When I awoke last Thursday morning to a new friend request and a message from Kim Kastuk, someone I didn't know, I did what most people would do - engage in a little light stalking. While looking at her page, I saw that she was a fan of the Virginia field hockey team page. Considering I made a tiny cheap shot at the field hockey team in my last column, I expected the message was going to be my first piece of hate mail.
But when I actually read the message, I was pleasantly surprised:
"Will, I can completely understand where you're coming from ... I am from New York and basketball was always my favorite sport growing up. I only started playing field hockey when I was in high school and even after I was on the team it took me a while to learn the rules and get into the game haha."
She went on to say that this year's team is supposed to be really good, is ranked very highly and she wanted to personally invite me to attend a game.
"I feel as though if you actually attended you may honestly find yourself enjoying and appreciating the game. Your perspective will change and I believe you will WANT to come back for some more action. I repeat, we are a fun team to watch ... In fact, if you let me know which game you will attend beforehand, I will personally guarantee a shut out that day dedicated to you. I hope you accept my invitation and at some point this season attend one home game with an open mind."
Considering nobody had ever dedicated anything to me before, I decided to give it a try. I found the next two home games on the calendar and said I would go to whichever one she thought was best.\nWhile on the website, I decided to do a little research on the team. She was correct - the team was ranked No. 3 in the nation. In the Preseason Kookaburra/NFHCA Division I Poll. Not really the best name if you're trying to get people to take you seriously - isn't that some kind of Australian bear or bunny rabbit? - but I said I would have an open mind.
Finally the day of my chosen game against Northwestern came. After spending some time trying to find the stadium - apparently it's behind University Hall near the baseball field, something I didn't know until Monday - I walked in about 5 minutes late to something that shocked me - a crowd, and a full U.Va. side. It was so packed that I had to go sit in the shade on the Northwestern end. What on earth was going on here?
When I finally sat down to start taking notes, the first thing that struck me - and probably most guys when they first see a field hockey game - was the uniforms. While the goalies appear to be dressed ready to go to battle in full hockey goalie gear, the players on the field wore nothing but the standard soccer shin guards and skimpy little skirts. Considering many of them are quite easy on the eyes, this already took field hockey up three notches in my book.
But the style of play was impressive. These girls were doing spins, crossovers, jukes and all sorts of really fancy stuff with a stick that's about one step beyond a caveman club. And they showed an impressive amount of patience. Here they are, walking around the field playing a pretty physical game with long club-like sticks in their hands. If someone tripped me or cut me off, I don't know if I could resist beating him with my readily accessible weapon.
Although I didn't know the rules, the Northwestern fans berating the referee - you stay classy, Wildcats - made the game easy enough to follow. From what I could glean, stick-on-stick contact, body-on-ball contact and kicking the ball are all frowned upon, and there are no picks allowed. Occasionally, the announcer called for a penalty corner, which only four players and the goalie can defend and resulted in fewer goals than you would have thought.
In fact, there were way fewer goals than I would have thought for such a small ball and such a huge goal. At the end of the first half, the Cavaliers had the shutout I was promised. Only problem was, the Northwestern goalie had one, too, even though Virginia had outshot the Wildcats 12-3.
But, like clockwork, the Cavaliers and junior midfielder Page Selenski struck twice in one minute for a 2-0 lead. As the half was winding down - 35 minutes is a long time - I couldn't help but be on the edge of my seat anytime the ball got anywhere near the goal. At around the 7-minute mark, my Facebook pen pal made a particularly impressive diving save, and I'm ashamed to say that I clapped.
She, as it turns out, was right. Field hockey is not that bad. And, unlike many football games last year, you leave happy and uplifted after a win, rather than wanting to kick the crap out of all your obnoxious high school friends who go to William & Mary.
All in all, it's gotta be one of the best sports experiences I've had at U.Va. - a top-five team, a good opponent, a win, an entertaining afternoon and something dedicated to me. What else can you ask for?
Now, the real question becomes: What sport do I make fun of next?
While waiting for suggestions, Will Van Wazer invites you to join him at the field hockey team's next home game, Oct. 5 - he'll be the guy with a big 'C' painted on his chest. He can be reached for comment by e-mail, on twitter @willvanwazer or, clearly, on Facebook.
Read More
Lacrosse defenseman Cole Kastner announces transfer to Stanford basketball
By Michael Liebermann | 12 hours agoKastner is reviving a hoops career that has lain dormant since he graduated high school.
Virginia gets second Notre Dame rematch in a dynamic ACC Tournament bout Friday
By Michael Liebermann | YesterdayThe Cavaliers will get a shot at redemption against a vaunted ACC foe, in a game with serious postseason seeding implications.
Mel Josephson and women’s lacrosse prepare to take center stage
By Xander Tilock | YesterdayJosephson's ability to perform throughout a game's biggest moments is crucial for the Cavaliers.
