like it was, in fact, our birthdays. It turned out to actually be a pretty nice day and being announced with the starting line-up along with hearing my stats over the last four years read over the loud speaker made it very real. I didn’t feel sad though because it wasn’t our last game. I think that it was better we did it that way because we were able to just enjoy it and have fun, not be sad it was the last time we were going to hear our names announced or run out of the tunnel. Fun fact, we learned Liv has played over 3800 minutes of soccer since she’s been here - we did the math, that’s almost three days of her life she has spent in a cardinal uniform. (I know looking at it in days makes it seem less but that’s a ton.)

Buffalo was a solid game which went into a shootout and even though it goes in as a tie we really needed the win to stay in the running for SUNYACs. I will tell you there is not much that sucks more than your team having such a bad season not only your last year, but under your leadership. I cannot change how this season has gone. My girls can learn from it for next year and I know they will thrive because they will never want to feel like this again.

Back in the locker room, the juniors put together a wonderful slideshow which depicted the seniors last four years. And by that I mean, the worst pictures they could find of us from the last four years. Then, each junior gave a little speech about a senior, and Mon’s speech to Liv made everyone cry – it was precious. We then went up to the field house and had a delicious cookout put on by all the parents. It was an almost perfect senior day (would have been perfect if we had won) but I am so thankful for everything that my team, the school and the parents did to make us feel special. It truly was an awesome day.

This week at practice we are planning on working as hard as we can in order to have a blast this weekend on our last away trip as a team. We're even eating dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings so you know stuffs gonna get crazy. We are working on everything from fundamentals to shooting to combinations all week and plan on leaving this season as a solid starting point for next season. Below is a time lapse video of each senior, yes that is a brunette Olivia Hopeck.

Kizoa slideshow: soccer - Slideshow