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Sports
Thursday, June 7, 2018
Tryoneer Pioneer: A “wicket” good time playing croquet James P. Infortuna Staff Reporter
What combines skills from golf, hockey and whack-a-mole? Why croquet, of course. There are few things that sound more like they belong in a Town and Country Magazine than croquet. In fact just the mention of it conjures up images of the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland or of the British. But you may ask me, why play croquet? Well, the goal of the Tryoneer Pioneer is not just to place me in wacky situations, but to give you some new sports/activities to try out and with summer just around the corner, croquet is perfect for a cookout or any summer-y occasion. My guide on this expedition was senior Tyler Jansen, who was in Good Morning Stoga with me. One morning, much to my surprise, it came to light that he had a croquet set and was rather accomplished at the game. So I resolved to investigate A) what croquet was all about, and B) how truthful Jansen was about his ability.
The game of croquet has been around in different forms since as early as 1283 and in its modern incarnation since around the 1850s. In the most generic and simple description I can muster, a series of wickets (small arches) are set up around a field and the goal is to hit your ball through them in a pattern to get it to strike a peg. There are dozens of variations on the game, but for my limited purposes, these were the general guidelines we followed. Jansen and I played on a Friday, smack in the middle of a week and a half of nothing but rain on the field inside the track. So, a game meant for balls to roll relatively easily was somewhat hindered by soft ground and tall grass. Nonetheless, we persisted. Jansen set up a full game of croquet, and once I had the proper tunes playing (The Rolling Stones, you know, “croquet” music), we began. There were 14 wickets total, and the first to hit the ball through seven down the field, hit the peg at that end, and then back through the other seven and hit the peg where you started would score 14 points and win. We alternated
hits, as is protocol, and were at opposite ends of the field to start. At first we were both mired in the high soggy grass, wasting time and energy trying to gain our bearings. However, soon Jansen took a lead getting to the middle of the field before I was even a third of the way. Then on one hit, he shot his ball way off course and during the several hits that ensued to rectify this, I was able to catch up. By the time we reached the halfway point, it was a dead heat. The progression back down the field was fraught with competition. What I found was that Jansen ran into many of the same problems I did on my way up and I ran into many of the same problems he had on his way down. Certain areas were easy for the both of us, while some were impossible. Until the last wicket, we were still locked in a close game. But I hit my ball poorly and with little force which caused me to fall behind. Jansen finished first, thus winning, and I followed. Two hits behind. So what did I learn playing cro-
quet at 7 p.m., in the middle of the Berwyn monsoon season, with the Rolling Stones blaring out of my pocket? I’m not sure. I now possess the ability to play and hold a conversation about croquet. However, it remains to be seen whether that helps or hurts me. Do I recommend playing croquet? Yes. As always, I recommend you try whatever opportunity comes before you, but I found croquet particularly fun. So if this summer that odd uncle pulls out a croquet set, give it a whirl. You just might have a good time. Following through (right): Senior Tyler Jansen swings at the ball. He aided J.P. Infortuna in learning the art of croquet. Taking a swing (lower right): Sophomore J.P. Infortuna attempts to hit the ball through the wicket. Infortuna lost to Jansen in their match during mid-May. Infortuna hopes to play again some time soon. Man and the mallet (lower left): Infortune takes a break from the game. He recalled that croquet was very tiring. Elizabeth Billman/The SPOKE
Elizabeth Billman/The SPOKE
Elizabeth Billman/The SPOKE
Fierce face-off: sophomore midfielder dominates draw Ananya Kulkarni Web Editor
“In Lacrosse, possession of the draw is the key to the game. Because of her determination to get the ball off the draw, she has created over 100 scoring opportunities for her team,” Coach Amy Orcutt said, reflecting on sophomore Cameron Evitts’ performance. A draw-control is a method of beginning play in which two players face each other and attempt to gain control of the ball. More often than not, winning the most draw controls can make or break a game of lacrosse. According to Orcutt, Evitts’ hard work and dedication led to this moment. “She gives 100% every single day and when she steps on
the field in games, she does the same thing. She pushes herself to improve every aspect of her game and because of her work ethic, she was able to accomplish this incredible achievement as a sophomore, which is really incredible,” Orcutt said. While Evitts is proud of her achievement, her teammates have been a big part of her journey. “My teammates have helped to pump me up and motivate everyone before and during the game, while also pushing us to be our best.” Sophomore Alex Aufiero, Evitts’ team member on the lacrosse team, believes Evitts truly deserves the recognition she has received for her achievement. Cameron “works hard everyday and deserves this so much. Everyone on the team is
very happy for Cam,” Aufiero said. Of the many teams Evitts has played on, including HHH (Head-Heart-Hustle) Lacrosse Club, ’Stoga lacrosse will always stand out to her. “Conestoga lacrosse to me means family, friendships, and being proud to represent ’Stoga with my teammates who will all be my friends forever,” Evitts said. While Evitts has made many memories in the ’Stoga lacrosse program, she looks forward to continuing her career at the collegiate level. This past April, she committed to Pennsylvania State University. “I love the atmosphere [of PSU] and it’s the perfect fit of athletics and academics,” Evitts said. No matter where she is, Evitts love for the sport and
Aimee Buttenbaum/The SPOKE
Eye on the ball: Sophomore Cameron Evitts stands proud as she celebrates her record of 100 draw controls. In April 2017, Evitts committed to Pennsylvania State University. She is looking forward to new experiences at PSU. abundant amount of memories will always remain. “I love the sport because of its competitive nature and being with my teammates, and making all these great friends along the way,” Evitts said.
“My favorite memories are the times we all spend together whether it’s at practice, on the bus, or having fun before and during games.” Although thinking about graduation is bittersweet,
Evitts is thrilled for what PSU lacrosse has in store. “I’m excited to play and become friends with my new teammates as well as go to school with friends I’ve already met,” Evitts said.