MHC Dish From the Pitch 2014 NACBs Boston - Week 14 | Page 11

photo credit: John Fehrenbach

In the face of all of these challenges, our Traveling Teams really do deserve the respect, pride and thanks of all MHC members and sponsors.

Merely "making" the traveling team is an accomplishment. It speaks of superior skill and tenacity. Often, the lengths our Traveling Team members go through to prepare themselves and attaining that level of play goes unsaid. This work is done behind the scenes. These dedicated players sacrifice their own time to give the very best effort they are capable of to represent MHC with pride.

The MHC pays an NACB registration fee for the traveling teams to participate; however, the players are responsible for travel and hotel expenses, as well their tournament gate pass, which represents an incredible investment made by the players.

Finally, the MHC has always been a "Club First" organization. It is one of the founding principals of our club. This philosophy has built us into being the largest, most successful hurling organization outside of Ireland. Our players, at all skill levels, have more field time, and more "touches" than any other club in the country. It is the cornerstone upon with the MHC is built.

The downside to the "Club First" mentality is that our traveling team players are spread throughout many teams. They spend the entire summer building synergies with their club teammates. While other hurling clubs are preparing themselves for the NACBs, we are playing for a championship.

For our traveling team players, this means they have less time and opportunity to build the teamwork required to be truly effective at the national level. Teamwork and synergy are aspects of team sports that are somewhat hard to come by, and our Traveling Team members must do this twice as much as any other club; yet, they still go and compete.

They go, not for personal glory, but for the love of the game. They go for the honor of representing the Milwaukee Hurling Club and the opportunity to share a special weekend with their hurling and camogie brethren.

Against all odds, they play and represent the best aspects of the MHC - love of game above all else. The uncompromising drive to build the club from within, to not rely on ringer players to represent what we have done and built.

For the hardships and sacrifices our Traveling Team men and women have endured, of their own accord, we all owe them a debt of thanks. Their hard work, competitive nature, and determination in the face of adversity are truly an inspiration.