Last Wednesday, the Skyline Spartans, a quality team in our very own DI- Kingco conference, left the friendly confines of the Sound for Baltimore, taking on new challenges, with 2 games scheduled against Towson High School and Gerstell Academy. A late landing at Baltimore-Washington airport saw them getting situated and ready for a trip full of new experiences

The next day they made their way to Loyola Blakefield for a walkthrough practice. Skyline’s players were in awe of the facilities, and what’s more, that Loyola’s coaches and athletic director went out of their way to greet them, and praise their coming across the country to participate in such a wonderful sport in one of its best areas.

Later that same day, they played their first game, this time against Towson. After the 2nd quarter, Skyline had figured out how much further ahead they were athletically, and held a lead. Unfortunately for the Spartans, Towson’s smarts and fundamentals gave them a chance to come back in to the game, and eventually eke out a one goal victory, This was a big lesson for Skyline, and pointed out two things to them – that they needed to finish games with the same effort and execution as in the first half, and that the game isn’t just about athletic ability.

After the game, Towson High school families were generous enough to put together a barbeque for both teams – the special camaraderie unique to lacrosse was evident.

Friday they practiced a 2nd time at Loyola, and this time, it was a high intensity, driven affair. The team then went on a pilgrimage to Laxworld, a famous retail lacrosse store in Towson. No player left empty handed. Skyline’s players and coaches alike were amazed at the warm reception they received throughout Maryland. Being from Skyline Lacrosse was enough to interest locals in

In the evening, they attended a St. Paul’s-McDonough MIAA lacrosse game. The MIAA is a high school league that plays with NCAA rules – since most of their players do end up playing NCAA lacrosse. The game was remarkable for Skyline’s players to watch – only one whistle in the first quarter, and then only because a goal had been scored. The atmosphere amazed the players– this was “only a high school game” but featured a capacity crowd, a cheering and drum beating student section, and a hugely skilled game.

Saturday, they headed out to Westminster, Maryland, and met Gerstell Academy on their home turf. Skyline came out ready to play, and the game was as close as could be at halftime. Gerstell came out of halftime with a defensive adjustment to zone that may have helped Skyline, and the connection between Charlie Kurtenbach and Tyler Johnston put together a run, allowing Skyline to extend a 7-4 lead. Gerstell responded, tying the score at 7-7 with 2 minutes remaining in the game. Skyline then managed a man up goal off a deflected feed, but Gerstell managed to tie it just after. Charlie Kurtenbach then scored a massive goal, taking it to 9-8. With 10 seconds left, Gerstell put together a last flurry, testing Skyline with two shots that the Spartans were up to the task of stopping.

Not content to end on just a win for a high note, the Spartans finished out their trip attending the oldest rivalry in college sports – the Johns Hopkins University Blue Jays vs. the University of Maryland Terrapins – in a historic lacrosse grudge match. The players, tired from the games, had a chance to reflect on what they accomplished – being the first team from Washington to ever beat a team from Maryland. Andy Hutchings, a junior for Skyline, said “the trip was an amazing experience. We seemed to be slightly intimidated at the beginning… but once we got over the shock and started playing as a team, we found out we can play with anyone.” Junior Charlie Kurtenbach added, “it was amazing to see the rich lacrosse culture in Maryland. To be the first team from Washington to beat a team from Maryland is a true honor, and I don’t think anyone on our team will ever forget it.”

The Spartans returned home exhausted, but came home with more than they left with. According to coach Sam Hutson, “the great community reception, being surrounded by a culture very appreciative of our sport, the chance for underclassmen to step up“ was worth the trip, and thought that their experience was “team building and confidence building, and it should propel us forward in to the second part of the season.”