Sports
Oldendorp Stellar in State Final Loss
Senior attacker a constant source of production for Madison.
Despite falling to Summit, 10-4, on Wednesday night in the Group I championship game, Madison High School captain and leading goal scorer Charlie Oldendorp continued to impress, finding his way to the back of the net for three of the Dodgers' goals.
"Charlie has been a four–year starter for us on attack," Madison head coach Mark Sweeney said. "He brings his best into every game he plays and is one of the hardest working players I've coached."
Oldendorp, hampered by a hamstring injury since late April, was the key to Madison's offensive success in 2010, as opposing defenses were forced to game plan around the 6-foot-3 attacker, who at times during the season seemed to score at will.
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He was so important to the team's success that when he went down midway through an April loss to Kinnelon—Madison's first loss of the season—with a hamstring and was forced out of the team's next game, the Dodgers hit their worst skid of the season, losing three straight.
"He's always trying to improve his game," Sweeney said. "Not only is he always trying to improve, but through his play makes everyone around him better."
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In Wednesday's Group I state finals game, Oldendorp again flaunted his ability as his two first half goals were nothing short of spectacular.
His first, off of a pass from junior Colin McLinden just outside the crease with nine minutes remaining in the half, flew by Summit goalie Brian Feeney as Oldendorp's body fell to the turf.
Oldendorp's second was even more astonishing as, with five minutes remaining in the first half and the Summit crease blanketed by defenders, Oldendorp—fed by Austen Lein—somehow connected on a no-look, over-the-shoulder shot that got Madison within one and left the fans shaking their heads in disbelief.
This season, the senior netted 57 goals while dishing out 28 assists, as his 82 points led Madison. He also scored three goals in each of Madison's state tournament games this year.
Oldendorp, who tallied 185 goals and 107 assists during his career at Madison, is headed to Virginia to play lacrosse at Lynchburg College in the fall.
"He will not only be missed for his play, but for the positive attitude he brings to our program," Sweeney added.
