In a year filled with firsts, there was little new about the way the 2007 season ended.
Garrison Forest won its first ever IAAM A Conference title earlier this month, but all four public school champions already knew what it was like to finish on top, as Severna Park, Fallston, Rising Sun and Pocomoke have won a combined 47 titles in the state tournament?s 32-year history.
Severna Park added to its legacy under legendary coach Lil Shelton, as the Falcons won their 17th title with a 2-0 win over Quince Orchard in the Class 4A final. It ended a season in which the Falcons finished fourth in the Anne Arundel County standings.
Fallston walked away with its 10th title in 25 years under Alice Puckett with a 1-0 victory over Bethesda-Chevy Chase in the 3A final. In 2A, Cecil County?s Rising Sun capped its 14-2 season with a 2-0 win over Carroll County?s Century, which reached the finals for the first time in the school?s five-year history. Worchester County?s Pocomoke completed its easy run to a 15th state title with a 3-0 win over Poolesville in the 1A final.
Century coachGayle Taylor said those teams are champions because they feature strong coaching and are bolstered by strong youth programs that funnel talented young players into the programs annually.
“We?re getting there,” said Taylor, whose Knights went 11-6 this season. “I had 125 girls show up for my club team this week. Howard and Anne Arundel have established systems in place. We?re still building to that point in Carroll County.”
Shelton said field hockey is experiencing great growth statewide.
“What can I say about this season?,” said Shelton after beating Quince Orchard. “People see games like this and want to be a part of this sport.”
Severna Park senior defender Julie Gardner said when the Falcons reached the postseason, they knew they couldn?t just show up and expect to win easily ? unlike previous years. She added losing to Broadneck, Chesapeake and South River in the regular season forced Severna Park to refocus entering the playoffs.
“The other teams in the area are getting so much better and the coaching is really awesome all around now,” Gardner said. “Even with that, we still like to be on top and we showed that [Monday]. It was our toughest road to the finals ever, which made this win even more awesome.”
