A Pledge of Present Glory
September 22, 2017
The Student Brothers of the Dominican House of Studies take part in occasional sports matches with seminarians from nearby institutions. On September 16, 2017, the Friars took on the Seminarians of Mount Saint Mary’s:
Soccer, a.k.a. “America’s Sport of the Future since 1972”, became the grounds for present glory for the Dominican House of Studies last Sunday night. In a stunning upset, the Friars overcame a two-goal deficit to Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, MD.
Mount Saint Mary’s initially demonstrated why they were the heavily-favored team. With two goals in the opening 20 minutes, “The Mount” looked set to run away with the game. However, the DHS defense, led by the ever-encouraging Br. Aquinas Beale, provided a stalwart support for star goalkeeper Br. Ignatius Weiss.
Veteran Br. Justin Bolger calmed the team and commenced the comeback with a scrappy goal. Then, not but 10 minutes later, Br. Ephrem Reese cooly slotted home a breakaway goal to level the game going into halftime.
The second half saw a steady flow of back-and-forth action. Sensing the fatigue of their team, the travelling contingent of DHS fans urged their brothers on. An impressive vuvuzela rendition of the “O Lumen” provided the team with the inspiration necessary to keep competing.
As the sun continued to set, team MVP Br. Maximilian Jaskowak rose to the occasion. After winning the ball in the defensive half, he set up the go-ahead goal. Using his clear understanding of proper positioning, Br. Luke VanBerkum was on hand to score, giving the Friars the 3-2 lead. Furious defending over the final ten minutes helped close out the game and give the Friars the deserved win.
Player/Manager Br. Constantius Sanders stated afterwards that he was most impressed by the discipline and teamwork of the Friars. The fruit of their common life was on clear display for the myriads of supporters present.
Following the game, in a display of true fraternal charity, Mount Saint Mary’s graciously hosted all the Friars for a common recreation.