Memorial Day was a day to remember the sacrifices of those who served in our Armed Forces to ensure we all enjoy the freedoms we have as Americans. It’s also the kickoff to summer, and a great day to swim, enjoy a little beach volleyball, and cook out.

Some of our boys had visits with their families, but for those on campus it was a chance to break free from the classrooms with the teachers. Please enjoy this mini album of photos from the days events. And of course,  Happy Summer to All!

Sand Between our Toes

Loucas, Angel and Andrew hang out

Swimming and Hanging on the Mini Dock

Sam munches and guards

Bears Beach Volleyball

Andrew and Sam make sure there are burgers for all

FLAG FOOTBALL — Bears defeat Whetstone with high flying offense.

Bears Make a First Down

The weather on Saturday afternoon was perfect for the first round of the flag football tournament. The ninth seed Whetstone was set to face off against the eighth seeded Bears.

The Bears began the game on defense. With six Bears defenders lined up to take on seven Whetstone offensive warriors, the Whetstone QB connected for a deep pass over the middle for a gain of 60 yards. The Whetstone offense began to walk a little taller to the line of scrimmage as their confidence surged. The Bears defense made quick work of the confidence surge and was able to point out what was real and true about what was going to happen in the game.

The Bears offense was ferocious and highly effective that afternoon. The Bears out scored Whetstone 49-7.

SOFTBALL LEAGUE — The boys have been participating in the Foothills Community Church softball league on Sunday afternoons. Despite a win-less season, they showed improvement on every game. Coach Ryan Natale said, “Our goal is always to help the guys learn commitment, sportsmanship, and how to encourage and support one another. When somebody was struggling, it was a teachable moment we looked for as coaches. From start to finish, there was great improvement in all these areas.”

The Win-Less, But Victorious Softball Team

Below are some of the highlights of the season, according to the boys:

“My highlight of the season was being in the lead (for an inning) and having fun.” — Michael

“My highlight of the season was catching a pop fly that was supposed to burn me.” — Rick

“My highlight was getting a base hit.” — Tommy

“My highlight was running, having fun, and seeing (Coach) Natale slide … again.” — Eddie

“My highlight was (Coach Brandon) hitting the inside the park homerun. I think everyone had a great time.” — Sam D.

My highlight of the game was getting a run.” — Barron

“My highlight for the first game was having fun and doing what I was supposed to. My highlight for the second game was getting on base and getting my first run.” — Vincent

Tuesday’s humid evening put the Bears to a test against Liberty. The Bears’ offense looked good coming out the gate. Jimmy moved the offense down the field at a steady pace. The Bears were up 8-0 in quick fashion. But the Liberty Red Devils were pesky on offense and tied it up.

Back and forth the game went. The Bears pulled ahead 14-8. The Red Devils were trying to keep pace with the Bears, but their defense held strong. With an interception, the bears went into halftime with a commanding lead. The Bears were up 30-16 at the half.

Several missed calls for illegal contact  helped the Red Devils get back in the game and take the lead.

The Bears marched down the field to tie the game with one minute to play. The Red Devils ran out of time and penalties gave them the opportunity to toss an interception to Jimmy, closing out regulation play.

During overtime the Bears offense sputtered while the Red Devils put together a nice series to take the win, 36-42.

“Our guys are such warriors. They played hard and pulled for each other the entire game. Even with some questionable calls, our guys held their composure and battled through the game. I am proud of their hard work and determination. Under this kind of pressure it would have been easy for them to quit. They don’t know how to quit.”

-Coach Shep