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P.L.A.Y. Day 2007 - Lacrosse Season Comes to a Close
Capped by the 10th P.L.A.Y. Day, the Philipstown Lacrosse season came to a close. The annual barbeque celebrates the end of another season for all of our high school and modified players in grades 7-12 players and youth lacrosse players in grades 3,4,5,6, along with our little sticks in grades 1&2.
Supported by the Garrison Fire Department, Philipstown Recreation Department and the Town of Philipstown, youth lacrosse teams and their families from Mahopac, Larchmont-Mamaroneck, Cortland, Croton and Brewster came to Philipstown on June 2. The teams played for three hours in round-robin games in grades 3-4, 5-6 and the modified level. The games were played in front of large crowds at the Town Park and on the Garrison School Field. Following the games the annual giant barbeque was held outside the Garrison Fire Station 1 on Upper Station Road.
With Jeff Dain as the Grand Master of this year's event working the Dain family grill, aided by Mike Colamarino, Bill Kearns, Mrs. O'Connor, and Paul Mackey, P.L.A.Y. (Philipstown Lacrosse Association for Youth) served up 400 hot dogs, a similar number of hamburgers along with pounds of salads and desserts for the crowd. Shopping for the event is an annual stew that takes place the night before. Thankfully this year Billy Padilla advised on the Dain and Donovan shopping spree, keeping them under budget.
In the middle of the hot but comfortable day - with teams playing up to 3 games each - the players expressed gratitude to Pauline and Frank Fusco who once more donated, cut, bagged and chilled hundreds of orange slices for players on all 12 teams. Fields were coordinated brilliantly by Bob Freeman, Zach Freeman and Ethan Rockmore. Philipstown Highlander teams were coached by Glenn Waters, Roger Hoffman, John Skilling, Ethan Rockmore, Frank Fusco, Chris Christensen, Thad Cook, Pete Schartner and Bob Freeman.
During the event, Matt Cannon, an attendee at the first PLAY Day in 1997, gave parents great news that he will be running the Philipstown Rec's Summer Youth Lacrosse Clinic the week of July 25. Matthew was a P.L.A.Y. member as a youth and high schooler and is now a teacher who was recruited to play lacrosse in college. Matt has a great way with young players, encouraging them while making sure they have fun. These sessions are for young, especially new players, are held at dusk and out of the sun. Parents are encouraged to sign their children up for Matt's Clinic by calling 845-424-4618, the Philipstown Recreation Department
As the final piece of P.L.A.Y. Day, a special guest appearance was made possible by Col. Glenn Waters of the USMA at West Point and the 3/4 grade Philipstown Highlander coach. Glenn invited two cadets from the ARMY lacrosse team who came over to run a speed-shot competition on the Garrison field during the barbeque. As is the tradition in youth lacrosse jamborees, there were no awards for first, second or third place for either teams or individuals, yet this did nothing to dampen the high level of competition the boys displayed throughout the day.
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