This past weekend was pretty special up in Middlebury.  On consecutive 70 degree, sunny days we were treated to some great lacrosse, first in our OT game vs. Bowdoin, won by Middlebury on a Dave Leach goal.  The second game was on Sunday, also won by Middlebury (alumni) in OT vs. Middlebury (alumni) on a cannon of a shot by Myron “Peter” Kohn.  In a brilliant coaching move by the Middlebury “white” team, Kohn was inserted into the lineup in the early stages of OT, making his first and only appearance in the game.  Old timers at the game noted that is was “déjà vu all over again”, as apparently Kohn has been used in this role in the past.  Kohn dodged repeated attempts by talented young alumni to strip him of the ball (in fact, it seemed as if Jed Raymond would, in fact, strip him on several occasions, which would have resulted in the infamous Alumni Corn.)  Peter’s stick protection prevailed, however, and he left the would-be defenders lying in his wake.  A collective roar (or, moan I guess) was heard as Kohn ripped his first shot wide of the goal.  Thankfully the ball only dribbled inches past the goal which astonished bystanders who had dived for cover on the wind up.  Kohn was able to retrieve his own shot and he proceeded to blister another cannon past freshman goaltender, Kevin Croken, who is reportedly in stable condition after the shock and awe of facing down the vaunted Kohn shot not once, but twice in OT.  Both benches emptied at the conclusion of the game as Kohn’s heroics transcended “Blue” and “White” reversible jerseys.

On Saturday, parents, players and alumni moved from our post-game tailgate to McCardell Bicentennial Hall for a showing of “Keeper of the Kohn”.  If you have not seen this final version, you must do so.  It was the first opportunity I had to see the final version and it is a touching film.  I am not a film critic, so my description cannot do justice to what David Gaynes has produced for us.  Thanks for a wonderful tribute to Peter, David, and congratulations on what you have produced.   

After the film the alumni returned to Kenyon Lounge for an Alumni Dinner.  The dinner was well attended by recent alumni as usual.  An excellent turn out of players from ’99-’04.  We also had Bobo, Will Graham, Dave Furney, George Cady and Coach Rob Pfeiffer from the ‘70’s, Craig Westling and Pam Quinn from ’88, Hugh and Barbara Marlow from all Middlebury classes, as well as Hannah and Connor Quinn from future classes!  You may remember we invited Coach Pfeiffer back in honor of the 30^th Anniversary of his departure from Middlebury.  We read a moving tribute from Mike Mulligan and Will Graham entertained us with a couple of great Pfeiff stories.  I was thrilled that Coach Pfeiffer could attend and represent those great Middlebury teams and players. The current teams and coaches stand on their shoulders. 

I touched on Pete’s heroics in the Alumni game earlier, but I should note that it was a fun game up to the OT as well.  There was no doubt in my mind why our teams have been successful, watching the antics in Alumni Stadium.  A couple of highlights: watching Greg Hickey ’77 strip a nameless ’02 attackman (unfortunately, Greg’s daughter was playing Ultimate Frisbee for Middlebury on the adjacent field and probably missed it), Bobo Sideli playing with daughter Liana in attendance as a Middlebury student, anytime Zach Herbert touched the ball, not knowing where the shot would come from (still playing great, trying to live down Boo Boo), Holt’s backbreakers, Krieger’s laugh and effortless, taunting saves of the “popcorn” shots, C Bas speed (not behind the back “shot”), Friz schooling Dog, Dumptruck, Jed’s stick(other than when he is stripping Pete), seeing John West healthy again, not Ceni’s underhand shots, not Chuck’s tackling ability, Caleb looks like he’s still playing for us, Dumptruck, Matt not backing Jed in, Scott Leach trying to look like Dave Leach (reasonable facsimile), not Tobey’s left,  just generally admiring the talented players back on Alumni Stadium.  Of course, the true highlight was sharing some time with some great guys on a special weekend. 

Thanks to everyone who made it back, it was a great weekend!

If you can make it, we play Trinity at Trinity at 1:00pm this Saturday and then Colby at Trinity 11:00am on Sunday.