Kara Hood

Message No. 1 of 2

Pre-season soccer at Lyndon

It was late August during the soccer “pre-season” practice sessions. I think it was Kara's senior year and we were experiencing a few days of very hot weather- probably low 80s. For endurance training we would take a long run through Kara’s neighborhood just above the Lyndon fields. I was a lot younger then and would usually go with the team on these runs. One day, for whatever reason, I decided to send the team off without me. They knew the route well, how long it should take, and that I would expect them back on time. I knew that Kara and the other seniors were planning a small side trip on this run. Did I know that they were planning on stopping for ice cream sundaes at the home of one of the players? Yes. Did they know I knew? Maybe. Well, when it was time for the run, they took off very quickly and made it back on time. Did Kara, being the good captain, intentionally come back with hot fudge on her face and shirt? Probably. Was she able to keep a straight face while telling me how hard everyone ran? Definitely not. There was some giggling and laughter among the team as I tried to pretend that I had no clue and praised them for their hard work and dedication. Did I later make them run sprints until they almost threw up their ice cream? Probably not…the hot weather alone was enough to make a few of them a bit queasy. That, plus the fact that I knew that the next day I could expect Kara to step up and lead the team and set an example by giving 110%- which she somehow was capable of doing at the times the team needed it most whether it be a game or practice. As games began and the season progressed, I am proud to say that I learned a few things about sportsmanship from Kara. She found a way to fear no opponent, respect all opponents, and yet maintain the highest level of competition, in both mind and body. She supported all team members regardless of skill level or dedication and competed against all opponents without resorting to trash talking or unfair tactics. Always completely exhausted when any game ended, win or lose, Kara somehow managed the energy and positive attitude to have a smile and kind word for her teammates, the opponents, officials, and opposing coach. I’d like to think I taught her a few things about soccer and lacrosse; however, I know she taught me many things about loving life and appreciating everyone. I miss you dearly and think of you often.

Phil Luckette phil@jd.cnyric.org

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Pre-season soccer at Lyndon
	It was late August during the soccer “pre-season” practice sessions. I think it was Kara's senior year and we were experiencing a few days of very hot weather- probably low 80s. For endurance training we would take a long run through Kara’s neighborhood just above the Lyndon fields. I was a lot younger then and would usually go with the team on these runs. One day, for whatever reason, I decided to send the team off without me. They knew the route well, how long it should take, and that I would expect them back on time. I knew that Kara and the other seniors were planning a small side trip on this run. Did I know that they were planning on stopping for ice cream sundaes at the home of one of the players? Yes. Did they know I knew? Maybe. Well, when it was time for the run, they took off very quickly and made it back on time. Did Kara, being the good captain, intentionally come back with hot fudge on her face and shirt? Probably. Was she able to keep a straight face while telling me how hard everyone ran? Definitely not. There was some giggling and laughter among the team as I tried to pretend that I had no clue and praised them for their hard work and dedication. Did I later make them run sprints until they almost threw up their ice cream? Probably not…the hot weather alone was enough to make a few of them a bit queasy. That, plus the fact that I knew that the next day I could expect Kara to step up and lead the team and set an example by giving 110%- which she somehow was capable of doing at the times the team needed it most whether it be a game or practice. As games began and the season progressed, I am proud to say that I learned a few things about sportsmanship from Kara. She found a way to fear no opponent, respect all opponents, and yet maintain the highest level of competition, in both mind and body. She supported all team members regardless of skill level or dedication and competed against all opponents without resorting to trash talking or unfair tactics. Always completely exhausted when any game ended, win or lose, Kara somehow managed the energy and positive attitude to have a smile and kind word for her teammates, the opponents, officials, and opposing coach. I’d like to think I taught her a few things about soccer and lacrosse; however, I know she taught me many things about loving life and appreciating everyone. I miss you dearly and think of you often.
	Phil Luckette phil@jd.cnyric.org