Blood, Guts, and Gore! Scrapes and Bruises Galore!

Field hockey can get really messy sometimes.

Okay, so I'm exaggerating the blood, guts, and gore part. But, getting some scrapes and bruises is a 100% guarantee.

The first few weeks of autumn means that field hockey season is here. That's when I take my hockey stick and shin guards out of the closet.

In 1923, Hockey Day became a legitimate tradition at Judson College. Before then, it was just a game played for a physical education class. Seniors play against the Junior-Sophomore and Freshmen class for a year's worth of bragging rights. Both teams create banners, write a song, and put together a skit. The Student Life staff selects a winning class in each category.

I have heard a lot of exciting chatter amongst the Junior-Frosh (Junior-Sophomore and Freshmen) about Hockey Day. It is exciting to see the girls having fun and getting ready for the big day. One day at lunch, a conversation on hockey strategies was halted when I sat down.

I am thrilled to see this happening!

As a senior, it's my job to pass on traditions. A lot of girls want to continue playing hockey after Hockey Day. This is a good sign that they're enjoying themselves. Granted, most of them will quickly reconsider playing every day...I thought the same thing my freshmen year. Though, the anticipation of next year will build up over time.

Another neat aspect of Hockey Day is the All-Star Game. Players from both teams vote on fifteen of their teammates to be all-stars. All-Star players are announced the Friday before Hockey Day. This team plays against the Alumnae team who returns for the tradition.

Now, the returning Alumnae team makes for a tough match. Despite not playing hockey for a while (in some cases since last Hockey Day, in some cases since they graduated), they are seasoned participants. Most of them can knock the ball clear down the field.

The intensity of the match-up is the main catch for all current Judson students. I was dying to play on the team as a freshman. I made the team last year, and might make it again this year. If I don't, I'm not sweating it.

Either way, Hockey Day is still awesome!