Game Development Group 9/30/09

Yesterday we had our first meeting of the Game Development Group. Although we were trying to limit the size of the group, due to a lack of contact info and a scheduling conflict that moved the meeting from Monday to Tuesday (I was out for a Jewish holiday), our group size consisted of me, co-creator Sebastian and one other member. We were able to collaborate on ideas and a better concept for the game, along with possible art style and controls, but we were not yet able to assign jobs or have "lessons." Hopefully more will be able to show up to our next meeting, where we can assign jobs and start work on the first version of the project.

Ultimate Frisbee Club 9/27/09

Last Saturday we had our normal Ultimate Frisbee Club game. This week, however, we had to play a "short" field as a tent was erected in one half of our normal field. With this short field, plays were made right or left more often, as to allow for the dimensions of the field. We had about 8 players per team and played for around 20 minutes. The goals were not tallied but it was around 5 to 2 at the end. I found that in a shorter field, quick, short passes are better because it becomes too easy to block a long pass (or too hard to catch it). This time around I felt myself not getting as tired, due to my cross country trying. Next time I will attempt to use short passes.

Cross Country 9/26/09

Last week we had two meets: One against Mashpee, the other against both Upper Cape and Harwich. Unfortunately I did not run Sunday, was feeling sick Monday and was home sick on Tuesday, making three days without running before the Mashpee race. However the course was quite short (at 2.9 miles instead of 3.1) and almost completely flat. As a result my time was respectable, being about the same as my time on the Upper Cape Tech course. I placed 22nd, one better than last race, however the girls were not counted in this race so in reality I probably did a little worse. I was able to run nearly the whole course due to the relative ease of the course. The next day, I again had to miss practice to do an HL math test, and then there was another race day. This time, the race was in Bayberry, a much harder course with hills and sand. This time I was only able to run 85% of the time, and my time was just under 30 minutes. I only placed 25th by two seconds, having to try and sprint along with another runner for the last portion of the race. During the next week I will try for better times, and to come to all practices.

Cross Country 9/20/09

This past week we did not have any meets. Because of this, on Tuesday we ran 3 miles straight and on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday we ran for 50 minutes each day. During the runs on Tuesday and Wednesday, I ran about 70-80% of the time. On Thursday, however, it was up to a solid 80%, and by Friday it was about 85%. This week we also had an unfortunate announcement. Our top runner, Sebastian Jakaus, had decided to retire from the team. However, the coach said that we should not be training harder or making ourselves feel like we need to make up for a lost teammate. On my part, I will continue to run even though we may not win as many games. We have a few games coming up next week.

Sturgis Ultimate Frisbee Club

Last Friday we had our first Ultimate Frisbee club meeting. We played with six players on each team for around 20 minutes. During that time, my team scored three goals and the other team also scored three. I found that running back and forth constantly quickly tires you out, so that pacing is needed even with short games. However, a good speed should be kept up in order to be in position to defend or to catch and throw the Frisbee. At the next meeting I will attempt to find a better pace.

SOI meeting 9/20/09

Last Thursday we had the first meeting of SOI (Sturgis Organic Initiative). In it, we discussed our plans for the current school year. We talked about distributing organic foods as well as educating the masses about the benefits of organic food. We also talked about how we might be able to raise money for SOI by selling organic foods at break, and about the possibility of sponsorship from local shops and farms. Our first sale will be on the first Friday of October.

Hiking Club Cross-Cape #7

This past Saturday, I completed the 7th portion of the Cross-Cape hike, traveling about 10 miles from Wellfleet to Providencetown. I use the word "about" because on this trip, we did not have our guide. We instead had to rely solely on a map and compass. This caused us to get lost quite a few times, resulting in a longer distance than planned. I also learned about having the right gear, as I brought hiking sneakers that I forgot were cut up in the back heel, causing them to constantly cut my right heel/Achilles tendon. I also brought a poncho, which was torn to shreds during the bushwhacking portion of our trip. Our next trip is Sept 25-27, a backpacking trip that I will be much better prepared for.

Cross Country #1 (9/15/09)

Last Tuesday we raced against Cape Cod Technical School. This was my first race, and I was able to attain a time of about 28 minutes, coming in 23rd place of 32 people. Although I was not able to maintain a steady jog or run, I was able to run or jog about 80-90% of the time, a good pace. I was also able to sprint at the end of the race, meaning that I still had energy left. This means that I should use more energy throughout the race, just enough so that it is all used up by the end.