When this club was started back in 1996 there were a lot of decisions that, as we look back 19 years, we can see they have everything to do with the success that we enjoy today. And while these decisions were made simply for sustainability at the time, they actually have proven to be what makes us strong and competitive and welcoming to all; the decision to give everyone equal playing time, our coed nature, and that we welcome and train all players. These decisions have carried us and will propel us into the future.
One very important rule did not come about until 2000, and was due to a club-wide vote: Mandatory helmets. Everyone who plays knows this rule and abides by it, but many might not understand why this rule was enacted.
During the 2000 season a club member, Glenn Duckert, was hit in the head by another player’s backswing. It was not intentional nor was either player playing aggressively or recklessly. However, Glenn did sustain a blow to his head and was taken to the emergency room. After the games were over that day, members went to the round robin - as we do still now. And Glenn joined us, sitting and chatting with everyone seemingly feeling fine. Telling everyone not to worry – that he would be fine. At the time the club was very small; only 6 teams and 120 members – so we all felt a strong part of what happened and of course wished Glenn well.
Glenn died that night. In his sleep. And the club has never been the same. Nor do we want it to be.
In the week after his passing, the club voted to require a helmet for anyone playing on the field, whether in a scrimmage or game. It is important to note that this was not simply a board decision, but something the entire club participated in. It was also ahead of its time because no other club in the world required helmets on any level.
And today we continue with this rule, which doesn’t only protect the player wearing the helmet, but the player swinging the hurley, and the player’s family, and the entire club. This rule exists because the members of this club wanted these protections in place.
It was the saddest time for us, but also the most unifying in that collectively we made the most important decision for the club.
In 2001 we began recognizing the people that represented the best of the MHC with the Glenn Duckert Memorial Award, the most prestigious award we have.
Today, as we honor the recipients, know that these people represent the best of the MHC. Just like the club vote 14 years ago.