GC Thunder White 7's Magic Season Ends in Bellmore

Tyler Wuchte runs toward daylight

The Garden City Thunder White 7's traveled to Bellmore this past Sunday for the final game of their Cinderella Season. The "Men of Thunder", six wins and one defeat on the year, were up against an undefeated Bellmore Brave squad. There was a standing room only crowd to witness these two 7 year old teams play on this beautiful fall day.

It was clear early on that Bellmore was the best team the Thunder had played this season. They quickly capitalized on a couple of missed tackles resulting in long touchdown runs for an early 13-0 lead. The Thunder Whites then tightened their chin straps and set in motion a sustained drive, culminating in a Michael Handal touchdown run to get the Thunder to 13-7 at the half. A see saw battle in the second half saw both teams make strong defensive stands. Unfortunately, the Thunder could not sustain enough momentum in the second half to overcome the early deficit and suffered only their second loss of the season.

There are not enough words to describe the sense of pride felt by all in attendance for the effort the boys displayed not only today, but the entire season. The boys left the field to an arousing ovation from Garden City families and friends, leaving Bellmore fans wondering if the score was really in their favor.

The line of scrimmage

In reviewing the 2007 season, there were a number of FIRSTS for these boys. It is hard to believe that on August FIRST, the boys were introducing themselves to each other as teammates for the very FIRST time. They put on their FIRST pair of shoulder pads, helmets, pants, and cleats, all while practicing in 90 degree heat. They took and gave their FIRST hits as football players. Some even lost their FIRST teeth in practice. The boys achieved their FIRST of many wins as "Men of Thunder". You get the picture.

The coaches, Matt Curtin, Jim Connolly, Vinny Muldoon, Ed Joyce, and Jeremy Walsh would like to thank all of the boys for their dedication, focus, and smiles this past season. They worked hard in practice and earned all that was achieved. We hope the life lessons learned this year, including teamwork, pride, respect, and passion will carry them to continued success in the future. Thank you to all the parents, who also sacrificed and were supportive and committed the entire season. Your attendance at both practices and games was outstanding. Our town was represented with class and dignity every week.

The offense getting the play

In an effort to maintain the boys conditioning during the off season, Drill Sergeant, I mean Coach Walsh will hold 5:30 AM callisthenic programs at St. Paul's fields (outside) from December thru February. Don't forget to sign up early, as registration will be limited.

On a final note, the best thing about seven year olds is that next year they will be eight!!! We hope to see all the boys back in August 2008. Great season boys!!!

The defense makes a big stop Mark DiPierro takes the snap Liam Muldoon rushes for positive yards