An unexpected cornerstone: Finding the joys, irreplaceables of covering local field hockey [column] | High School Field Hockey

Cumberland Valley’s Chapman Field bleachers were blanketed in seas of maroon, purple and green. Rally towels waved in the nippy autumn air. Communities of the Boiling Springs, Mechanicsburg and West Perry field hockey teams supported from near and far, in large and small gatherings.

The 2022 and 2024 PIAA field hockey championships are some of my fondest memories from my coverage days in the Mid-Penn Conference. The Bubblers and Wildcats, in 2022, and the Mustangs, in 2024, each raised their first state trophies.

It was so much more than gold medals for the three schools. It was a celebration. A community event. Moments where the word “proud” wouldn’t quite do justice.

When I moved back to Lancaster in May and got reacquainted with my Lancaster-Lebanon League roots, I knew the Mid-Penn field hockey beat would be one of my hardest goodbyes.

Programs there had welcomed me with open arms. They allowed me to share and scribe the happiest of stories. Even some that were tough to discuss.

A sport I knew little about in high school quickly became one of my favorites. I began following the college scene and watching games when free time allowed. I still track much of the talent beyond their prep careers.

That was all because of the 13 schools I covered and followed in four short years. I can’t take any of the credit.

When it was decided I’d oversee the L-L beat, I was overcome with a range of emotions and thoughts. I was ecstatic and nervous. I wondered if I could live up to my standard — and the readers’ — with the L-L being rife in field hockey history, and especially, passion.

I can’t answer that question because I don’t have the answer. But through the first month of the season, I can admit that I’m feeling the same pull to the pitch that I did on the West Shore.

Having nearly all of the 23 L-L teams visit LNP’s offices for Media Day in early August eased the transition. I got to put faces with names. Begin to learn the personalities of coaches and players. Identify each program’s identity and what makes it special.

I hope you all have read my enthusiasm and sensed my eagerness. I want to make L-L field hockey coverage the best it’s ever been.

As a staff, we’ve been endeavoring to run one feature every day. Soccer, golf, field hockey, football, you name it, and we have had it.

The field hockey side has already sent me in different directions. I’ve written team features. Profiled players returning from injury. Covered a clip of high-octane games.

And the cool thing: There’s plenty more coming down the pike.

I suppose what I’m trying to say, in a roundabout way, is that local field hockey has become a cornerstone of my life. I’ve never held a stick — only absorbed a couple blows to my shins and feet from stray balls while roaming the sidelines.

When I left the Mid-Penn, I thought a part of me might go missing. That’s been the farthest from the truth, because I already feel at home with this beat. In my original L-L stomping grounds, too.

And with the competition and talent the L-L brings to the feast, I know there will be more rally towels to be waved. More community events to be had come November.

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