Team plays at U.S. bank stadium
Team defeats richfield in professional stadium
May 4, 2017
Senior captain Connor Cornell said playing at U.S. Bank Stadium was an experience he will remember in the future.
“It was a once in a lifetime kind of thing. It was super nice and it was really fun, something I’ll remember always,” Cornell said.
Varsity head coach Brian Kelly said immediately after receiving an email offering a chance to play at the stadium, he got approval and found an opponent to ensure the spot.
“An email went out toward the end of 2016 from the guy that does all the communication to the head coaches,” Kelly said. “As soon as I got the email I was like ‘oh man this is something I would love to have our boys have the opportunity to do’ because, at the end of the day it’s all about getting the kids opportunities.”
The Orioles beat the Richfield Spartans 9-2 April 18, which was their first win of the season.
Kelly said the team prepared by practicing like any other game and lessening outside distractions.
“It sounds kind of cliché, but we tried to make it just like any other game,” Kelly said. “We struggled early in the season with distractions and the boys not really playing up to potential because of a bunch of external distractions.”
According to senior Abby Bremner, going to the game was the first time she was at the stadium and she thinks the crowd and stadium brought energy to the team.
“I thought it was fun and it was cool to be in the stadium because I have never been,” Bremner said. “I’m sure it was a lot more fun for them and there was a big audience, so I’m sure that pumped them up.”
Cornell said one of the challenges while playing in the stadium was adjusting to the depth perception because of the size of the field.
“The stadium is a lot larger and the depth perception was a little bit weird because of how huge it was and it was super echoey so it kind of gets in your head,” Cornell said.
The next game is 7 p.m. May 5 against Bloomington Jefferson at Dred Scott Fields.
