Another Busy Weekend Ahead

Well tomorrow is going to be an incredibly busy day. Alex is done with school as of yesterday (Thursday). Her lacrosse team is playing their last regular season game tomorrow. She also needs to move out of her dorm on Sunday as all the athletes are rounded up and placed in the same dorm for the remaining time on campus. I need to go up and gather up some of her bigger items to bring home. She can then get the remaining items in her car when she finally comes home. Their MAC conference tournament begins next Wednesday with a game vs. FDU Florham. A team they just lost to last weekend. A tough matchup BUT they should certainly give them a good game. If they win they play Friday next week. Win again and it's off to the NCAA tournament! We'll see.

Tyler has a game at 9am tomorrow. I'm planning on going to that to cheer them on. Michael has a game at 1:30 in Thrumont. Not too close to here. I sent out an email Thursday to a bunch of people telling them of my plans for the weekend and as usual everyone has stepped up to help out. Ty has a ride home and Michael a ride up and back from his game. This will give me plenty of time to get up to Lycoming to see Alex's game and get her stuff. The boys will be home by themselves until I get home later in the evening but they don't mind too much.

I've decided to start telling more people my itinerary on days when I won't be close to home. It's important for me to know that extra eyes will be out for the boys. It's also important for people to know where I am and where I am going just in case something should happen to me as well.

Tyler is nearing the completion of his confirmation classes and his confirmation will be on May 16'th. Unfortunately, that is the same weekend as the Camp Jamie camp through the Hospice of Frederick County so he can't go. Michael's application was accepted and he will be going. Camp Jamie is a wonderful place for young children to go and get help in coping with the loss of a loved one. He really needs the help and this will be perfect. He is also attending some special classes in his school with kids in similar situations. He said there are about 6 kids and that they talk about all sorts of things. He likes talking about it.

Wish Alex luck this weekend and I'll try and fill you all in next week...

Night Lights

I thought I would show a map view of the cemetery and how close it is to the stadium where the Frederick Keys play their home games. Chris really enjoyed working with the Keys organization for their marketing and community involvement. It's only fitting that the night game lights shine on her!

A beautiful monument!

Yesterday (Saturday) Tyler was with his grandfather fishing, and Michael and I were home together. He had a lacrosse game around noon. He and I talked about going by the cemetery after going out to breakfast and we were still on for that. He hasn't been there except 1 time and that was back in October. He was very well prepared.

When we entered the cemetery there were 2 huge firetrucks with a giant American flag hung between them in honor of one of their members that was being buried that morning. We drove under the flag and went back to to gravesite.

When we turned the final corner and started heading down the road I could see at a distance that the cemetery had installed the headstone that I had ordered. It was beautiful as you can see from the pictures.

We were there for awhile and I had my camera so I took a few pictures. While there a man in a skirt showed up. (PETER ELLIOTT The Bagpipe guy). He was the gentleman that played at Chris's funeral and was there to play for the firefighter. He introduced himself to us and we chatted for a while.

Before we left Michael left a baseball, and mini helmet that he got at opening day this year at the Frederick Keys Stadium. The ball was a foul-ball that landed at his feet while walking the concourse. Fate? You can see the stadium from Chris's gravesite so we all know she's watching every game!

The front of her headstone has her favorite flower on it, iris. The back is engraved with a saying that was her favorite. It was also a verse that she used for a caligraphy project that is haning in our dining room. That picture was also brought to the funeral home where many of you I'm sure saw. The angel, of course, is there to keep watch over her every day.




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Charlie's update on the Pink Out!

Saturday was the big day. The Pink-out lacrosse game. The results of which are in my previous post. The boys and I left around 8ish and got to the stadium around 11:30 or so. Some close friends were already there with the grill fired up! We got to see Alex for a few minutes before she went in to get dressed for the day.

Everyone had their pink t-shirts ons. It was incredible. Even the opposing team had pink warmup shirts on. Everyone was in pink. Watching everyone warm up was pretty fun as it was hard to tell who was who.

Before the game started they announced the starting lineups and when Alex's name was called there was a huge cheer from the crowd! Before the national anthem they announced that this game was dedicated in memory of Chris and read a very well prepared statement about her and what the Climb for Hope Charity was all about. After that, they had a moment of silence in her honor. I cannot tell you how beautiful that was. It was just overwhelming. I had a very hard time keeping it together. The national anthem was played and sung by one of the Lyco students. Across the way I could see Alex was crying as was I and many others. She was being comforted by several of her teammates, I by my friends.

After the anthem is usually when the game begins. However, this time the entire Lycoming women's lacrosse team came running across the field to the side where the fans (me too) were all sitting. Kara (the head coach) came forward with Alex and presented me with a beautiful bouquet of flowers and a rolled up certificate. She told me that the team had made it possible for a commemorative brick to be placed on the commencement stairs just inside the main gate. It will read "In memory of Christine DeWitt". this gate is opened 1 time a year for commencement . Students march through the gate into the quad for graduation and that is it.

It was a beautiful honor. Alex was there still crying and she and I embraced. We were both so very emotional mainly due to the overwhelming love and support of our friends and teammates. Words cannot express the feelings.

After the game began I took the flowers over to my Mother-in-law and presented them to her. She too was overwhelmed. This has been a difficult time for mom and dad as you could only imagine. I was so glad that they were able to see such a wonderful tribute to their daughter and that she continues to live one within all of us, especially Alex.

The game was a great game. The weather was the most beautiful day we could have asked for. The day before had torrential rains. The day after sprinkles and cold. So someone had a hand in making Saturday the best. Thanks Chris.

As fans were leaving the stadium someone came up to me to say hello. It was Alex's high school lacrosse coach and his wife! They were at the entire game and wanted to let me know how impressed he was with Alex and her play, but also how impressed he was that the team that she was on was so caring and supportive. They are the ultimate definition of "team".

After the game there was a big tailgate for the team and fans. We all stayed for awhile and got a chance to meet other parents and friends. After a long afternoon we went back to the hotel and checked in. There were several close friends of mine that all stayed at the hotel. We all ate dinner together later in the eveing at the hotel restaurant. Alex, Jon (1-n), and Matty went back to campus after dinner where they did college stuff!!!! Matty said they were at the library all night. I seem to doubt that! A few of us went across the street to the Bullfrog brewery for a couple drinks and desert.

I went to bed and Tyler and Michael were already asleep. Of course, 1 in each of the 2 beds. That left me to pick the one with the most room and that was with Michael! I woke up at 4 becuase of the sunburn on my head and I think I was just overly tired. I did fall asleep for an hour before finally getting up to say goodbye to everyone.

Today we left Williamsport around 8:30 as Tyler had to get back for Confirmation Class. He went to that and Michael had a lacrosse game. I watched that and then had to hustle home and get his carpool together for religion class. When I went back to pick up the 5 kids at church I ran into and spoke with a neighbor that I had not seen in awhile. He said that he continues to read my blog and that he really enjoys keeping up with everything that I post. It really made me feel good about writing things on the blog. I know that I cannot keep this up forever but I will continue to do so as long as I can. Thanks for the vote of confidence John!


All the pictures that I took that day can be found here: http://picasaweb.google.com/cedewitt
If you went to the game and want to share some with others just send me a link.

Lycoming Press Release

Lycoming women’s lacrosse beats Widener, celebrates seniors

4/12/08 WILLIAMSPORT, Pa.—Lycoming’s women’s lacrosse team (8-5, 4-1) defeated conference opponent Widener (3-8, 1-3) by a score of 18-6 on Saturday. The afternoon contest was Senior Day for the Lady Warriors, who also wore pink jerseys to promote breast cancer awareness. At halftime, the Lady Warriors recognized seniors Kristina Peacock (Webster, N.Y.), Lauren Raby (Walnutport, Pa.), Heather Suit (Annapolis, Md.) and Megan Wallenhorst (Rochester, N.Y.). These seniors represent head coach Kara Reber’s first recruiting class and boast numerous all-time Lycoming records, including most career points, goals, assists, saves and wins. Wallenhorst, junior Sarah Wingerden (Macedon, N.Y) and sophomore Christi Karr (Lansdale, Pa.) scored three goals apiece for the game. Wingerden added an assist, while Suit recorded a goal and four assists. Sophomore Sammi Jo Bell (Maple Shade, N.J.) dished three assists and Peacock notched the win with 13 saves and five ground balls. Lycoming burst out of the gate with six-straight goals in the game’s first ten minutes. Justine Titko (Wrightstown, N.J.) and Karr were both fed by Suit, then Karr scored on a Wingerden assist. Wingerden followed with two consecutive unassisted goals, followed by a Kelly Mack (New Egypt, N.J.) goal. Widener scored its first goal at 20:30, which was quickly answered by an Ashley Collins (Westminster, Md.) score for the Lady Warriors. After another Lady Pride goal, Laura Carpenter (Lewes, Del.) and Wallenhorst found the net to put Lycoming up 9-2 at the end of the first half. Widener opened the scoring in the second period, but the Lady Warriors reeled off three-straight goals, including two in a row by sophomore Amanda Baker (Media, Pa.). Both Baker goals were assisted by Bell, who then fed Carpenter at 15:34. Junior Crystal Cody (Rochester, N.Y.) scored, along with Wingerden, Wallenhorst, Suit and Karr to close out the game. Lycoming fans filled the stands on a beautiful, sunny day, wearing pink t-shirts which were distributed by the Lady Warriors for the fight against breast cancer. Each player also listed a faculty or staff member for Faculty/Staff Recognition Day. The players and recognized faculty and staff gathered at midfield for a group picture during halftime. Lycoming travels to Messiah on Tuesday, April 15 for its next conference match-up. The night game will begin at 7 p.m.

Directions to Lycoming Stadium

Many of you are travelling up to see the Pink Out game this Saturday. Please note the the stadium is NOT on the campus of Lycoming College. It's a few blocks away.

The 1st map shown is the directions to the only street on Alex's campus just after you cross the river into Williamsport.

If you find directions to Lycoming College then this link will get you to the stadium from the main (only ) road for the campus which is College Place.



Basically, the entrance to the college will be on your right. Just past that is a Wendy's on your left. Turn Left at that intersection. The rest is on the map...

After the game if you are going to spend the night at the Genetti Hotel in downtown, then follow this link for directions from the field to the hotel.

For those of you coming from down South either by 81 or by 15N to Harrisburg I suggest this route around Harrisburg:















And for those coming from 83 by Baltimore this map around the north side of Harrisburg is suggested. If you have any questions don't hesitate to email me or call me...

Weekend

Well here I sit in front of the TV resting! We had a busy weekend. Friday was so raining that the city closed the fields that we play lacrosse on so we didn't have any games on Saturday. Of course when we go up the sun was shining and it was a very nice day. It never fails.

We did some yard work and started planting flowers in all the flower boxes. Every year Chris would spend hours outside planting flowers and making our home look beautiful. We continue that tradition for her.

Friday, night we went to opening night at the Frederick Keys game. It was so hard for me to be there without her. She enjoyed going there so much. We saw a lot of people there including the Mayor of the City of Frederick. Michael was able to snag a foul ball. We plan on taking it over to Chris's gravesite and leaving it there for her. He wanted to do that. He hasn't been to the cemetery but only one time, but I sense that he is getting ready.

Saturday afternoon the boys and I went to our friend Marianne's house to help her husband Andrew put in some closet shelves in the soon to be, new baby's room. We spent a good part of the evening there and had pizza. She is expecting very soon. Check her out here. She has a blog for the baby progress.

Today, Michael had a lacrosse game in VA. We spent the afternoon down there and although the weather wasn't that great it didn't rain. Ty stayed at home and clened up some things around the house. We are nearing completion on our basement remodel. The bar is done and the TV is on the wall. The picture here shows you how the bar is looking... The main things are done!!! Now we need, flooring, paint, furniture. All things that I dread doing... I'm hoping to get the flooring done this week and picking out a color for the walls. Picking furniture is tough as there are not many places to go here in Frederick.

This weekend is Alex's special lacrosse game that we are all going to . It should be a nice time for all that are going. Keep your fingers crossed that the weather is nice.

Michael gets in the swing of things.

Well after a long winter of practices and indoor games Michael's lacrosse team has finally started it's spring season.

It was a very sunny day last Saturday and a great way to begin. We have a team photographer that has taken some great pictures of all the kids and I put a couple of Michael here.

I went by the cemetery yesterday and noticed that they have dug the footing for the headstone that I ordered. Hopefully in a few weeks it will be installed reflect the honor that Chris deserves.

I'll keep you posted...

Lyco wins for the new baby!

Lycoming women’s lacrosse beats Manhattanville Wallenhorst breaks all-time points record

3/29/08 WILLIAMSPORT, Pa.—Lycoming’s women’s lacrosse team (5-3, 2-0) defeated Middle Atlantic Conference opponent Manhattanville (3-4, 0-1) by a score of 21-6 on Saturday at Shangraw Athletic Complex. Senior Lady Warrior Megan Wallenhorst (Rochester, N.Y.) broke the school’s all-time scoring record with her 235th point on a goal at 27:45 in the first half. Wallenhorst had three goals and an assist for the afternoon, while sophomore Christi Karr (Lansdale, Pa.) recorded four goals and an assist. Junior Sarah Wingerden (Macedon, N.Y.) scored three goals with two assists and Kelly Mack (New Egypt, N.J.) had three goals and one assist. Goalie Kristina Peacock (Webster, N.Y.) took the win with 16 saves and four ground balls in 55:43. Wallenhorst’s record-breaking goal put Lycoming up 1-0. Manhattanville’s Cory Alcorn, who finished the game with five goals and an assist, scored 14 seconds later to tie the game. But consecutive goals by Justine Titko (Wrightstown, N.J.), Laura Carpenter (Lewes, Del.), Sammi Jo Bell (Maple Shade, N.J.) and Mack put the Lady Warriors ahead to stay. Manhattanville scored just once more in the first half and Lycoming went into halftime leading 12-2. For the game, Titko and Carpenter had two goals, as did Crystal Cody (Rochester, N.Y.). Sophomore Michelle Murray (Media, Pa.) scored the final goal of the game off of an assist from Ashley Collins (Westminster, Md.) with nine seconds left on the clock. Coming into the game, Wallenhorst was tied with former Lady Warrior Brenda MacPhail on Lycoming’s all-time points list. Wallenhorst, who broke the all-time goals record last season, scored the 200th goal of her career on March 21 against St. John Fisher. The Lady Warriors travel to King’s College on Wednesday, April 2 for a 4 p.m. start. It will be their third conference game of the season. Congratulations to Lycoming head coach Kara Reber and assistant coach Matthew Reber on the birth of their daughter Kylie Lynn.

Kara has her baby!

Alex's lacrosse coach had her baby on Thursday morning. A beautiful baby girl. Details will follow, but here are some pictures. I'm sure that's she's glad it is here! There should never be any problems finding a baby sitter with 30+ girls involved with the team. Chris was so pleased to hear that Kara was expecting and I'm sure she would have been going to the very next game to see her!

CONGRATULATIONS TO KARA AND HER HUSBAND MATTHEW!

After Easter

Well this was a very hectic weekend! Started on Friday, I flew to Buffalo, NY in the morning, drove over to Rochester and hooked up with my good friend Rich. We then went to watch Alex's lacrosse game against St. John Fisher. It was a bad game for Lyco as they lost quite bad. It was a non-conference game but it still hit them hard. It was great because I got to see Alex start the game too!

Afterwards Alex came with us back to Rich's and we spent some time there and eventually went out for some wings later that evening. We then met up with her coach and Alex road back to school that evening. I flew home Saturday afternoon and then Alex and Jon (one N) drove home for Easter.

We had some family come over to the house on Sunday. Michael really wanted to be home and have baskets and all that. The day was very sunny but cool. It was nice getting together. Alex and Jon drove back Monday morning and I got back to work.

Tyler and Mike have off again today... They've been busy around the house. In fact, Michael spend 5 hours doing laundry yesterday!

The pictures here are from the Lycoming Relay for Life program that was held last weekend. The lacrosse team had a table set up and there were luminaries set u around the indoor track. The placed on in honor of Chris.

Holy Thursday

Last night was a horrible evening for me. Michael went to Deep Creek Lake with some friends and is skiing until Friday. Last night I had a lacrosse meeting and Tyler was at practice. During the meeting he called me and asked if he could spend the night with a friend and I said sure.

After my meeting it really hit me that when I got home no one was going to be there and it would be me all alone. This loneliness is really starting to creep into my life at times. Last night especially. I left my meeting and went to a restaurant for dinner. I finally got home and did some work on the pc and internet and eventually made it upstairs to bed. I laid there for quite awhile. It was really hard.

Tonight Ty was selected to have his feet washed as part of the Holy Thursday celebration at church. It is quite an honor to be one of 12 out of a huge congregation. Mass was nice and really makes you realize what Easter is all about.

Tomorrow I fly to Rochester NY to watch Alex play at St. John Fisher. I'm staying overnight with Rich and flying home Saturday.

I actually called Rich from the bar last night and talked to him for awhile. It helped.

Happy Easter to all...

Alex makes the writeup!

Lady Warriors win first conference game at Arcadia

3/16/08 GLENSIDE, Pa.—Lycoming’s women’s lacrosse team (3-2) won its first Middle Atlantic Conference game of the season by defeating Arcadia University (1-1) by a score of 19-8 on Sunday. Senior Megan Wallenhorst (Rochester, N.Y.) led all scorers with five goals, while adding five assists and 3 draw controls. Senior Heather Suit (Annapolis, Md.) notched six assists for the afternoon. The Lady Warriors rushed to a 7-0 lead seven minutes into the game, including two goals each by junior Sarah Wingerden (Macedon, N.Y.) and sophomore Justine Titko (Wrightstown, N.J.). Arcadia found the net at 23:01, but Lycoming sophomore Megan McIntyre netted her second goal of the day just 15 seconds later. The Lady Warriors scored three more times before the half, including goals by sophomore Alex DeWitt (Frederick, Md.) and freshman Laura Carpenter (Lewes, Del.). At halftime the score was 11-2 in favor of Lycoming. Arcadia opened the second-half scoring with two goals, but Wallenhorst scored three times in just under four minutes to put Lycoming up 14-5 at 19:02. Carpenter scored again and dished two assists down the stretch, while Titko scored back-to-back goals on assists from Carpenter and Wallenhorst. Titko finished with four goals, while Carpenter had two goals and three assists. Lycoming goalie Brittany Bryan (Petersburg, N.J.) played the entire game between the pipes, recording the win with 13 saves. The Lady Warriors host Susquehanna on Wednesday, March 19 at 4:30 at Shangraw Athletic Complex.

Buff State Write up

Lady Warriors defeat Buffalo State, even record

3/15/08 WILLIAMSPORT, Pa.—Lycoming’s women’s lacrosse team (2-2) defeated Buffalo State (1-1) by a score of 18-13 on Saturday at Shangraw Athletic Complex. It was the first home win of the season for the Lady Warriors. Senior Megan Wallenhorst (Rochester, N.Y.) and junior Kelly Mack (New Egypt, N.J.) scored four goals each for Lycoming, while junior Sarah Wingerden (Macedon, N.Y.) had three goals. Wallenhorst, Wingerden and sophomore Megan McIntyre (Baltimore, Md.) notched two assists apiece to share the team lead. Buffalo State started the scoring less than five minutes into the game, but two quick goals by Lycoming’s Heather Suit (Annapolis, Md.) and Wingerden made the score 2-1 in favor of the blue and gold. The Lady Bengals answered, but consecutive scores by McIntyre put the Lady Warriors up for good, 5-4, with 16 minutes remaining in the first half. Mack increased Lycoming’s lead with a strong move and a goal at 15:31, but Buffalo State scored less than three minutes later to keep it within one at 6-5. Then the Lady Warriors went on a run, scoring five consecutive times. Wingerden converted off of a Wallenhorst pass and Wallenhorst herself scored twice in a row, on assists from McIntyre and Wingerden. Mack scored with just under eight minutes left in the half and Wallenhorst converted a free-position shot to make the score 11-5 with 6:43 to go in the first. After a brief drought, Buffalo State’s Shantel Ackley made a successful free-position shot which was quickly answered by Lycoming’s Christi Karr (Lansdale, Pa.) at 1:42. Lady Bengal Katie Henderson scored on another free-position opportunity, but Wallenhorst found the net just 18 seconds later. Ackley then hit Buffalo State’s third-straight free-position goal to make the difference 13-8 Lady Warriors at halftime. Justine Titko (Wrightstown, N.J.) and Mack made free-position goals early in the second half, while Sammi Jo Bell (Maple Shade, N.J.) scored off of a McIntyre assist to re-establish Lycoming’s biggest lead of the game at 16-10. Mack again showed athletic determination, shaking a defender and bearing down on the goalie before finding the net at 8:41. Wallenhorst scored with 2:35 remaining to make the final tally 18-13. The Lady Warriors travel to Arcadia for their first conference contest tomorrow at 1 p.m.

Tribute to Chris

The Maryland & DC Credit Union Association paid a very nice tribute to Chris this morning. Mike Beall is the CEO and writes a weekly column for their newsletter entitled Mike's minute. Here is a link to the site: http://www.mdcul.org/minute.html

This comes a day after I drove up to Arcadia University on Sunday. The boys did not want to go to watch Alex play lacrosse again, but I did. And as a parent with a child in collegiate sports you do whatever you can to get there. So I left them at home with a long list of chores and drove the 3 hours over to North Philadelphia by myself.

Alex played quite a bit. She also plays defense and rarely has a chance to go past the restraining line. Yesterday another defender stole the ball near the goal, cleared it out to the side and Alex broke to the center of the field for another clearing pass. She got it and turned and started to run up field, and run, and run, and run.... She didn't stop. Went through a few defenders and shot and scored! The entire bench erupted in cheers. I was so excited to get a chance to witness her goal. I couldn't hold back the tears though because I know that Chris would have bee elated on the sideline. This goal was for her!!!

As you can see Alex wears pink shoelaces in her cleats in honor of her Mom. She's easy to pick out in the crowd of people that are fighting for the ball. This just goes to show you that if you can make it to a game, then you go. If I had missed this I would be so upset. Seeing it brought a ray of joy into my life.

More pictures can be found here on my Web Album.

Lyco wins on Saturday

The boys and I packed up the car on Saturday and drove up to watch Alex's team play vs. Buff State. The weather was pleasant and after the win there was a nice tailgate party for the team. The men's team also played later in the day and we were able to stay and watch 1/2 that game. We left for home around 4:30 and back home by 7:00. A loooong day. It was great getting a chance to watch her play. It's not the same without Chris there though. She was always so proud of Alex's accomplishments.

Lady Warriors defeat Buffalo State, even record

3/15/08 WILLIAMSPORT, Pa.—Lycoming’s women’s lacrosse team (2-2) defeated Buffalo State (1-1) by a score of 18-13 on Saturday at Shangraw Athletic Complex. It was the first home win of the season for the Lady Warriors. Senior Megan Wallenhorst (Rochester, N.Y.) and junior Kelly Mack (New Egypt, N.J.) scored four goals each for Lycoming, while junior Sarah Wingerden (Macedon, N.Y.) had three goals. Wallenhorst, Wingerden and sophomore Megan McIntyre (Baltimore, Md.) notched two assists apiece to share the team lead. Buffalo State started the scoring less than five minutes into the game, but two quick goals by Lycoming’s Heather Suit (Annapolis, Md.) and Wingerden made the score 2-1 in favor of the blue and gold. The Lady Bengals answered, but consecutive scores by McIntyre put the Lady Warriors up for good, 5-4, with 16 minutes remaining in the first half. Mack increased Lycoming’s lead with a strong move and a goal at 15:31, but Buffalo State scored less than three minutes later to keep it within one at 6-5. Then the Lady Warriors went on a run, scoring five consecutive times. Wingerden converted off of a Wallenhorst pass and Wallenhorst herself scored twice in a row, on assists from McIntyre and Wingerden. Mack scored with just under eight minutes left in the half and Wallenhorst converted a free-position shot to make the score 11-5 with 6:43 to go in the first. After a brief drought, Buffalo State’s Shantel Ackley made a successful free-position shot which was quickly answered by Lycoming’s Christi Karr (Lansdale, Pa.) at 1:42. Lady Bengal Katie Henderson scored on another free-position opportunity, but Wallenhorst found the net just 18 seconds later. Ackley then hit Buffalo State’s third-straight free-position goal to make the difference 13-8 Lady Warriors at halftime. Justine Titko (Wrightstown, N.J.) and Mack made free-position goals early in the second half, while Sammi Jo Bell (Maple Shade, N.J.) scored off of a McIntyre assist to re-establish Lycoming’s biggest lead of the game at 16-10. Mack again showed athletic determination, shaking a defender and bearing down on the goalie before finding the net at 8:41. Wallenhorst scored with 2:35 remaining to make the final tally 18-13. The Lady Warriors travel to Arcadia for their first conference contest tomorrow at 1 p.m.

Hoping to go see Alex

We are hoping to go and see Alex play this weekend. She's home on Saturday and away near Philly on Sunday.

Lady Warriors edge Eastern for first win of season

3/12/08 ST. DAVID'S. Pa.—Lycoming’s women’s lacrosse team (1-2) edged Eastern University (0-1) on Wednesday by a score of 11-10. It was the first win of the season for the Lady Warriors. Senior Megan Wallenhorst (Rochester, N.Y.) led Lycoming with three goals and an assist. Junior Sarah Wingerden (Macedon, N.Y.) scored two goals, while senior Heather Suit (Annapolis, Md.) had a goal and an assist. The game was Eastern’s first of the season and their first since the graduation of All-American Kate Hoy. Nonetheless, the Lady Eagles were the pre-season pick to win the Pennsylvania Athletic Conference, much like the Lady Warriors were the favorites to win the Middle Atlantic Conference. Midway through the first half, the score was knotted 3-3 until Eastern found the net at 6:06. However, Lycoming reeled off six-straight goals into the second half, including two by Wallenhorst, to secure a 9-4 lead with 25 minutes left. The Lady Eagles scored twice before Wallenhorst hit her third of the day to make it 10-6. Eastern went on a run, scoring four-straight in an 11 minute span to tie the game 10-10 with 11:37 left on the clock. The teams held each other at bay in the later stages of the game, with Lady Warrior goalie Kristina Peacock (Webster, N.Y.) notching 10 saves on a busy afternoon. Then Lycoming sophomore Christi Karr (Lansdale, Pa.) netted the deciding goal off of a Wallenhorst pass at 6:43 to give the blue and gold the lead for keeps. Eastern's Erin Reimel had three goals on the day, while Jessie Basch and Grace Griffith had two goals and two assists apiece. The Lady Warriors host Buffalo State on Saturday, March 15 at 12:30 p.m. at Shangraw Athletic Complex. The game will by followed by a Lycoming men’s lacrosse contest at 3:30 p.m.

Six Months....

I've never been one to "celebrate" 1/2 year anniversaries or birthdays, but today is a bit different. Six months ago today in the early morning hours Chris left us for a better place. I miss her dearly and the pain of losing her has continued to grow inside of me each day. Thanks to the love and support of friends and family we have been able to continue on with our lives in this house, but the void left in us is present every day...

We miss you sweetheart and want you to know that Alex is doing well, Tyler and Michael are making progress, and I'm doing the best I can with what you taught me! Time will tell but for now we take each day as it comes.

We love you.

A lacrosse present for Chris

Went by the cemetery today and was thrilled to see that someone had gone by and left a present for her. A TJ Teddy Bear wearing a Go Patriots T-shirt was left there and around it's neck was a scarf made of Red White and Blue.

Well I know exactly who left this (Jan!) and it is a wonderful gesture. The scarf is actually a small piece from a larger scarf that Chris made for Jan back a few years ago when Alex was playing high school lacrosse.

I know a lot of you are still thinking about Chris as I know that I do! The 6-month anniversary of her passing is coming up in a few days. Not necessarily something you celebrate but certainly a day that you make sure to think of Chris and the impact that she made on your life, and the community...

Lyco loses 2nd in a row!!

3/8/08

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa.—Lycoming’s women’s lacrosse team (0-2) fell to Montclair State by a score of 15-13 on a cold, rainy afternoon Saturday at Shangraw Athletic Complex.

Sophomore Amanda Baker (Media, Pa.) led the Lady Warriors with three goals. Megan Wallenhorst (Rochester, N.Y.), Heather Suit (Annapolis, Md.) and Kelly Mack (New Egypt, N.J.) each scored two goals for Lycoming.

Montclair drew first blood, but back-to-back goals by Sarah Wingerden (Macedon, N.Y.) and Suit gave the Lady Warriors an early 2-1 lead. Montclair regained the advantage with two quick goals, but Wallenhorst tied the game off of a Wingerden assist at 17:52 in the first half.

Montclair reeled off four straight goals before Lycoming sophomore Megan McIntyre (Baltimore, Md.) scored to make the tally 7-3 with 11:53 left in the half. The Lady Red Hawks found the net two more times before Wallenhorst converted a free-position shot, starting four consecutive Lady Warriors goals which made the score 9-8 in favor of Montclair State at halftime.

Lycoming sophomore Christi Karr (Lansdale, Pa.) found the net off of a McIntyre feed to tie the game early in the second period. But four straight Lady Red Hawk goals put Montclair up for good.

The Lady Warriors never gave up, with Baker scoring at 12:16 and Mack converting twice in the final eight minutes. Sophomore Justine Titko (Wrightstown, N.J.) made it a one-point contest with 24 seconds remaining, but Montclair scored 11 seconds later to put the game on ice.

Lycoming travels to Eastern on Wednesday, March 12 for a 4:30 face-off.

Lacrosse takes over the household!

Well now that March is here lacrosse has taken over the DeWitt household. Alex's team in college is doing well. They lost their season opener last night in double overtime. She played about half of the game and overall was pleased with her performance and the team's. Next game is Saturday and the boys and I are trying to go up to see her.

Michael plays lacrosse on 2 teams. The 1st is the Spires Lacrosse . He is in his 3rd year playing in this league. I'm the president of the club and have been pretty busy with registrations, uniforms, and regular team meetings. I like being able to see the club grow. This year we have close to 200 players! Up from 155 last year. His games are on Saturdays with practices on Mon/Wed. His 2'nd team is a select team called FastLax from the Frederick area. He practices on Sunday afternoons and is really enjoying this. It's more physical but the skill level is much higher and that helps him a lot. Games will be on Sunday after the season begins in April.

After a month of preseason practices and a week of tryouts Tyler found out yesterday that he was one of about 6 or 7 Freshman that made the JV Lacrosse team at his high school. He worked really hard to make the team and this was a great sense of accomplishment for him. Of course that means practice and/or games every day of the week!!!

So as you can see Spring will be a very busy time for me here. Sometimes I just can't be in 2 places at one time and many parents have helped out by bringing the boys to or from practice.

Me? I'm okay. Busy. Feeling a little better but in dire need of losing some weight. I guess I'll try and squeeze that in sometime...

See you...

Lycoming Loses Season Opener in Double OT

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa.—Lycoming’s women’s lacrosse team lost its season opener to Ursinus on Wednesday by a score of 15-14 in double overtime.

Lycoming was led by senior Megan Wallenhorst’s (Rochester, N.Y.) six goals, including four of the Lady Warriors’ final six goals. Sophomore Megan McIntyre (Baltimore, Md.) had three goals, while juniors Sarah Wingerden (Macedon, N.Y.) and Kelly Mack (New Egypt, N.J.) scored two goals apiece. Senior goalie Kristina Peacock (Webster, N.Y.) recorded an impressive 26 saves for the game, including 12 in each half of regulation.

For Ursinus, Elizabeth Cannon had six goals, while Lisa Clark had five. But Catie Cameron’s goal 2:49 into the “sudden death” second overtime period ended the back and forth battle.

The Lady Warriors started the game with two quick goals. McIntyre took the opening draw and scored unassisted just 18 seconds in, then Wallenhorst found the net 18 seconds later off of a feed from Heather Suit (Annapolis, Md.). Almost seven minutes later, Wingerden converted a free-position shot to put Lyco up 3-0.

But the Lady Bears did not give up, as Clark scored twice within a minute, then Cannon scored to tie the game before the halfway mark of the first period. Goals by Lycoming’s Amanda Baker (Media, Pa.) and McIntyre were both answered by Clark and, with 10 minutes left in the half, the score was locked at five.

Wallenhorst and Wingerden each scored to put Lyco up by two with less than six minutes remaining before halftime, but Cannon and Hannah Kuranz converted in the last 4 minutes to make the tally 7-7 at the break.

In the first seven minutes of the second half, Cannon scored twice and Clark scored, but Mack kept Lycoming close with a goal at 27:58. A Wallenhorst goal and another Ursinus goal set the score at 11-9 for nearly 10 minutes until Wallenhorst converted twice in the last two minutes of regulation to send the game into overtime.

Ursinus led 14-12 with 1:38 left in overtime and, shortly after, Lycoming got its fourth yellow card of the contest, forcing the Lady Warriors to play down a player for the remainder of the game. Head coach Kara Reber pulled her goalie and focused on offense. The plan worked, as McIntyre scored with 45 seconds remaining and Mack converted 16 seconds later to make it 14-14.

The eighth tie of the game set up a 3-minute “golden goal” second overtime. Still outnumbered, the Lady Warriors held off the Lady Bears for 2:49 before Cameron's game-winning goal found the net.

Lycoming’s next game is against Montclair on Saturday, March 8 at noon at Shangraw Athletic Complex.

Lyco ranked 1st in preseason poll!

This came in on my birthday. A nice surprise! Their 1st game is Wednesday and the boys and I are hoping to go up and watch Saturday's game in Williamsport.

2/19/08

ANNVILLE, Pa.- Lycoming College has been selected as the favorite to win the 2008 MAC women’s lacrosse championship, according to a poll of conference head coaches.

Lycoming landed five first-place votes and 67 total points to earn the top spot in the preseason ranking. The Lady Warriors went 14-4 overall and 8-3 in the MAC last season for third place in the conference.

Lycoming defeated Scranton 25-13 in the first round of the conference tournament, setting a school post-season scoring record. The Lady Warriors then lost a tight 14-12 game in the semi-finals to the eventual MAC champions Drew University.

After graduating just one senior last year, Lycoming added six newcomers to a roster of seasoned stars. Returning first-team regional All-Americans Megan Wallenhorst (senior, attack, 66 goals, 14 assist) and Sarah Wingerden (junior, midfield, 43 goals, 13 assists) will lead the blue and gold attack. Solid depth and talented youth will be keys to the 2008 Lady Warriors’ success.

Elizabethtown (13-4) and Messiah (7-9) were the only other MAC squads to receive first-place votes. E-town was selected second in the coaches’ poll with 65 votes and three first-place votes, while Messiah received 56 points and one first-place vote. In 2007, Elizabethtown went a perfect 10-0 in the conference, before falling to FDU-Florham, 11-10 in overtime, in the conference tournament.

2008 MAC Women’s Lacrosse Preseason Poll

1. Lycoming 67 pts. (5)

2. Elizabethtown 65 pts. (3)

3. FDU-Florham 62 pts.

4. Messiah 56 pts. (1)

5. King’s 43 pts.

6. Widener 39 pts.

7. Manhattanville 28 pts.

8. Wilkes 25 pts.

9. Arcadia 20 pts.

Birthday Blues

Well it's been about a week since I posted anything so I thought I'd bring everyone up to speed.

Last Tuesday was my birthday. It was not all that great. Another one of those firsts that come around that really stinks. Chris and I never made a big deal out events like birthdays but would always make sure the kids got out and did something. Her parents came over on my birthday and took the boys and I out to dinner at a Japanese steakhouse. We had a good time and dinner was very good.

Before that however I went to pay my respects to Father Wayne. It was and continues to be a huge loss for me and the entire community. I spoke with several people at the church and all told me that he continued to keep our family in his prayers and he asked about us frequently.

I've been busy with our local lacrosse program. www.spireslacrosse.org if you want to check out what I'm doing there. We have a big parent meeting tonight that I have to present at. Practice starts on Saturday for this club. Michael plays in that and on another team as well. He's been practicing on Sunday afternoons for that already. Tyler's high school team begins Saturday and he's been staying after for the preseason practices already.

Alex came home last Saturday and brought her friend / teammate. I took them to the airport on Saturday. Their team is in Clearwater Beach for spring break. They'll be back on Saturday and then off to school on Sunday.

I finally went to the Dr. yesterday. Been having a huge problem with my upper back. Stress related so she says. On muscle relaxers and ibuprofen. Hopefully that will help. I'm going to be going back for a physical and all that soon as well. I have to take care of myself so I've been told.

Ty and I have been busy working in the basement. We are remodelling the whole thing and have a little construction going on. It's a work in progress.

God has taken a wonderful man to be with Chris.

This morning I found out that Father Wayne passed away yesterday. Father Wayne had been battling cancer for awhile now and was the priest that was so helpful to me and my family when Chris passed away. He was the one who performed the wonderful mass that we will all remember forever.

Just 3 weeks ago I saw him on the way out of the church after 11am mass. (See my Sunday, Jan. 20'th post)

He smiled and told me that he was praying for my family. He then gave me a very big and sincere embrace. One that I will remember for the rest of my lift. I've lost a new friend. But I know that he and Chris are now together and looking after us now.

Father Wayne Funk

Father Wayne G. Funk, 70, pastor of Saint John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, Frederick, died peacefully Saturday, Feb. 16, 2008 at the Frederick Memorial Hospital.

Born Jan. 6, 1938 in Baltimore, he was a son of Clara I. Lambert Funk, of Catonsville and the late Alfred H. Funk. Father Funk was ordained Dec. 19, 1962 at the Church of Christ the King, Rome, Italy and was first assigned to Saint Agnes Parish in Catonsville. He was later appointed to the faculty of the Pontifical North American Collegein Rome, where he served until returning to Baltimore as Associate Pastor of St. Matthew's Parish. He faithfully served the Parish until his appointment as director of clergy personnel for the Archdiocese of Baltimore. He later returned to Saint Matthew's Parish, where he served as pastor until he assumed the same position with St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, Frederick where he has served for many years.

He is survived by two brothers, Alfred H. Funk Jr. and wife, Seldra and John W. Funk and his faithful friend, Gloria Scherer, all of Baltimore; a nephew, Donald W. Funk and wife, Ann; greatnephew, Paul E. Funk and wife, Jennifer; and great-greatnephew, Samuel C. Funk.

His body will be prayerfully received at 5 p.m., Monday, Feb. 18, at St. John the Evangelist RomanCatholic Church, 118 E. Second St., Frederick, where friends may call until 9 p.m. and where a Wake Service will be offered at 7 p.m. by the Most Rev. W. Francis Malooly, Vicar of Western Maryland for the Archdiocese of Baltimore.

Friends and parishioners are also welcome to vist during a vigil from 1 to 9 p.m., Tuesday, February 19. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 20 from the church, with the Most Rev. Archbishop William D. Borders, as principal celebrant, with commendation by His Excellency Edwin F.O'Brien, Archbishop of the Baltimore Diocese.

Interment will be in SaintJohn's Cemetery, Frederick.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are to be sent to St Matthews Parish, 5401 Loch Raven Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21239; to Cardinal Shenan School, 5407 Loch Raven Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21239; Saint John's Regional Catholic School, 8414 OpossumtownPike, Frederick, MD 21702; or to Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 112 E. Second St., Frederick, MD 21701.

Arrangements are by Keeney and Basford Funeral Home, 106 E. Church St., Frederick, and online condolences may be shared wih his family at www.keeneybasford.com.

Happy Valentine's Day?

Yesterday was another one of those "first" days. You know, first _____ w/o Chris... Valentine's Day was always a bit special to us. I asked Chris to marry me on 2/14/85. Probably did it on that day so I'd never forget it. I had only known her since August 84 and we were married in October 85. Love at 1st sight? I guess so.

I went by the cemetery yesterday. I am finding it a bit easier to go there now. I find a bit peace when I'm there. I'm finalizing some things for her headstone and hopefully can get that ordered next week. That's my goal anyways.

My neighbor Sharon stopped by and gave me a box of truffles from Randy's place. He just opened it at the end of the year and yesterday was a big day. I bought the boys some candy and they received a few cards in the mail too. We sent a box to Alex with some goodies in it too. She sent us a card. It was addressed to the "DeWitt Men"...

The boys went to ski club last night and I spent the day at home working. Been pretty busy with that. I went to the high school hockey game last night and eventually went out to dinner with Ray and Cheryl (neighbors across the street) as their son was playing in the game. It was nice to be out on this day.

Alex comes home next Friday for spring break. She'll only be home until Saturday though as she is going to Tampa with her lacrosse team.

Blue Man Group

Last weekend the boys and I went to a concert at the Patriot Center on the campus of George Mason University in Virginia. We saw the Blue Man Group. A Vegas icon for sure. I've always wanted to see them myself and this was an excellent chance.

We had great seats and the show was really entertaining. I took the picture you see with my phone and the youtube videos are some samples of what they do. Highly recommended especially for families.

I know a lot of you have been wondering "how we're doing"... The answer to that all depends on how you look at it I guess. Alex seems to be doing pretty well. College life is pretty good to her. Lacrosse is now in full swing and her practices keep her pretty busy. She comes home next Friday for 1 night and then flies to Florida for spring break with her team. They return the following Saturday and back to school on Sunday. Her 1st game is the following weekend. I am going to try so very hard to see as many as I can. Chris was so proud of Alex and proud to be her lacrosse mom. I too always had a rush when I saw her step out onto the collegiate field. I will do my best to continue that this year as well.

Last Friday Tyler skipped school and went to the PA Outdoorsman Show with his Uncle Ken and his grandfather. They were gone all day and he was exhausted. He really enjoyed it and had a good time getting out of the house. Lacrosse practice has started for him as well. It's been cold but he's working hard and looking forward to the season. He is doing well in school both socially and academically.

Michael is having a tough time in school. His grades have suffered considerably but we are working very hard to try and keep him focused and on track. It is so much work for me trying to keep on top of all that has to be done, not only with him but the entire household as well.

So that leaves me... I've been very busy with work recently. That's been good but very tiring. I had to go to Philadelphia for the day last week and I really was upset a little about leaving. I got home at 7:30 and the boys actually weren't home. Our friend Billie came and got them and took them to her house on the other side of town. They had a great time and it made me feel a lot better.

I find myself waking up in the middle of the night sometimes and not falling back to sleep. Even the dog looks at me like I'm crazy. I usually lay there and eventually just get up. I've been to a couple of grief counselor meetings. It's sort of good to be able to talk to someone about what's really going on inside, but I find it hard to get motivated to go.

The last few years I played in a pool league with my brothers-in-law Ken, and Joey and my father in law too. I quit going back in September and dropped in once or twice in the last 5 months. Well Ken called me and talked me in to coming back full time (or "more" time). I asked the boys and they didn't mind. It is really good to get out of the house and actually have some time for myself. I really miss the adult conversation that I always had when Chris was here. We all take things for granted and that was certainly one of things that I miss the most.

Tonight we went to the high school hockey game to watch our neighbor play . They won and play again Thursday. Afterwards, the boys and I went to Chris's favorite restaurant, La Paz, in downtown Frederick. We had a nice dinner and when we got our drinks we had a toast to our "Mom".

I really miss her.

Lycoming goes Pink

http://www.lycoming.edu/athletics/07WBasketball/ThinkPink.htm

Lycoming College's Women's basketball team is also doing a special breast cancer fundraiser this Saturday. It's really nice to see how the college has stepped up and allowed teams to do this type of event!

Lycoming goes Pink

http://www.lycoming.edu/athletics/07WBasketball/ThinkPink.htm