This past weekend, the guys kicked off the 2007-2008 season with another successful team Ranger Day. On-campus events included a pull-up competition, the rope climb, diving competition, an underwater/over-water relay, and a team relay. From there, we carpooled to Danville, IL for our off-campus events at the famous Rokosch Farm/Hunting Lodge—events included a canoe race, accuracy toss, wheelbarrow race, an obstacle course and skeet shooting. I must say, watching these guys compete in friendly competition, supporting one another, formulating new relationships through hard work and determination is one of the most rewarding experiences as a coach. Highlights and pictures are below!

• Competition—This team definitely does not lack the desire to compete; although it was a close battle for the top four spots, the level of competition top to bottom was top notch; although the Red team came up victorious overall, our individual team champions were:

    • 1st Place—‘Scruff ‘n Curls’ (JordOn Blackwell ‘09 / Matt Routh ‘10)

    • 2nd Place—‘Team DANGG’ (Philip Towne ‘10 / Eric Vaughn '11)

    • 3rd Place—‘Rule #76’ (Steve Zajac '10 / Paul Wilson '10)

• Camaraderie—One of the highlights here had to be when freshman Adam Current was attempting his portion of the diving competition and the guys chanted ‘Wabash Always Fights’ in an effort to encourage his completing the dive; the numerous times guys were encouraging one another, sharing stories of events that happened in the past (Hugh!), and sitting by the fire also enabled these guys to come together as a group

• Overcoming Fears—I think about junior Jordan Extine attempting a back dive off the 3-Meter board and how you could see every beat of his heart right before he attempted his dive—his hands shaking, his body trembling; I also think about the guys that were so determined to make it to the top of the rope climb, grabbing onto the rafters for the extra bonus points before noticing how high up there trip down to the water would be

• Fun—Highlights here had to be when senior Aaron Spolarich and junior Jordan Extine overturned their canoe and were forced to swim their canoe to the finish line; right as they initiated their tipping, the team of Chad Woods and David Birrer (both freshmen) also flipped their canoe; it ended up being a muddy race to the finish as the canoes quickly became very difficult to lift out of the water as they trudged through the muddy shore

Needless to say, we have the pieces of the puzzle that every great team needs in order to be successful. With our season in full swing now, it is up to each one of us to try and put the pieces of the puzzle together to reach our fullest potential and accomplish all of our goals...