Gilroy High’s field hockey teams went through a grueling set of
tryouts that ended last week with a lighthearted goof on the
Olympics.
Suiting up in pseudo prom dresses, some store bought, some
homemade, the Mustangs went through a series of events at
Garcia-Elder Sports Complex to show who had the most skills and
could laugh at themselves at the same time.
Gilroy High’s field hockey teams went through a grueling set of tryouts that ended last week with a lighthearted goof on the Olympics.
Suiting up in pseudo prom dresses, some store bought, some homemade, the Mustangs went through a series of events at Garcia-Elder Sports Complex to show who had the most skill and could laugh at themselves at the same time.
“Towards the end of tryouts it was a good way to take the stress away,” coach Adam Gemar said.
The series of events dubbed the “Prom Dress Olympics” included a quarter-mile relay, a shooting skills competition, 6-on-6 team hockey, and a leapfrog event.
“Last year we did a little triathlon with a swim, run and hockey, and we usually try to do something fun after tryouts,” Gemar said.
While the day was all about fun, the tryouts that led up to Thursday were as fierce as ever. All players went through double-days, and sometimes even triple-days.
“We just had double days like normal but then every other day we would go into the weight room in the afternoon,” Gemar said.
The coach added that through a greater commitment from players during the summer, he believes this team is deep enough that it will be able to hang with the best in the Central Coast Section once again.
“Potentially, we could be really good, but you never know,” Gemar said. “You shoot yourself in your foot if you say this is the best team you’ve ever had.”
Gemar added that chemistry will determine how far the Mustangs can go.
“It’s mostly chemistry,” he said. “They have the talent and the skill. We can fill all 11 positions and the depth is there.”
Three players Gemar believes will have the biggest impact are seniors Laura Spellman, Jennifer Rose and Jenna Vivian.
“I think this upcoming senior class could be our biggest group of athletes to go play D-I (college) hockey,” Gemar said.
One position that will be filled by a new person is the coaching spot beside Gemar. His wife, Erin, has chosen to take a break this year to focus on work and family more. Her position is being filled by several assistants.
While both teams have full rosters, coaches have said they will accept freshman tryouts through the second Friday of school, Aug. 29.
