Bobcats finish 2011 Season With A 1-0 Win Over Mules!

The seniors were all smiles following the win!

Bates Field Hockey finished up the 2011 season with an exciting victory at Colby College. Wednesday, October 26, the Bobcats traveled to Bill Alfond Field in Waterville, Maine, ready to defeat the Mules and end the season with a NESCAC win.  Saddened by the idea that this would be their last game of the season, but determined and ready to leave it all on the field, the Bobcats came out firing with several breakaways and scoring attempts.  Right away they put strong pressure on the Mules, in both the offensive and defensive circle.  The practice and hard work put into this season was clearly shown when the Bobcats came together for some beautiful passing combinations within the first twenty minutes.

Despite several attempts Bates was unable to score first half, but certainly did not give up.  With 30:58 left in the second half, Sophomore Polly Merck (Beverly, Mass) netted the game-winning goal. In a scramble in front of the net, Merck got a stick on the ball and reverse shot it past the Colby Goalkeeper. Bates Goalkeeper Sophomore Becca Otley (Falmouth, Maine) recorded her third shutout of the season with a total of seven saves. This was Otley’s first return to action after missing the previous two and a half games due to injury. 

Finishing their careers on a winning note were Bates seniors Lyndsay Beaton (West Newbury, Mass.), Amanda Brusca (Beverly, Mass), Mackenzie Ross (North Yarmouth, Maine), and co-captains Kelly Mcmanus (Plymouth, New Hampshire) and Sarah Merullo (Essex, Mass.). All five demonstrated great leadership the entire season, and their fire and intensity set the tone for the rest of the team. We will certainly miss them next season.

Overall, it was an exciting day for the Bobcats! The victory was a great way to wrap up the 2011 season and set the tone for next year! 

Fall Break Trip to “The Gaunlet” Hayride

On a cool October evening during Fall Break, the Bobcats ventured over to Harvest Hill Farms in Mechanic Falls for a night full of monsters, ghouls, goblins, and more.

Harvest Hill is a family owned and operated farm that is home to the Gauntlet night ride, an annual hayride through the Deep woods of route 26. After waiting in line they finally boarded their own personal team wagon, and waited in anticipation to enter through Gates of the Gauntlet into the darkness. They were soon greeted by the “Lady in White,” the legendary ghost of Route 26 who was said to have been murdered on her wedding night long ago, and who’s spirit often roams the woods looking for a ride to the wedding chapel. As they continued their ride deep into the forest they came across more ghosts, clowns, and their favorite “The Headless Horseman.” 

Overall the ride was certainly thrilling and definitely had some Bobcats jumping out of their seats! I think they will definitely return next year for some Halloween fun. Before they left they stopped to take a team picture in front of the giant Pumpkin entrance.

Video footage from the Dempsey Challenge

Team Exergy Twenty12 is a professional women's cycling team that participated in the Dempsey Challenge and they produced this video clip about their experience. I hope that you all enjoy it!

Exergy TWENTY12 rides and supports The Dempsey Challenge from Exergy TWENTY12 on Vimeo.

The Dempsey Challenge Day

On an absolutely beautiful fall Sunday, more reminiscent of late August than mid-October, the team once again took up their post three miles from the finish of the Dempsey Challenge bike route. The Cheer Station that was such a big hit last fall torqued it up another notch this year, with some pre-planned cheers and decorated by our fancy new sign (thanks to the Newtons!)

While Suzy and I were out on the course, we kept the team apprised of a certain individual's whereabouts. After trying to hang with the group of women that included Connie Carpenter-Phinney,who won 12 national titles and four world championship medals as well as gold in the 1984 Olympics, Odessa Gunn former professional rider and Levi Leipheimer's wife, as well as Coryn Rivera and Kristin McGrath of the Peanut Butter & Co. TWENTY12 women’s professional cycling team(which we did for a few miles), we had stopped at the second rest stop to hydrate and refuel.

While we are there, a number of lead vehicles came through followed by a group of riders that included 2008 Olympic bronze medalist Levi Leiphiemer, Tom Danielson the top-ranked American rider at the 2011 Tour de France, Davis Phinney who claimed the first victory by an American in a Tour de France stage and won bronze in the 1984 Olympics among others! Who could be in the "others" category you may ask? Well, perhaps the most famous Lewiston area native, one fabulously (mc)dreamy Patrick Dempsey. Granted, I do not have a lot of experience with t.v. and movie stars but I will say that this man is special. Not only due to the fact that he established The Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope and Healing in honor of his mother who is a survivor- which should be enough, but watching him navigate the crowds of admiring fans. He seemed to have time for everyone, a photo op, an autograph and handshake and always making eye contact with everyone he spoke to. I wanted to ask him if he would please stop at mile 47 and as I approached he broke into a big smile and exclaimed,"Bates! Your team is out here somewhere." "Well, yes, yes they are and if you could stop at their Cheer station, it would mean the world to them" I managed and then Suzy and I did the requisite photo with him...the first in my adult life where my eyes are closed...awesome. Anyway, I sent a photo to the team to let them know where he was and we got back on our bikes.

Fast forward 20 miles and Suzy and I arrive at mile marker 47- The Bobcat Zone. Team is in high gear.
We know that based on his pace, Patrick is at least an hour behind us, and I am not sure that we are going to wait to see if he stops. But of course we do, wrapped up in watching the team cheer on the bikers coming through and equally enamored of the bikers reactions to being cheered for. Finally, a motorcycle pulls ups and the man tells the group that Patrick is about 5 minutes behind and gives a description of what he is wearing and tells them that he "might"stop. The electricity is palpable and each biker that crested the hill was carefully scrutinized. Finally, a veritable peloton comes into view- this is it. Will he stop???

Bobcats bite Huskies!

Kundtz, Brady lead field hockey to 4-3 win at Southern Maine




The Bobcats got back on the winning track behind the strong offensive output of the junior duo Riley Kundtz (Chagrin Falls, Ohio)and Michelle Brady (Milton, Mass.) Kundzt scored two goals and added an assist, while Brady added a goal and an assist.

Tuesday afternoon was a picture perfect fall day and the Bobcats arrived in Gorham ready to play on USM's newly finished field turf, Hannaford Field. Bates jumped all over USM in the first half putting pressure on early and often. Bates found the back of the net 12 minutes into the half when senior co-captain Kelly McManus (Plymouth, NH) carried the ball in from the 25 on the right side of the field and rifled the ball across the goal where Kundtz was waiting on the far post to redirect the ball into the goal.

Just over five minutes later, Bates grabbed a 2-0 lead when Brady knocked the ball into the net following an offensive flurry.

USM got on the board in the 24th minute as Huskies junior forward, Kailey Bubier scored an unassisted goal off of play from a free hit from just outside the 25 yard line. Bates returned the favor and grabbed a two goal lead by scoring their third goal of the half when sophomore Bridget Meedzan (Ipswich, Mass.) finished off a penalty corner. Kundtz inserted the ball to the top, it was received by senior Lyndsay Beaton(West Newbury, Mass.) who slipped it right onto McManus's stick. McManus shot for the far post, Kundz redirected it across the goal and Meedzan finished it of from the right post.

Looking a bit complacent coming out of half-time, USM pulled the within one-goal when they jumped on a ball in the circle just 1:37 seconds into the half to cut the Bobcat's lead to one.

Although, Bates rebounded to take control of play for the next 20 minutes, despite good looking chances, they were unable to score until Kundtz scored what would prove to be the game-winner in the 54th minute. Kundtz's second goal of the game came when Brady took a shot that rebounded to the left side of the circle, Kundtz was able to collect it and bury it.

USM would not go silently and Bubier pulled USM to within 4-3 of the Bobcats in the 62nd minute with her second goal of the game. Keeping it exciting to the end, Bates allowed USM to earn a corner with time running down. With no time on the clock, Bates successfully defending four corners, before closing out the game once and for all.


Bates sophomore goalkeeper Becca Otley (Cumberland, Maine) made six saves for the win while USM sophomore Kayla Kennedy was kept busy turning back 13 shots.

The Bobcats will be back in action, on the road at Connecticut College on Saturday at 11 a.m. and then at home with Tufts on Sunday at noon. Check out the video coverage on Sunday at: Bates Field Hockey Webcast

STATS: Bates 4, Southern Maine 3

Dempsey Challenge Teaser

Who could that be in the approaching peleton?????

Current Bobcats nip Alumnae on Homecoming

The rain held off and Alums from the classes of '74-10 took the field against the 2011 Bobcats. Sherry Deschaine(Coach Yak) was on hand to coach the Alumnae team and led her squad to a respectable 1-2 result. Twelve alums, some of whom had showed up to see Coach Yak, but not planned on playing, were swept up in the moment and took the field anyway. The prize for percentage of participation went by the class of 2010 with 3 of 4 alums in attendance. Sema Kazarian, Annie Wilson and Zoe Donaldson all returned and looked like they hadn't taken more than a couple of months off. The next best class participation went to 2008 with Brynna Kelley, Erin Chandler and Lindsay Ferguson representing 3 of the 5 of their class.


Cindy Andrews'74, Sue Doliner'81 and Mary Rafterty '81 all managed to find some semblance of athletic wear and took the field. Kerry Coffin McQuaid was the lone alum representing the 1990's and acquitted her decade admirably- playing 28 of 30 minutes! Andrew Rahedi '03, who managed the squad for four years and was a practice player also made an appearance and along with Helena Turner'09 anchored the Alumnae defense.

All in all it was a great day and we hope that next year even more Alums will return to celebrate 45 years of Field hockey at Bates as well as honoring Sherry Deschaine's 25 years of coaching.

Photos and stats to come!

Beaton & Bobcats Blast Beavers

LEWISTON, Maine -- Bates got back into winning form on Thursday evening after a rough road stretch that saw the Bobcats drop three tough games in five days. Even though two of those were to teams in the Top 15, it didn't make it any less painful. Needless to say we were happy to back on home turf this week!

The Bobcats came ready to play and perhaps feeling like they had a little something to prove on Thursday evening. They quickly took control of the ball and the play, moving down field and earning 7 penalty corners while generating 17 shots. Still it wasn't until just over 14 minutes into the half the Bates was able to find the back of the net when junior Nicole Santosuosso (Canton, Mass.) sent a ball from the the left side of the UMF circle to the far post. Senior Lyndsey Beaton (West Newbury, Mass.) Beaton beat her defender to the ball and one-timed it past the goalkeeper putting the Bobcats on the board and in the lead 1-0for a 1-0 lead. Despite a 17-3 Bates advantage in shots taken and a 7- 1 advantage in penalty corners, the score remained 1-0 at at the half.

The second half saw more of the same as Bates promptly stole the ball on UMF's passback and went in search of more scoring opportunities. Less than five minutes into the second period Senior co-captain Sarah Merullo's (Essex, Mass.)hit a ball into the circle where Beaton beat the UMF goalkeeper again by redirecting a shot into the corner of the net.

Beaton and the Bobcats dominated the second half to a even greater degree than the first, out shooting the Beavers 14-1 in the second frame while not allowing any penalty corners. Bates made it 3-0 with 7:06 remaining in the game on a penalty corner play, with sophomore Polly Merck's (Beverly, Mass.) well-place insertion pass stopped by Beaton and drilled it into the goal for her first career hat trick.

Beaton, Bates' leading scorer last season and an All-Region selection had been held scoreless in the first four games, but broke into the scoring column in a big way last night. Coach Wynn Hohlt said, "It was great for Lyndsay's confidence to finish on those plays tonight. She has a nose for the goal, but had been frustrated in out last few outings. This should give our offense a good boost!"

Hohlt was pleased by the way her team played. "We really got back to basics tonight, moving the ball quickly and for the most part appropriately using the whole field and controlling the play. We certainly benefited from getting second and third shots on net, creating scoring opportunities that we have been missing out on." She went on to credit UMF's play saying, "We always know that playing UMaine-Farmington is going to be a 70 minute game- you can't afford to let up, becasue they play hard until the end. I was proud that our team went out this evening and matched that intensity, especially since we a re bit banged up right now. It was a full team effort!"

Bates sophomore goalkeeper Becca Otley (Cumberland, Maine) made two saves for her second career shutout.


Full Stats available here

Bobcats grab first win of the season

LEWISTON, ME. The Bobcats (1-0, 1-0 NESCAC) clinched their first win of the season Saturday afternoon in a 1-0 victory over Williams (0-1, 0-1 NESCAC). Stellar play by goalkeeper, Becca Otley was instrumental in the Bates victory. Otley had 13 save in her debut, earning the shutout.

Play went back and forth for much of the first half, with neither team able to sustain attacking opportunities. While Williams had the edge in shots with 9 to the Bobcat's 4 the teams were even on penalty corners with two apiece.

The second half saw more of the same with fairly even play. Williams increased the pressure a little more than halfway through the second period, earning the majority of their six second half penalty corners in about seven minutes.

With 4:35 on the clock Bates called timeout. "We just needed to slow down and remind them of a couple of key things to look for and pay attention to." said Head Coach Wynn Hohlt. Apparently, this worked as the Bobcats took the ensuing 16yard hit and worked the ball down field and into the Eph's circle. A loose ball was gathered by sophomore Bridget Meedzan, she passed it to Junior Michelle Brady who put it into the back of the net with 4:07 to go.

While Williams continued to put pressure on the Bobcat defense, the momentum had shifted and the confidence with which Bates had been playing with earlier returned. "I am so proud of the way we played today." said Hohlt, "We had some really good passing combinations, we narrowly missed scoring on a beautifully executed corner, and we never gave up. It wasn't our prettiest hockey, but we won a lot of 50-50 balls and we just kept at it until we broke through. It is a great start to the season!"

Game Statisitcs

Here are the Bobcats!

They're baaaack!

It is "Report Day" in Bobcatland! The weather is glorious, blue skies, abundant sunshine, dry, temperatures in the high 70's and no trace of Irene.

We have a couple of meetings this evening and testing tomorrow. Practice begins in earnest on Thursday morning at 8:30am! It feels like ages since we wrapped up the 2010 season and there is much excitement around the 2011 edition of the Bates Bobcat field hockey squad.

I look forward to updating you on our progress and to giving a much more detailed preview once Hayly, Andi and I have had a chance to actually see this team in action

Cheers,
Wynn

2011 Schedule now available- We hope to see you this fall!

Bates Allies Rally- 1st Campus-Wide Pledge-Signing Event!

Athlete Ally Hosts 1st Ever Campus-Wide Pledge-Signing Event

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Bates College Athletes and LGBT Advocates Sign Athlete Ally Pledge Together on May 12th

Athlete Ally is an incredible new non-profit organization dedicated to encouraging athletes, coaches, parents, fans and other members of the sports community to respect all individuals involved in sports, regardless of perceived or actual sexual-orientation or gender identity or expression. Athlete Ally calls on the athletic community to use its status and influence to help stop anti-gay bullying by championing respect, camaraderie and inclusion in sports.

Hudson Taylor, the Executive Director of Athlete Ally and a three-time NCAA All-American wrestler from the University of Maryland who is currently an assistant wrestling coach at Columbia University, has been a true role model for heterosexual athletes, and we are honored to count him among our NOH8 allies. We're so incredibly proud of the impressive amounts of progress Hudson has made in the short time we have known him, and we know his continued work and dedication to positively changing the sports world will leave an indelible impression.

Hudson and Athlete Ally have teamed up with Bates College to host the first-ever campus-wide pledge-signing for athletes, giving Bates athletes a hands-on opportunity to learn about and sign Athlete Ally's pledge:

"I pledge to lead my athletic community to respect and welcome all persons, regardless of their perceived or actual sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Beginning right now, I will do my part to promote the best of athletics by making all players feel respected on and off the field."

We encourage each and every one of you involved in a sports community -- whether you're a current or former athlete, a coach, an official, a family member, or even just a fan -- to join Bates College in signing the Athlete Ally Pledge. The work Athlete Ally is doing in pursuit of respect and equal treatment for everyone in the sports world is irreplacable, and we hope you support them as you support us.

In addition to Hudson Taylor's NOH8 participation, several other professional sports figures have come out via the NOH8 Campaign in support of the freedom to marry and in protest of discrimination both on and off the field.

Fellow participants have included San Antonio Silver Stars' Forward Chamique Holdsclaw (WNBA), Carolina Panther's Linebacker Nic Harris (NFL), out Defensive Lineman Esera Tuaolo (NFL), NY Jets Cornerback Antonio Cromartie (NFL; holds record for longest play in NFL history), Houston Dynamo Defender Mike Chabala (MLS), Terry Norris (Boxer, Four-Time World Championin Junior Middleweight Division), Lilian Garcia (WWE), Behdad Sami (1st Iranian Basketball Player to play in both the US and Portugal), Arizona Cardinals Linebacker Isaac Keys (NFL), Olympic Gold Medalist Greg Louganis (Diver), out former MLB Outfielder Billy Bean, first openly gay Mixed Martial Artist Shad Smith, and NBA Hall of Fame Point Guard Isiah Thomas.

There remains much to be done in pursuit of an equal playing field for all, but we know with professional athletes like these making their voices heard, it's just a matter of time until more supporters step forward to eradicate homophobia and bullying from the sports community.

Chamique Holdsclaw Nic Harris

Esera Tuaolo____________________________Antonio Cromartie

Mike Chabala Terry Norris

Lilian Garcia Behdad Sami

“The reason I decided to get in contact with NOH8 and show my support is because I believe it’s already tough enough for the Gay community to receive support, let alone if you are of Middle Eastern decent. There are so many middle eastern males and females around the world that have been silenced by force, not only fearing what their traditional families will think but also fearful of losing their life. In certain Middle Eastern countries, if you 'come out,' it’s a literal death sentence. This upsets me so much to think our human right to be who we are is being controlled that way.

I am honored to be apart of this campaign and plan to help and be apart of anything NOH8 has for me in the future. I pray this can raise more awareness not just for the Gay communities around the USA but for the silenced people of the Middle East and the rest of the world.” - Iranian Basketball Player Behdad Sami

Isaac Keys Greg Lougainis

Billy Bean Shad Smith

"[I] posed for the NOH8 Campaign because [I] believe that all hate and discrimination is wrong. It is time for full equality and equal rights for everyone, regardless of race, sexual orientation, religion, or gender." - NBA Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas

How can college athletes get involved with Athlete Ally and show their support?

Athlete allies are coming together in full force to show support for the LGBT community. On Thursday, May 12, 2011, Athlete Ally, a non-profit organization dedicated to challenging homophobia and transphobia in sports, will host its first ever campus-wide pledge-signing event at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine. The event will conclude the college’s first Pride Festival and is sponsored by OUTfront, a student-run LGBT justice and support group, as well as the Bates Athletic Department.

The Athlete Ally Pledge encourages all members of the athletic community to promote the best of athletics and commit to making all players – LGBT and straight – feel respected on and off the field. Currently, close to 200 members of the Bates athletic community including athletes, coaches, administrators and fans, have signed the pledge.

“We couldn’t be more excited about this event,” said Hudson Taylor, Founder and Executive Director of Athlete Ally. “It’s our goal to encourage all athletes to stand up for respect, dignity and inclusion. It’s my hope that this campus-wide event will inspire other schools and athletes to commit to this cause. Bates is a huge role model here.”

Taylor, who is also a three-time NCAA All-American wrestler from the University of Maryland and currently an assistant wrestling coach at Columbia University, will kick off the pledge-signing event with an address to the students on what it means to be an Athlete Ally. Taylor will also participate in a panel discussion on the theme “Respect for All Individuals,” and there will then be an opportunity for all attendees to sign the Athlete Ally Pledge in person. The pledge-signing will take place at 6 pm on the Library Quad on the Bates campus and is open to the public.

G.A.M.E. DAY!

G.A.M.E. Day 2011



GAME ON!

Join Friends of Bates Athletics and the Bates Career Development Center for

G.A.M.E. DAY
Career Guidance and Networking for Student Athletes
Panel discussion, networking exercise and
mock interview demonstration

G.A.M.E. Day is designed to strengthen connections between student athletes and alumni, while also helping students practice networking skills. Our goal is to help students understand that the leadership, discipline, commitment, desire to win, and competitive skills they develop as athletes are desirable professional skills readily transferable to the “working world.”

Sunday, May 15 2011
9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Alumni Gym

A limited number of rooms are available
at a group rate at the Hilton Garden Inn, Auburn
by calling 207-784-4433 and mention Bates Athletics.


Please click the registration button above to register online.
To register by phone please contact
Sheila Anderson at the
Bates Career Development Center
at 207-786-6233 or via email at sanderso@bates.edu

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A limited number of rooms are available
at a group rate at the Hilton Garden Inn, Auburn
by calling 207-784-4433 and mention Bates Athletics

There are other events happening on campus!

Join fellow alumni for the Volunteer Leadership Summit, May 13 & 14th
Click here for details.
and
Reunion Planning Workshop for class years ending
in 2 and 7 on May 14th.
Click here for details.

Contact Information
Primary Contact
Sheila Anderson
207-786-6233
sanderso@bates.edu

Profile: Bobcat Abroad

Bobcat Abroad: Amanda Brusca

Age: 22

Nickname: Brusca

Location Abroad: Rome, Italy

Other Countries You Have Visited While Abroad: France, Ireland and the UK with trips planned to Spain and Greece!

Institution Where You Are Studying: Trinity College Rome Campus

Favorite Class: Urban and Global Rome

Last Meal You Ate: Amazing sandwich from Volpetti’s with turkey, pesto, mozzarella and sun-dried cherry tomatoes!

Last Historic Site You Visited: Casually walked by the coliseum yesterday

Favorite National Artist (Music, Arts, Etc.): Caravaggio even though he’s a little before my time

Favorite National Athlete: Too many to choose from.

Favorite Local Eatery: La Fraschetta – best bruschetta in the world, and Taverna Fori Imperiali – pesto ravioli is the best food I’ve ever eaten in my life.

Favorite National Fashion Trend: Anything the Italians try to pass off as gym clothes, and Euro jackets

Favorite Foreign Word (in your host country’s native language): ciao!!! Applies in any situation

Describe Your Favorite Experience To Date: Visiting Ireland was without a doubt my favorite thing I’ve done abroad so far. Everything about the country was beautiful, homey, and it was just a very relaxed lifestyle. It felt like stepping back in time and was a very welcome vacation from the busy city of Rome.

What You Miss Most About Bates: Its proximity to Dairy Joy and Sunday Brunch.

Profile: Bobcat Abroad

Bobcat Abroad: Lyndsay Beaton

Full Name: Lyndsay Beaton

Age: 21

Nickname: Beats

Location Abroad: Rome

Other Countries You Have Visited While Abroad: So far I have gone to Denmark, Switzerland, Ireland, but I am also going to Spain and Greece

Institution Where You Are Studying: Trinity College Rome Campus

Favorite Class: Italian 101 or Ancient Art of Rome

Last Meal You Ate: Salad with Prosciutto and Mozzerella

Last Historic Site You Visited: St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin, Ireland

Favorite National Artist (Music, Arts, Etc.): They listen to pretty much all American music so I’m not really sure what to write on this one!

Favorite National Athlete: Francesco Totti

Favorite Local Eatery: Tony’s

Favorite National Fashion Trend: Marshmallow Puff Coat, or as we like to call it the Nano-Puff

Favorite Foreign Word (in your host country’s native language): Ciao!

Describe Your Favorite Experience To Date: This is a tough one! I would either say skydiving in Interlaken, Switzerland or when I went to the Aran Islands in Ireland and biked around the island for the day with Amanda and our friend Clare! They were both absolutely amazing!

What You Miss Most About Bates: Hanging out in JB with my team and friends, eating in Commons (and not pasta!!)

Profile: Bobcat Abroad

Bobcat Abroad: Sarah Merullo

Full Name: Sarah Lauren Merullo

Age: 20

Nickname: Merullo, Skunkerullo, Rah, Surah

Location Abroad: Madrid, Spain

Other Countries You Have Visited While Abroad: France, Austria, going to Italy

Institution Where You Are Studying: Hamilton College Academic Year in Spain

Favorite Class: Poesía Contempóranea Espanõla

Last Meal You Ate: cheese omelette (for dinner….at 930 pm….thats how the Spanish roll)

Last Historic Site You Visited: Los Jardines del Palacio Real (Royal Palace gardens)

Favorite National Artist: Enrique Iglesias (I guess?)

Favorite National Athlete: Casillas, Real Madrid goalie (muy guapo)

Favorite Local Eatery: El Tigre – it’s a tapas bar that serves very large mojitos and gives you free tapas with your drink – like a huge plate of chicken wings or these delicious things called croquetas which are mashed potatoes cheese and ham all mixed together then fried.

Favorite National Fashion Trend: I’m going to go with my least favorite here: all the Spaniards wear literally 6 million layers of clothing and huge scarves – even when its 70 degrees and they don’t even look like they sweat at all...also when large spanish men carry small dogs. Also when these dogs wear scrunchies or hairclips.

Favorite Foreign Word (in your host country’s native language): phrase: EN SERIO (seriously)

Describe Your Favorite Experience To Date: Tough choice. I mean I haven’t gone skydiving or canyon jumping so Beats has got me beat (haa) with the intensity and extreme sports factor….one of the coolest experiences was going to my host mother’s grandaughter’s baptism and after-fiesta with her family. We went to a Spanish catholic baptism (I pretended to know what was going on with my host sister’s 7 ft tall german boyfriend who was just as confused as I was) and then had a celebración with tons of delish Spanish food. My host mom’s granddaughter is also the cutest thing ever and scoots around on her butt and screams the whole time. Entertainment + delicious food = great experience.

What You Miss Most About Bates: Bates field hockey tailgates. The lockerroom. Athletic wash. Speaking English all the time. Commons. TEAMMATES.

Photo Flash-Back: The Dempsey Challenge, October 3, 2010

In another community-service based activity, the team served as a “cheering squad” along the bike route during the 2nd Annual Patrick Dempsey Challenge. The 2010 Dempsey Challenge attracted 4177 participants from 38 states and five countries, employed over 1000 volunteers and raised over $1.1. Events ranged from a 5K run on Saturday to bike rides of 10, 25, 50 and 100 miles.
The Bobcats were stationed at a particularly challenging uphill along the racecourse, around mile marker 94/44/21(depending on how far each rider was going!). As a result, their cheers of encouragement were met with laughs, smiles, and thankful nods (from those too winded to speak) from the riders. Steve Mortimer, Volunteer Cheer Team Coordinator and Bates Alum '72, sent an email to the team after the event that read in part,

"I don’t know how many riders told you in person, but back at the finish, you were the talk of the Event - no exaggeration! You really made a huge difference.

Every rider I spoke with or overheard was excited about, and thankful for, the amazing support you provided - rider after rider came in talking about the great cheer team that raised their falling spirits and got them through the tough final 4 miles.

Bates Field Hockey is unquestionably the toast of the Dempsey Challenge riders! And that includes riders from almost 40 states. If they hadn’t heard of Bates before today, they know about it now!!
I tried to thank you all personally when I stopped on my way by, but you were so busy rooting riders on that I don’t think anyone even heard me yelling to you!

Please pass along my thanks, and the thanks of the thousands of riders, volunteers and workers associated with the Dempsey Challenge and Center, to your entire team. Words cannot express how important your efforts were, nor how much we all appreciate what you did for us.

You did a truly incredible thing today, and you should feel extremely proud of what you accomplished on behalf of those fighting cancer and all those who love and care about them."

Steve's sister, Leslie Mortimer, Bates class of '77 joined the Bobcat station and had these words to say about the team:

"I was welcomed with open arms by the group and had a blast spending the morning with them. I was freezing and tired, but laughing with them and participating in their antics soon warmed me up and made me forget that I'd rather have been in bed. They are a group of lovely, enthusiastic and sprited young women--much like my classmates at Bates many years ago. I admire them for getting up at the crack of dawn and for sacrificing the time they could have used to sleep or prepare for exams they had today. Being with them made me feel like a college kid again, if only for a few hours!"

Head coach Wynn Hohlt rode the 100 mile loop and raised over $1500.00 for the Dempsey Center. "The ride was a great experience and I am so glad that the team got involved too. After the shock of the early morning wore off, they had a great time! We are looking forward to being even more involved next year."

The Dempsey Challenge benefits The Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing at Central Maine Medical Center. Click on this link to learn more about “McDreamy’s” vision for cancer research and the cure: http://www.dempseychallenge.org/. GO BOBCATS!

The Bates Field Hockey Store is open for business!

We are excited to share with you the opening of the Bates Field Hockey store. It offers you a quick and easy way to get all of your Bates field hockey gear as well as Bates Bobcat sideline chairs.

Photo Flash-Back: Play 4 The Cure Game, Saturday, October 16, 2010, vs. Wesleyan

Above: The Bobcats lookin’ good in their vintage (circa 1980’s) pink uniforms.

The month of October is nationally recognized as the official Breast Cancer Awareness Month of the National Susan G. Komen Foundation. For the past three years the Bobcats have gotten in on the action raising money and awareness. This year, in addition to wearing pink socks and special NESCAC field hockey warm-up t-shirts, the Bobcats sported pink retro jerseys.

We also sold T-shirts, Play 4 the Cure bracelets and specially designed "'Cats 4 The Cure" headbands. The proceeds from these sales allowed us to make a gift to the non-profit Susan G. Komen Foundation of $260.00.

The team is looking forward to representing this amazing foundation again this coming fall.

For more information, visit http://play4thecure.com/about_us. GO BOBCATS!

Community Service Update

The Bobcats had a fantastic time volunteering at the Good Shepherd Food Pantry warehouse in Auburn, Maine, last week. It was another opportunity to give back to the local community, and the team certainly made the most of our 2 hours of giving. At various points, the Bobcats displayed a perchance for song & dance, and of course plenty of laughing! The team split into two groups, and were responsible for identifying, unloading, and separating various foodstuffs. The Good Shepherd Food Pantry distributes millions of pounds of food that are needed to aid various hunger relief agencies throughout the state. We look forward to returning again! Click here to learn more about Good Shepherd and how you can help: http://gsfb.org/.

Nine Bobcats named to NFHCA Division III National Academic Squad

Lewiston, ME – Nine members of the field hockey team were named to the 2010 Gladiator/National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) National Academic Squad. The National Academic Squad program recognizes those collegiate student-athletes who have achieved a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.30 through the first semester of the 2010-11 academic year.

Bates's honored athletes included four-time honoree Zoe Donaldson '11 (Bronxville, NY).

Also recognized from Bates were three-time honorees Amanda Brusca '12 (Pride's Crossing, MA) and Sarah Merullo '12 (Essex, MA) and two-time honoree Alie Philip '13 (Simsbury, CT). Michelle Brady '13 (Milton, MA),Bridget Meedzan '14 (Ipswich, MA), Polly Merck '14 (Beverly, MA), Kate Pagano '14 (Worcester, MA) and Sarah Warden '14 (North Andover, MA) are all first-time honorees.

In addition to the individual accolades, Bates was one of 106 Division III teams to earn the 2010 NFHCA Division III National Academic Team Award. This award recognizes those institutions that achieve a minimum GPA of 3.0 during the first semester of the 2010-11 academic year.

Winter Update

Happy 2011!

With 2010 already quite far behind us, the New Year has seen a sundry of off-season activities for the Bobcats. After returning refreshed from winter break nearly a week ago, everyone is settling into academia once again, working hard in classrooms both on campus and across the pond in study-abroad programs. Outside of study sessions and essay writing, the team is also taking advantage of bi-weekly conditioning & strength training classes offered by the college, in addition to working on individual hockey inside of the Gray Cage. The coaching staff has been working diligently in the office and at various recruiting events across the nation. As a result, the incoming class of Bobcats is starting to take definitive shape. Another exciting happening was the election of our captains for the 2011 season: congratulations to Kelly McManus and Sarah Merullo! Stay tuned for more updates as the winter season winds down – we’re sure that everyone is looking forward to warm, if muddy, spring months. GO BOBCATS!