Well Well Well.
After a jam packed week & weekend where I went on two interviews, filmed a whole lot of lacrosse videos, got a parking ticket, turned down a job offer, had a 75th birthday party for my Grandma, played a great day of lacrosse, then lost the tournament the next day, edited a lot of videos, listened to a boatload of music, went to a Deer Tick concert, & watched a plentiful amount of movies and videos, I finally figured it would be a good time to put some of this down in writing.
To start with, the Naperville Apaches played in the NIU tournament, where we were the defending champs. The first day of lacrosse we played Chi-Town Lacrosse, a men's club team, where I dropped 3 goals and 3 assists in a commanding victory. We then took on an amped up Michigan State University Reserve team that came out fast and playing hard. After settling down, I finished with 5 goals and 1 assist to lead the team to a strong 2nd half victory. Of my 5 goals, 1 was behind the back and another was a lucky tip deflection. After a 12 point day on day 1, we headed into day 2, thinking the toughest competition was past us. On championship sunday we took on Wisconsin White Water and had a solid 6 to 3 lead at halftime. I had scored 1 and assisted another to Sean. However, the second half saw our crumble, as we did not score a single goal in the second half. After calling timeout with a 6-5 lead and just under 4 minutes left, discussing our possession of the ball and only taking sure, smart shots, the team took 2 careless shots that ended up leading to 2 goals for the opposition. With just 40 seconds left in the game we were losing 7 to 6 and on our way to our first tournament loss as the Naperville Apaches. We had one last chance, but were unable to control the ball and get off a shot.
This was a huge disappointment and I could not believe we had lost to an unimpressive club team in my opinion. But they played with more heart and gave more effort, as our team had lost our composure and collapsed. After this loss, what upset me even more though, was the apathetic attitude that a majority of the team had. We still had a game to play for 3rd place, but the team decided to just quit and leave, not even playing in this final game. As a team, in the 2 years prior, we had always made it to the championship, and I understand some frustration on not making it, but I wanted to take out my anger in the next game. I wanted to continue to play and show my passion for the sport that I love so dearly, but instead I sat and watched as my teammates took off their gear, packed their bags, and left, not saying really anything. This has been a reoccurring issue in my lacrosse career since I started. In high school, college, & now, there are always a majority of people who just don't care, and it is utterly sad and disheartening. A handful of my teammates did stick around and wanted to play as well, so I at least give a few guys credit and am glad they have the same dedication as me. Having played competitively for so long, and now only having a chance to do this about twice a year, once in summer and once in fall, it is very painful to be forced to walk away from a game and not even get the opportunity to play. Having all this on my mind, I definitely had a damper put on the start of my Sunday.
Luckily, with the help of my lovely girlfriend Rachel, who attended all of my games and took some great pictures, and also the rest of my family, I was in good spirits for the start of my Grandma's 75th Birthday Party.
The Birthday party was awesome, taking place at my Aunt Jan's church, over 60 people came out to celebrate my Grandma with great food, live music, and family fun.
I have been very busy playing, filming, and editing lacrosse videos. My most recent accomplishment is the production of a StringKing / 1223 Lacrosse video that I made and was published on StringKing's and 1223 Lacrosse's Facebook walls. Check out my video, which I shot, edited, and am also in!
This is by far my most professional video production, and I look forward to making many more videos for 1223, as I am in the process of editing at least 3 more!
On October 12th, John, Johnny, Rachel, & I headed out to DeKalb to
see Deer Tick play at Otto's! It was an awesome show, and we were front
row, making it one of my favorite concerts. I made a short video with
some of their songs I took on my iPhone. Great music, great show.
I would like to share some great videos and links that I have come across in the past few weeks as well.
A incredibly made timelapse of the city of Chicago. I really want to learn how to make something similar to this. Amazing.
A series following the Michigan State University club Lacrosse team. I like what I have seen in the first two episodes so far. Very well made, and I look forward to following them all year long.
I watched a 2 hour PBS Frontline special today on the NFL and concussions. Quite disturbing information and very interesting to see. Really makes you think about big business and the possible future of the league.
A 90 minute special about two brothers who have one goal; to play lacrosse for Syracuse University. Great little documentary. Native Americans today in the sport of lacrosse.
A story about a man and his daughter, who has down syndrome. A powerful message that involves change and the hope for life.
September 11th, Lacrosse, Heroes, and Love. A emotional and heart warming story about a young man who risked and gave his life for many others. The Man in the Red Bandana. Inspirational and Amazing.
A well made and inspiring UNC Lacrosse video made last year. Welcome to the grind. Even though I think waking up at 6 would mean you missed practice...
This guy does some hilarious and impressive impressions. Having multiple conversations, as different celebrities. Brilliant!
A lot off my mind. A week of lacrosse training, editing, more interviews, and then dog watching ahead. Not to mention 2 years of Rachel and I being together. Pure Love.
Josh