Dazzling plays, great shots, diving catches, terrific hustle, impressive teamwork, and best of all, outstanding sportsmanship have been displayed for three spectacular days of Color War competition and fun. Shuey’s Red men had controlled the scoreboard for most of the time, but Jalen’s Gray guys now had their eyes on the prize, ready to seize the lead, or what the PGA tour refers to as “moving day” (the day before it’s over), when both teams try to position themselves for the final push to victory.
Just a few points separated the teams when they took the fields and courts this morning. Gray squeezed the gap even further with an early win in one Cubs Football game behind Isaac C’s efforts on both sides of the ball, and nearly drew even when they won Sophomores Tennis. But Red pushed back again with a dominant win in the other Cubs Football game, and another in Stars Golf.
When Gray then rattled off wins in Juniors Baseball, Stars Bocce and Seniors Soccer, the lead had all but disappeared …. momentarily. The bulk of the participants from both teams then hustled over to the Sky I Lax field to watch this morning’s last contest finish. After coming out on top in a 7-6 barnburner, Red then held on for the tie in game 2 to carry Tigers Lacrosse… and barely maintain the slimmest of leads (1 point!) as we broke for lunch.
Looking for more, Gray Tigers routed the Red in afternoon Tennis, and cruised to victory in one Seniors Hoops game. But the Red Seniors responded with a 3-point win in the other Basketball game and won Juniors Golf handily to keep Gray at bay. Gray then snuck in another Bocce win before anyone realized it and again, Gray drew closer.
In Cubs Soccer on the Snow Field, two tense games went down to the final minutes to be decided – Charlie H scored two 2nd half goals to gain a tie in game 1, then little Burnie put one in the back of the net late for the lone goal in game 2, securing the point for Red.
Red Stars also won Hockey and it appeared they had stalled Gray’s comeback bid… until Gray’s Juniors saved the afternoon by scoring twice in the last minute, the final goal crossing the goal line as time expired for a thrilling 7-6 win in Lacrosse.
Now that every Color War participant had finally shot a bow and arrow (it began back on Day 1), and, in the closest tally ever (the total includes the combined score of all campers on each team), Shep announced at dinner that Red had also won Archery. Gray had knocked on the door, but Red did not let them pass through… and maintained the lead as we looked forward to tonight’s Songs and Cheers performances.
And what a night it was! Under a cooler Maine evening on the outside Rec Hall Porch Stage, both teams showed us all what they have been working on for days. Only six full practices in a very short time to learn and perform new and old songs alike. Each team must perform 6 entries (with different point values for each) - a Team Cheer, Camp Cheer, Team Fight Song, Old Camp Song, Original Camp Song, and Production Number.
Eight (8) big points were up for grabs, so you can just imagine the time and effort expended by each team’s leaders in working with their kids to impact Color War on this last night. Red went first and was wonderful, then Gray matched them note for note, leaving Judges Matisi, Kappy and Kalvar with a nearly impossible decision. After several minutes of deliberation, Shep was handed the verdict.
Each team claimed a plot of land in front of the stage, and “circled-up”, arm-in-arm, awaiting Shep’s announcement….4 ½-3 ½ Red, adding another point to their lead.
As we head to the finish line, the outcome is very much in doubt. Although Red has led since early on, Gray has remained within striking distance throughout. Only one more day, anything can happen!
Heard this today…
Counselor, pitching random trivia: “What’s your favorite Eastern European country?”
Camper: “Poland”
Camper: “France”
Counselor: “OK, who’s your favorite senator?”
Camper: “I’m a Capitals fan.”
Only at Skylemar.
