Walpole Field Hockey is a program based on long standing traditions. However, this year some traditions are changing as the Porkers have had to find a new home field since Porker Field is being renovated. For this season the team has all of their games on Turco Field. Playing on turf is very different from playing on grass because turf makes it easier to move the ball around and allows for a much quicker game; speed dribbling is nearly impossible. Players must hit the ball harder on grass and then chase after it. It is a disadvantage to not be able to practice on grass before games because after practicing on turf it takes some getting used to and is such a different game. Unfortunately, many of Walpole’s competitors have grass fields. Playing on grass without being able to practice beforehand has made and will continue to make games, such as Natick and Brookline, harder than they should be.
Another change occurred when the Porkers embraced a new field hockey rule concerning games. Field hockey is sometimes considered a very boring game to watch because play was constantly being stopped by the referee’s whistle, then set back up. Then the game would re-start on another whistle. Now, a new self-start rule has been introduced to high school level field hockey. After a foul, when a team is rewarded a free hit, players can restart right away without waiting for the second whistle. They also have the option to take off dribbling immediately rather than passing to a teammate if nobody is open to receive the pass. Defense can not play the ball until it has moved seven yards. This rule benefits teams that play on turf and that have the ability to play a faster pace game. Everyone on the field needs to be able to carry the ball, defenders need to be fast because they don’t have time to regroup and mark opponents, and offensive players must play more defense if a foul occurs in their territory. This rule benefits the Porkers greatly and makes the games more entertaining for fans.
The Porkers have sixteen South Sectional Championships under their belt, as well as ten State Championships. For the past six years they have won sectionals but, there hasn’t been a State Championship for Walpole Field Hockey since 2006. The 2010 varsity team hopes to change this.
For most teams, a league or sectional title would be satisfying enough, but not for the Porkers. They strive for the best and Coaches Marianne Murphy, Jen Quinn, and Betsy Norberg put a lot of thought into what is best for the team. This year, they decided to call up freshmen to the Varsity team. In past years, the Varsity team has been made up of almost all upperclassmen, and the freshmen team has been completely separate. This year’s Varsity, however, has three players from the freshmen class who have already made an impact. After losing seven starters from last year, many positions were up for grabs and Coach Murphy had to reload her line-ups, and these freshmen have stepped up.
The Porkers – “the Sisterhood” – as many team members refer to it, is a tradition that will never change no matter what else does. The team adjusts to new rules, field changes, and welcomes new team members with ease. Their success is a direct effect of their closeness off the field. Because they rely on each other despite the changes both to their field and to the game, the Porkers will continue to succeed no matter what else changes.
