What better way to kick off Skylemar’s 76th Color War than the Annual Red & Gray Buffet – Chef Junior and his staff put out quite a breakfast feast! Only problem was Mother Nature did not cooperate, dumping a steady rain through mid-morning, delaying the actual start of Color War. Barney quickly created a cool morning of inside fun at the Gym, Lodge, Pavilion and Rec Hall for all, while Shep, Nick and George huddled for what they hoped would be our last weather-related schedule adjustment of the summer.
The morning washout only served to build the excitement to get us going even more. In an effort to recover what the rain delayed, Shep jam-packed the afternoon with a double-dose of activities for each Division, set to begin just after lunch. The rain was gone, and a beautiful afternoon was in store.
For the past 75 years, the teams would first meet separately, then march down to the historic Fred Pierce Field for our opening Color War event, the Stars Softball game. This time, all headed there directly from lunch, each gathering as a full team for the very first time, ready for the official start. The buzz was electric with anticipation. Red and Gray spirit filled the air!
Shep called Captains Harry and Will to the field for pre-game instructions, then quieted the crowd and bellowed, “Play Ball”, as the teams took the field. All would watch the first inning together, but not before the ceremonial first pitch. This year a perfect strike was thrown by Lillie, our super terrific Director of Yellowhorn.
Both teams then headed out to venues all over camp, from the Waterfront to Sky II and everywhere in between. Hockey, Tennis, Golf and Bocce, Lacrosse, Football, Basketball, Softball, Baseball and Soccer on land, and Swimming, Boating and Skiing at the Waterfront. It’s a wonder how we got it all in, especially with the amount of great action and close contests. Here’s what happened today:
Due to the time constraint of our double-headers of action, Stars Softball ended in a tie as Gray erased a 3-run deficit with a late rally, giving each team a half point. The extra rest was needed though, when they moved to the Bunkline gridiron for a fantastic Stars Football game. A very tight game throughout, Nick N stepped in at QB to give Gray a boost with his arm to help keep Gray close as a growing number of spectators had surrounded the field after their own contests had completed. The game was tied with the clock winding down when one Will hit the other, connecting on a Red TD bomb to take the lead with only 13 seconds remaining. Gray moved the ensuing possession to the Red 10-yard line in two quick plays and had a chance to tie it with one play left … only to see their potential game-tying completion ruled out of bounds at the back of the end zone, as Red held on to win Stars Football.
The Seniors afternoon started down at Trickey, where Gray dominated the Swim and Kayak portion to win Waterfront. They then went over to the front side of camp for Golf and Bocce. On the Links, three wins for each team in six well-played matches split the Golf point, then Red held off a late Gray rally in the Garden to win Bocce.
The Juniors traveled over to Sky II for a couple of games on the Hejduk Field. In Soccer, goalkeeper TI was great in Gray's 3-0 victory. After a short break, the players donned the Lax pads and helmets for a nip and tuck battle that ended in a 6-6 tie, splitting the Lacrosse point. Joaquin hit the back of the net three times in the first half for Red, and Alan G scored a goal in both games.
The Sophomores began their activities on the Golf course, where Red had just too much talent and easily secured the Golf point, while their Bocce players also proved to be quite adept on the Lawn in winning Bocce as well. They then moved over to the Rink for a pair of games and showed off some of the best Hockey played this year. In Game 1, Pedro was an impenetrable netminder in a hard fought 1-0 victory for Gray (Enric had the lone tally). Game 2 was scoreless into the last period until the teams scored four times (2 by each team), including a late goal by Red to forge a 2-2 tie – but not enough to keep Gray from winning the Sophomores Hockey point.
The Freshmen played 2 very close games on the Hoops courts. On the upper court, Red thwarted a late Gray comeback effort to win by a bucket in a thrilling finish. Red teammates held on for a 6-point win on the lower court too, winning the Basketball point. A short time later on the Tennis courts on both sides of camp, an outstanding performance from Ari F highlighted the Skills Competition (8 of 10 serves hit the right spot) and helped Red to win Freshmen Tennis as well.
The Tigers’ day found them playing two Football games first before moving down to the Freddie Pierce for their Baseball game. On the Rec Hall field, both Spencer O and CJ had a pick-6 for their teams, but Red scored 2 late TDs to win 31-26. It was a different story on the Bunkline field where Elijah and Hunter ran all over the Gray in Red’s dominant win, splitting the Tigers Football point. Then Max F was unhittable, combining with Lionel in pitching Red to a 4-0 shutout in Tigers Baseball.
Our youngest Division for Color War combines the Cubs/Lions into one group (Bunks 1-7), and somehow, they always seem to provide us with the most excitement and attract the largest crowds of wildly cheering spectators. They first played three Hockey games in the Rink. The first game ended deadlocked at 1 (Henry M and Federico lit the lamp) as the crowd around the arena had grown quite vocal with older teammates intent on cheering them on. Games 2 and 3 saw each team collect a shutout win to split the Hockey point.
After a quick change, the boys headed down to Trickey. The Waterfront point is decided by winning at least two of the 3 elements: Swimming, Kayaking and Skiing. After Gray had won the Swim Meet, Red responded by winning the closest Kayak dual in Skylemar history. A pair of races against your opponents and the clock – the two times are then combined to determine the winner. Red won by less than 1 second, sending the group over to the Ski dock to decide it. The decibel level reached by screaming 7-9 year-olds reverberated up the hill, until Eli B crossed the wake enough times on his final run to win Waterfront for Gray. You just gotta love these little guys, many tasting this kind of spirited competition for the very first time.
What an awesome afternoon! The day’s activities were in the books. Well almost…
After a well-deserved cookout dinner (and showers before and after for all), there was still one event left to play – our traditional 1st night Evening Activity. The Ping Pong Tourney always closes Day 1, and with one point left to be decided, the players took to the tables under the Pavilion lights, encompassed by their teammates. It would take winning 11 of the 21 matches to win, and it took a few hours to decide it. Red won the point and will sleep on a very slight lead.
Whew! It’s only Day 1. Lots more to come!
