The boy’s varsity soccer team was defeated in their sectional game against Munster, cutting the season short on October 1st. This, however, does not define the team’s season overall.

One of the team’s biggest achievements this season was their championship in the Northwest Crossroads Conference.

Sophomore Dane Richardson said, “The varsity team did a lot better than I thought we would (have). We had some ups and downs throughout the season, but I think bigger teams underestimated us.”

All players need motivation, but how do coaches provide it?

JV Coach Andrew Timm said, “It honestly comes down to each player’s individual drive to want to play, but threatening them to run if they don’t play hard usually works, too.”

Photo provided by Martine Guzman-Hess
The boys enjoy joking with each other both off the field and on.

The team seems to have a lot of fun with each other and the coaches.

“I enjoyed all of the great support from the team and the funny moments they awarded me during the games,” said senior Rafael Garcia.

“(My teammates and I) always pushed each other to do better because we wanted to be better than last season,” said senior Evan Hess. “I enjoyed the work ethic of the guys this year.”

“I liked that we had a JV fantasy league. We all picked a player (on the team) and whoever’s player had the most points won (the fantasy league),” Richardson said.

During the next season, the team will work on replacing the three defensive starters, all of whom are graduating. They will also continue to develop their first touch and conditioning.

Photo provided by Martine Guzman-Hess
Seven members of the varsity team are seniors and must be replaced for the next season.

“The team has done a great job winning conference and playing well as a team. (We) took practice seriously and played (our) hearts out at every game,” said Garcia.

“I think the varsity team had a quality season,” said Hess. “We won the NCC outright for the first time ever by fighting for each other and leaving it all on the field, just like (we did for) every single game. I hope the guys can repeat as champions next year.”

Richardson said, “I anticipate (the team) to have a chance at winning sectionals next year.”

Head coach Mark Tanis was unavailable for comment.