Bobcat Abroad: Alie Philip

 Age: 21

 Nickname: Aphil/ Felipe

Location Abroad: Rome, Italy

Other Countries You Have Visited While Abroad: Florence (to see my two fellow bobcat fh players snooks and brady), Paris (went with two tufts fh players and two Bowdoin players. Can't wait to kick their ass in the fall!) and Venice

Institution Where You Are Studying: Trinity College Rome Program

Favorite Class:  Bernini (The teacher, Pestilli is the best! He takes us to the best coffee shops and other pizza places in the middle of our walking tours. Who doesn't love to get academic credit for your major while eating pizza and gelato?)

Last Meal You Ate: Veal, Pasta all'amatriciana and a nutella and ricotta calzone from Dar Poeta (hands down the best dessert in Rome)

Last Historic Site You Visited: I was in Venice this past weekend on a class trip and the last place we lectured in was St. Marks square.

Favorite National Artist (Music, Arts, Etc.): I suppose as an art historian I should say something rather academic like Caravaggio or Bernini.

Favorite National Athlete: This one is tricky considering I went to a soccer match in Italy one the first weekends here. I woke up late and went to brunch (the game was on Sunday afternoon) while eating brunch I realized the game was playing on tv so I had to rush to the metro. Made it in time for half time with all my friends. However I was too preoccupied with taking photos, chatting, and watching Italians going nuts over this game. That was pretty much a long story to say that I know nothing.

Favorite Local Eatery:Dar Poeta. This place is by far the best pizza ever!! AMAZINGGG Nutella and Ricotta Calzone for  dessert. I went one time and got the spicy chili pizza since I love spicy food. I started sweating (not surprising since I always sweat, but this is a first sweating over food) at the table and did not cool even after several glasses of wine and water. Let is be known you have been warned.

 

   

Favorite National Fashion Trend: I don't really have a favorite fashion trend. However, I have noticed that Italian Police Officers look much more chic than the ones in America. They love the ray bans and slicked back hair.

Favorite Foreign Word(in your host country’s native language): I know no Italian, which is sad.

Describe your favorite experience to date: It is hard to pick just one experience since every day is actually the best day of your life abroad. I guess I would say I love it all, which is generic and pretty lame of a response. One day in particular though it was a beautiful Wednesday. I did my Italian homework in the orange grove of our hotel while parrots were flying around. Also, and my night class got canceled so I was done after my Italian class ended at 4pm. Then my two best friends and I walked past our church right near the hotel where we live, to go to mass on Ash Wednesday and the Pope was there. It was amazing because it wasn't that crowded and I saw the him in the flesh. Just another casual Wednesday in the fake life of study abroad.

What You Are Doing To Stay In Shape: I actually had a great running route that would loop around the Colosseum. NO ONE runs outside in Rome that is actually Italian. They all looked at me like I was a freak and the shop keepers would cheer me on like it was some impromptu marathon taking place where I was the only runner. Also there were too many tourists and I probably am in most of their photos as some random girl running in front of their camera. whoops. So now I run along the Tiber which is nice and less crowded.

What You Miss Most About Bates: I miss breakfast the most. I need my eggs and my NY Times every morning and here all they eat is bread and bad cereal. Every Sunday morning is the hardest knowing that there is a fabulous Sunday brunch at Bates and I am eating a piece of toast. Oh, and I guess besides food I miss my friends and JB.

Anything Else About Your Experience: I love Rome and I am so happy I chose to study abroad here. My two best friends on the program play NESCAC Field hockey. It is funny because whenever I travel or meet one of their friends it's usually another player on their team. I love sharing stories with them and hearing their experiences as well. It is pretty cool that we bonded so quickly over the fact we play the same sport in the same league and now we are bonded even more over this abroad experience. My word of advice is GO ABROAD (and to Rome specifically). It honestly is the best time of your life and you will never regret going, but rather regret not going.

Bobcat Abroad - Riley Kundtz

Bobcat Abroad: Riley Kundtz (pronunciation in Spain: Reeleee)

Age: 20

Nickname: Rycy, Bonobo, a few others that are associated with my last name.

Location Abroad: Barcelona, Spain

Other Countries You Have Visited While Abroad: thus far, only Andalucia which is not a country but a region in Southern Spain. I visited Granada, Sevilla, and Cordoba, all amazingly beautiful.

Institution Where You Are Studying: La Universidad de Barcelona with 90,000 other students. 1700 to 90,000, casual.

Favorite Class:  Union Europea II

Last Meal You Ate: I wish I knew what it was. My host mom makes great food but when I asked my brother what we were eating he said meat, I don't know what kind, just meat. It was very good.

Last Historic Site You Visited: La Casa Batllo (one of Guadi's many masterpieces)

Favorite National Artist (Music, Arts, Etc.): Guadi!!

Favorite National Athlete: Carles Puloy. He is the COOLEST player of FCBarcelona (the greatest soccer team in the world), literally google him and you will know why I love him so much.

Favorite Local Eatery: Well I eat every meal at home, but one time I went to this pizza place and it was really good.

Favorite National Fashion Trend: So my favorite fashion trend is less fashiony and more based on looks: the mullet (wait for it) with ONE dread in it. So business in the front and party in the back plus one dread. One very thick, dirty dread.

Favorite Foreign Word(in your host country’s native language): Ramblear. This world is specific to Catalunya (the place where barcelona is located). There is a road that runs down the center of the old city called las ramblas. In the olden days, one would simply walk up and down the road, for no reason just to walk, therefore, forming ramblear. Many Sundays or Saturday afternoons I find myself “rambelaring” because I can. This is a concept Americans need to adapt. Walking with a friend or by yourself for no reason at all. I One time I was rambelaring (fui rambleando) and I ran into one of Guadi's architectural masterpieces! It was awesome.

Describe Your Favorite Experience To Date: I don't have classes on Fridays. One Friday I went to this really cool park across the street from me (Joan Miro park) and sat outside at this tiny dinky cafe drinking a cafe con leche (coffee with milk). It was right next to a dog park and I saw this French Bull Dog that looked EXACTLY like its owner. Then I met a few friends we sat, chatted then continued to Montjuic (google it) and climbed to this sick castle that looks over the entire city and Mediterranean Sea. It was very pretty.

What You Are Doing To Stay In Shape: WELL, I joined probably the best gym in the world called DiR. It has everything I could ever want from a pool to fitness classes that are entertaining to watch. Also fashion alert, people wear the WEIRDEST clothes and stare at my shorts, large tee shirt, and huge bun. Yesterday I was running next to a girl who was wearing long pants, a tiny tank, and puma weird dress shoes and her hair WAS DOWN! HA she also ran for about 7:53 minutes. I also walk to and from school most days and it's about a mile away, maybe more. I don't speak metric system.

What You Miss Most About Bates: Besides you freaks and my other friends, I miss the ability to joke around and be sarcastic and having it make sense. Being funny in another language or understanding humor and sarcasm in another language is very hard. Also, I think my program placed me with the fastest speaking host mother to live. I love her and my brother and sister are great, but my most common phrase is Como? Lo siento, no entiendo.

I reallllly miss field hockey, I get cravings to play daily. When I am running all I do is picture myself playing field hockey and kicking some nescac culo (bad word for buttock in spanish). The only people I have seen with a field hockey sticks have been little boys.

Anything Else About Your Experience: For those of you considering going abroad, do it. Not only should you have this kind of experience but also, listen to what people say and consider their opinions about going but ultimately, it comes down to you. Think about yourself and what you want.

Also, when I return I am activating the nokia phone I have purchased here. if I drop it the ground will break before the phone does. Also I have charged it two times, it NEVER dies. I miss the days of simple technology, life was easier. 

Kelly McManus Named to All Region Team

Senior midfielder Kelly McManus was included on the 2011 Longstreth/FHCA Division III All-Region Teams announced by the National Field Hockey Coaches Association, her first career postseason award. McManus was named to the Second Team in the New England West Region.

A natural team leader and tough competitor, McManus (Plymouth, N.H.) recorded a pair of assists in addition to one defensive save in the 2011 season. Over her four years on the Bates field hockey team, she accumulated three goals and 14 assists with two defensive saves. She served as team captain alongside senior Sarah Merullo (Essex, Mass.).  McManus is also a three-year member of the Bates softball team.

Her never-give-up attitude carried the team and allowed them to be optimistic, even in the toughest of situations. In conjunction with her obvious skill, her character is what makes her a superior athlete. Her passion and desire to win is almost tangible when watching her play. The fact that she can often be seen diving for loose balls can attest to how hard she works for her team.

To teammates, Kelly is the type of leader that will always bring out the best in someone. She has a remarkable ability that can't be taught - the ability to  inspire people. 

"It's easy for me say that Kelly was considered the backbone of the team. Her graduating will leave a significant void in our team but everything she has taught us about determination and attitude will always remain with us." -Bridget Meedzan '14 (Ipswich, Mass.)

"Kelly never failed to motivate me on and off the field whether it was running the last 100 in practice or making a recovery run in the game. She's a champion when it comes to stick work and selfless play, which made her critical to our team's success." -Kate Pagano '14 (Worcester, Mass.)

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???