ThE MESSENGER - Franco-American School of New York

SharkSportsOur fearless mascot sees the pass...January 2012Varsity Girls: Lake Pontiac Preparations Pay OffBy Oriana Durand“Seniors! Gather around,” was Coach Palermo’sdemand during FASNY’s first Pontiac Camp.It was “Club Night” on the schedule, and despite Mr.O’csay’s determination to bring the teams together fora night of dancing, most of us sat on dumpsters andbenches outside of the room that glowed with multicoloredeffects. Coach Jennifer Palermo called uponher senior players and instantly demanded that we attemptto form a bonding experience, in order to startthe season “together.”This mere request resulted in the girls’ teamstealing the boys’ soccer equipment, including shoes,shinguards and clothes. Satisfied with the accomplishmentof delivering strongly as a team, we failed to anticipatethe boys’ possible revenge. The playful prankled to a rude awakening at 2 a.m. by the intoxicatingKenza Chamariq runs to the loose ball, outpacingtwo UNIS opponents.All sports pictures by Coach TaylorJuliette Clochard looks upfield for a decisive pass atthis year’s Homecoming Game.dispersion of Axe-brand deodorant in our previouslyrosey sleeping quarters.It is safe to say that Varsity girls have the teambonding down. Beyond the grueling drills and conditioning,Camp Pontiac was a success in unifying anew and diverse team. Simple requests, such as “CanI borrow your toothpaste?”, instantly helped us to becomefamiliar with one another. This essentially led tothe overall feeling of togetherness that set the foundationfor a great start. “I love our team, ‘nuff said,”says Amanda Zihenni (13’) when asked of her generalimpressions. Approaching the new season, it washard to tell what the outcome would be, consideringthe departure of valuable athletes from the previousyear and, in turn, the introduction of a new coachand players. Furthermore, there was FASNY’s joininga new league, which ultimately was source of worrywhether we would live up to expectations.However, despite these concerns, Varsity girlshave opened the season with a glowing start, deliveringfour stunning wins and suffering only one defeat.The team spirit has undoubtedly led to a strongfocus during practices and games, which reflects inthe gratifying results. “We’re like a small family,” saysLelia Kacha (14’).Since we’ve incorporated freshmen into theVarsity level, the girls have had a larger mix of agesand personalities than in the previous years, whichcould potentially prompt division in the team. However,as freshman Alexandra Chu explains, “we definitelybonded. We are all good friends and get alonggreat. We motivate each other and encourage eachother to do our best.”Despite a prospective winning season in sight,Varsity girls have suffered the temporary loss of twoimportant players due to early injuries. Jennifer Roux(14’) says, “I couldn’t play for four weeks because Ihad a really bad cough over the summer that led to amuscle rupture in the region of the ribs. I started againthis Tuesday and hope it won’t get as bad again.” Inaddition, Camille Williams (13’) hasn’t seen the fieldsince suffering an ankle sprain in practice followingthe team’s second game. However, both players are expectedto return soon and help the team pursue itsvictorious season.Ultimately, we have had a great season, losingonly twice and dominating most games. We finishedthe season top of our league!Homecoming Draws Top Crowd For Boys and Girls Varsity GamesSebastien Le Coz outmaneuvers a UNIS opponent.Theodore Pochart: FASNY HeroThe Boys Varsity team andthe Girls Varsity team lost their respectiveHomecoming games thisseason, and in both cases by justone goal.The opponent in bothgames was the United Nations InternationalSchool. Both our boysand girls will feel hard done by,having suffered some bad breaks infortune when, on another day, luckmay have leaned more on their side.The crowd that cheered them onwas one of the largest in memory,and most parents, students, staff,and alumni loyally fought throughthe cold temperatures to supportthe boys at midday and the girls inthe game that followed.Alex Adam jumps and heads the ball goalward against UNIS....keeps an eye on the football... raises fin/hands... ...to no avail!... ...second time around...MAKES THE CATCH!