Halloween - Owl Style

            KEENE, Nov. 2, 2009 -Keene State women's soccer and basketball teams got into the Halloween spirit with a couple of pumpkin practices this past week.  

            Exchanging their usual practice attire for costumes, the Keene State women's soccer team had a frightening Friday practice while the Owl women's basketball squad was treated to a spooky Saturday morning at Spaulding Gym. 

            "We all decided to have a little fun and dress up in our costumes during the practice before Halloween," said Katie Bradford, a junior on the KSC women's soccer team.  "It was comical seeing witches, crayons and 'bags of leaves' running around during our scrimmage.  With a tiny bit of junior class bias, I'd have to say that Nora Mahoney (dressed as Dora the Explorer) had the best costume. The Dora wig and backpack had everyone laughing all practice.

            Keene State women's basketball coach Keith Boucher turned the last half of practice into a Halloween Bash that included a costume wiffle ball game.  "We've been practicing for a few weeks, so I thought this would be a good way of easing the tension, especially for the freshmen," he said. 

            Costumes ranged from Siamese twins to a gangster, and "Dumb and Dumber".  An unscientific poll of team members awarded Coach Boucher with the best costume award for his not to be forgotten impersonation of Ozzy Osbourne.

            "It was a good way to lighten up the mood at a 7 a.m. Saturday practice," said senior Celeste Veilleux. 

            "We had a blast dressing up and playing wiffle ball in our costumes," said Samantha Hemingway, a freshman.  

            "It was so much fun," said senior Jen Cleaveland.  "Coach does things like this to remind us that although we're supposed to work hard and grow as a team, basketball is also supposed to be fun.  It was another team bonding experience and I hope he continues to do it in the years ahead."