Our Family Foursome

Check out the fearsome Swartz/Hartmann foursome at the inaugural "Cougar Classic"Como High School fundraiser last Saturday! We didn't win and it was cold (yes, that is Ben in a ski mask), but we had a great time with the carts and the best ball format. (Emma seems like she might be about ready for driver's ed, in fact.) We also did well with the raffles, each of winning a drawing including Doug's 50/50 win where he had to sink a long putt on the practice green just to get entered. Not bad considering how much more tennis than golf we've played over the past few months.

Some Summer Fun

The heat is on in Minnesota this summer. Lots of hot and humid days. But that hasn't stopped this kids from playing tennis most days.  They have enjoyed their afternoons with the St. Paul Urban Tennis Como Team.  This past week they played 2 all day tournaments. Both had a great time. Emma was a demon at the net--her experience as catcher shows as she is not afraid of any ball coming at her. She specialized in doubles--mixed and girls, and did not lose any of her doubles or singles matches.  Her and Stephanie are an amazing duo and have decided to try their hand at some more USTA tournaments later in the summer.  Her Como 14U team came in 3rd place overall (despite having to forfeit 8 games each match because they did not have enough girls).  This picture here is them receiving their medals.  Her friend Stephanie won the "Sportsmanship" award--something definitely to be proud of.

Como's 14U Team after winning 3rd place in the USTA Jr Team Tennis Regionals (coach in middle)

Ben played singles, boys and mixed doubles. He also favors doubles, and had some great matches.  He especially had fun playing with partners Jack (boys) and Paulina (mixed). His team was also short some kids so had to forfeit some games, but still winding up winning the consolation bracket.

Emma's Tricounty Softball Tournament last weekend was very exciting. They ended up advancing through the winners bracket to the championship game.  Good thing too, because it was 100 degrees with high humidity, so winning meant fewer games in the double elimination tournament. They did play 6 games, but that was much better than the 11 or so that teams who lost had to play to advance to the championship.  They ended up winning the Tricounty Championship, in a dramatic fashion. The final 4 games of the tournament all had excitement, game changing ump calls, and major comebacks. In the final game, they were down 6 or 7 runs in a later inning, with very little energy left. The ump had declared their main pitcher's style illegal (this had not been identified throughout the season or tournament until the championship game), and so they had to take her out, and rely on their other pitcher who was worn out from pitching so many games in the heat.  With no possibility of a reliever she fought on.  They rallied with some hits, good baserunning and tight defense, and won the championship.  Emma had some great hits in the tournament, including a key hit and baserunning that helped ignite the comeback. After a season of splitting many of their double headers, it was an unexpected victory, but one that the girls will probably remember through their lives.  This victory qualified them for the National Tournament. Unfortunately, too many of the girls had conflicts so they won't be able to go, but I think they are really proud of their performance.  This weekend is the State Tournament. It is another hot and humid weekend, so we are packing the cooler full of ice, water and wet towels. 

Emma's North Area team after winning Tricounty Championship Game

Emma and good friends, Emily and Stephanie, after game.

Girls showing their strength after game. Coaches relaxing after a stressful game.

Ben's Junior Year Wraps Up

Ben has finished up a fun, busy and accomplished Junior year. Some highlights include: A Fall with football, and band; a Winter with math team and coaching 5th and 6th grade MMSA girls basketball, both of which he really enjoyed; and Spring with tennis, and St. Paul honor band which performed at the Ordway. He lettered in two sports (football and tennis), band, and academics, and earned several other awards including Top Ten in his class, Honors with Distinction, and a special St. Paul School District Music award for receiving a superior rating on his ensemble (he played Sax).  He also continued working at Conny's, earned a spot in the National Honors Society, participated in the Christian Club, and  was elected as co-president of Tri-M (an honor's music society). Outside of school he continued to sing for the Hope Choir and managed to keep his rock band active for much of the year.  Here are a few pictures of some of the highlights:

Ben runs off field for halftime show with band.

Ben marches on with Band in his football uniform

Ben plays with Band.  Nice hat!

Ben pumps up his team before a game

Shooting practice before game. The team did great, winning their league in the regular season. The went two rounds in the CAA playoffs before being eliminated by St. Mary's of White Bear Lake.

Ben performs at the Ordway conducted by University of Minnesota band director, Jerry Luckhart

Serving at Central High School

A fun first season on the Como Park varsity tennis team.

Emma Graduates from 8th Grade

Emma's 8th Grade Class

Emma and her good friends, Stephanie and Emily

What a great bunch of kids!  These 8th graders say their goodbyes at an after graduation reception. 

Emma and Stephanie

The Family

Emma and Mary Drew having fun after graduation

Thanks Nana and Papa for coming to celebrate Emma's graduation with us!

Our two high school students!

Emma celebrated the special occasion with a turtle cake from Cafe Latte

Flowers for the graduation party.  Yes, that sundae is made from flowers.

Softball Champs, again!

MMSA 8th Grade girls beat Transfiguration in a tight game to win the CAA championship for the second year in a row.  Final score 1-0!

sports, sports, sports

okay its been a while. just so busy...and sports right now at the forefront this week. a few recent highlights:

--emma's bball team won a big, last second, crazy victory 32-31 to advance to second round of playoffs weds; (if they win, they're in B championship on sunday; more on this later if time);

--ben's 6th grade girls won last friday in a blowout; they play tomorrow (tuesday);

--terri's hockey team won 1 and lost a close one (4-3) over the weekend;

--doug 5-0 and top of standings in weds noon 3.5 league;

--ben doing tennis drills and lessons on weds and weekends in prep for trying out for HS team this spring;

--emma's hockey lost first round of playoffs last night but a close 3-0 game; play 2nd game of double elimination tourney on saturday morning;

--school softball practiced first time last week for emma; traveling tryouts on saturday.