September 18, 2007

East vs West

For those of you who live in the Lakota school district you know what a game between Lakota East and Lakota West means. The turnout of support for both teams from the students was pretty large for a girls soccer game. This battle took place on September 4th on East's field. The varsity game ended in a 2-2 tie. Images below are from the JV and Varsity games.

A powerful throw-in.


I love when the action happens right in front of me.

Eye on the ball.

One of many battles all over the field.



September 17, 2007

Saturday Soccer

A triple header of soccer occurred on September 1st. The Oak Hills freshmen and varsity boys teams played Elder and the girls varsity team played Seton. It was a great day for soccer. Games started in the afternoon and finished at night. Instead of 3 different posts I picked 2 images from each game to show.


Freshmen game was first.

Girls were next.
I like how each player is concentrating on their tasks. One attempted to move the ball up the field and the other intent on stopping that from happening.
Finished with the boys varsity game.
Nice height on the vertical!

September 11, 2007

Lakota West At Ursuline Academy

Yes, I am still behind on posting games. These games were the 30th of August. Which if you are keeping count, the 4th night in a row I was covering games. Both teams are very talented. They work well together with each other. And that is what I saw through my lens. I can only imagine how good the games were if you actually watching the game instead of photographing it. There was great support for both teams. The fans were great! Shots below are from both the JV and Varsity games.

Great save and a divot created.

A very focused look.




I love when the action comes close to me late in the game when the light is not so good.


September 10, 2007

34

Yesterday was my birthday! Another year older and hopefully I little wiser. I did not do anything that would seem special to most people. But for me it was a huge change. I did almost nothing all day long. Watched a movie in bed when I woke up. I found some breakfast and a good book to read. Worked only about 45 minutes which is a the least amount I have worked in 3 weeks. Felt a little weird, especially since I covered 2 soccer games the night before. Proofs were done at 1:00 am so I did not have to worry about those but I did not perform my traditional backups and cleanup routine until today. Watched a lot of different sports on TV. Mike made it home around 2 from his guy golf weekend. He went and got dinner for us. It was nice to relax with him for the rest of the night. I also got a bunch of phone calls from my family which I love! So even though it might seem special to some of you it was for me. So now I start my day a little behind but very much relaxed and a little bit more rested.

September 7, 2007

Friday Night Football

Last Friday Oak Hills showed off their new stadium turf. It was a great night for football. Even though the field looks beautiful in color I thought I would show it in black and white. This is the kick-off to start the second half. I was up in the press box which is as high as I could get. Thanks to the guys who helped me get up and down from there. You have to go up a ladder and with my equipment I needed the help. I will be at the game tonight and will try to show some action shots from the game next week.


September 6, 2007

Indian Hill at Ursuline Academy

How about a little field hockey for a change of pace? Indian Hill was at Ursuline Academy on August 29th. It was a partly overcast day which had me a little worried about photographing the JV game. Since the field does not have lights the Varsity teams play first followed by the JV. Luckily the light held and I was able to cover both games. Below are the images from the games - JV first then Varsity.




I like the defensive concentration.

I am always impressed by how quick the goalies can move with their equipment on.

Rushing at the shot.
This would be my look as well.

September 5, 2007

Moeller At Lakota East

I know, I am a little behind in posting. This game was held August 28th on another hot day. I found out that standing in the shade of a pole is partially effective. Between the JV and Varsity game I tried to find some shade to cool off and drink some liquids. Since I tend to knee, crawl and sit in the grass during games I wear long pants to protect my legs. I have found some pretty thin pants but still not as cool as wearing shorts. Below I included some images from both the JV and Varsity games.


Had to show a keeper save.
"My ball, you can't have it"


Click of a larger view of this sequence.

A successful PK.


August 31, 2007

Oak Hills vs Moeller Freshmen Soccer

A late afternoon soccer game on Monday. The game started a little later than planned since there was a little problem with getting a team there on time. I know how they feel as I have gotten lost or gone to the wrong field a few times myself for various games. I found myself a small shady area until the game started and thought about the monopod I left at home. Has anyone every had that feeling you are forgetting something when you leave the house but have no clue what it is? I occasionally have those. This time I did not figure out what it was until I got to the field. Opened my trunk and just stared trying to transport my monopod to the trunk with my mind. While not critical for what I do it is a nice to have. A camera with a 300mm lens on it gets pretty heavy after awhile. I will say my arms were pretty tired by the end of the night but I did not smack myself in the face once while changing cameras - a normal occurrence at least once a game. Sometimes I wait until the very last moment to switch to the second camera with the smaller lens and in my haste to twist the 300 over my shoulder I sometimes miss or it starts to fall and I use my chin to try to catch it. I will stop boring you and show you some images from the game....



A keeper save.




Concentration.
Another keeper save.