Diary

Kevin
McCarthy

Past Entries

October 18, 2004

Coming off of a shortened fall break, the team began its week of training with a run in scenic Lullwater Park. Because this was the second successive week of the endurance training, we knew to expect a hard day of work without even touching a ball.

Our expectations were met as an extra park loop was added to the previous week's distance. Running at a good pace, we probably covered five or six miles in total. Though it's hard work, we know that this mid-season fitness is going to help us perform better towards the end of games.

The fitness proved critical last weekend because we had two UAA matchups, one lasting through double overtime. In Friday's game we managed to come away with a 3-0 victory over Case Western.

As soon as that game was over, the team's focus shifted to Sunday's game against Rochester, our final regular-season home game. The game ended in a 1-1 tie, which tested the endurance of both team's players. But this game was special for the Emory seniors.

Every year, the last home game of the season is Senior Day. There is a short ceremony before the game where the seniors are individually recognized for their contributions to Emory soccer.

Knowing this was my last regular-season home game was an eerie feeling. For four seasons, I have played and practiced on this same WoodPEC pitch. I have memories of teammates from long ago and how it felt to play on this field as a freshman.

Though much has changed between my first few weeks on this field and my last home game as a senior, it is still my home field. It is still the place where I come to play the game I love with my friends.

Standing next to the five other seniors and the coaches, I realized the trip is nearing an end. It's hard for me to imagine life without Emory soccer. But for now, I don't have to.

In the next three weeks, the team has five away games. I'm going to enjoy these three weeks with my teammates and if all goes as planned, we'll be playing for awhile after that in the NCAA tournament.

Kevin McCarthy is a senior from St. Louis, Mo. He would love to answer e-mail questions from Emory recruits and fans.