Sports

New Options Open Up for Skateboarders  at FFS

By Ross A.

For the last several months, skateboarding went from a dream, to a speculation, to a topic of discussion, to a consideration, and then to an actual sport here at The Family Foundation School.

Last month, the “Verdict” was “Approved”, and now it’s actually happening. Students have been bringing in their equipment, including a rail and a box, and getting ready to skate.

On Thursday, May 13, Ross A., Matt B., Scott M., Derek W., and Matt W. brought the equipment to the outside basketball courts and had the first session in Family School history. “It’s mind blowing that we can skate here now,” said Dave M. For an hour and a half, the skaters enjoyed the cool evening doing what they love. Along with having fun, the skaters prepared themselves for the more important event to come.

Three days later on Sunday, May 15, Willy Williamson took the skaters, plus Dave, Ted W., and Nelsan B., to the skate park at the neighboring French Woods campground. They skated there for two hours. With a miniramp, two street courses, a giant bowl, and a large half pipe, the skaters had plenty to work with. “The park was really nice and I had a lot of fun,” said Scott. French Woods has agreed to allow them to use the skate park every Sunday until July when the camp opens.

So far, Williamson has been able to provide the skaters with supervision every Thursday and Sunday, but more staff members are getting on board.

The skaters, along with Williamson, hope to get enough support for skateboarding to do it three to four times a week, and take more trips to skateboarding parks. So far, eight students have been approved for skateboarding, and the list continues to grow as skateboarding at FFS takes flight.

Falcons Drive to Honesdale and Comes Back Champions of the 6V6 Soccer Tournament

By Bennett O.

Nine soccer players, six of them from last year’s Family Foundation School team, and their coaches Willy Williamson and Carlton Williams, participated in the first annual Honesdale 6V6 Memorial Day soccer tournament on Saturday, May 29.

The students who participated were Yves K., Marc S., Jack S., Andrew B., George D., Matt B., Blake J., Ricky S., and Andrew G.

Each team played at least five games with two halves lasting 12 minutes each. The winner of each game received three points, the loser received zero points, and a tie resulted in one point.

In game one the Falcons faced off against Forest City. About three minutes into the first half Falcon defender Marc chipped the ball up to his teammate Yves; Yves leaped into the air and headed the ball into the net. The Falcons had won their first game with a with a 1-0 shutout.

Yves went on to win the MVP of the tournament. “It was a great privilege to participate in the soccer tournament,” said Yves after the game. “I was amazed when I found out that I won the MVP award. If it wasn’t for my teammates, this would never of happened.”

The Falcons’ next match was against Honesdale (2). The game was a blowout. Falcon’s goalie Blake had his second shutout of the tournament; the final score was 9-0, with the Falcons receiving three more points on their scoreboard.

The Falcons played their five games, winning four and tying one. They were in second place, two points behind their archrivals, Honesdale (1).

Just before the championship game there was a shootout. Every player from every team, including the goalie, was able to participate.

It came down to the final two Falcon players, Blake and Marc. One shot after the other; they didn’t miss. Finally, with some adjustments to the position of the kick, Blake won the shootout. “I was proud of myself and my teammate Marc that we were the top two people left in the shoot-out. I’m sorry Marc: I had to take home that win,” said Blake.

Following the shootout was the championship game. Both the Falcons and Honesdale were fighting for the number one spot. With just seconds into the game, Falcon forward Ricky S. stole the ball from his opponent. While dribbling the ball down the field, Ricky faked left and went right. Only ten feet from the net he wound up and ripped a shot to the top left corner of the net. Goal!

The Falcons went on to win the championship game 3-0.

“It was an unexpected chance to reunite the team from last year and play competitive soccer. We took off right where we ended last year and won the tournament,” said Williamson. “After the tournament, the directors told me that the Falcons had the best display of sportsmanship and respect for the game.”

Tap, tap, taparoo ... Nash B. sinks a putt for birdie on hole 14 which puts his team ahead by a stroke.

Falcons Golf Season Comes to an End with a Win and is Topped Off with a Celebration

By Bennett O.

Despite the weather, the Falcons had no trouble taking home the win against Sullivan West, 246-248.

Up by one stroke and going into the last hole, the Falcons were driven to a victory by number one golfer Fran H. who kept his composer, shooting a 46. “I am grateful that I was a part of the team,” he said. “If it wasn’t for my teammates, and coaches Willy and Woody, I wouldn’t have been able to improve my swing.”

The Falcons had defeated their arch-rival Sullivan West which was fitting due to the fact that it was their last game of the season. “Our team came together in order to achieve a goal. We had not beaten Sullivan West in a long time,” said coach Thomas Wood. “We, as a team, accomplished It!”

The team has had a terrific season with a record of eight wins and four losses. To top it off, they beat Sullivan West for the first time in at least eight years. “I am proud to be a part of the team, which has taught me a lot of things both on and off of the golf course,” said Falcon golfer Kevin D.

With the season over, coaches Willy Williamson and Woody treated their players to a fun-filled round of golf at the French Woods course. The match was a seven on seven, with coach Williamson on one team and coach Woody on the other, played in best ball format. It lasted nine holes, with both coaches showing teammates some “tricks of the trade.” A two under par performance by team Williamson was good for a onepoint victory.

“We ended the season on a good note, finishing strong, and winning our last four games,” said coach Williamson. “The climax of the season was the match against each other; this made me realize that the small things in life, like playing golf, are things to cherish.”