The Marauder Soccer family gathered in the HHS gym Friday night and celebrated an eventful and positive season in grand style, honoring all four teams in a lively two-hour event. After a dessert buffet which lived up to its advance billing, each coach had the opportunity to make the most of his allotted ten minutes, handing out individual player certificates as well as team award for the three squads whose seasons were completed.
Freshman Coach Willie Johnson led off and summarized the season with an epic poem:
It wasn't long ago
that summer had come and go.
And the boys were ready to play
sometimes even twice a day
despite it being just for show.
Learning every name
turned into sort of a game
and our preseason games in Bethel
were certainly something special
but the competition was kinda tame.
Then we played the Varsity girls
and certainly took them for a whirl.
Our team was coming together
while we still had hot weather
and we were ready for the world.
We hit the road right away
and made out opponent rue the day
that the Freshman Marauders took the pitch
As things started off without a hitch
While making early competition pay.
Then we hit some bumps in the road
often traveling 90 minutes by the bus load
playing some extremely tough teams.
We avoided getting creamed
though we were not always given the penalties owed.
Then we had our home stand
that went just as planned
games at Dresden in Norwich, Vermont
never left me with any more wants
No matter what happened.
Playing possession and keeping the ball
Is what we wanted most of all
Making runs and then crossing it in
was how we would want to begin
While always ready to heed the call.
Now with ending our season
I see a great reason
To tell all of you
that I am filled with great gratitude
and I hope it was to you pleasing.
After noting that 17 different players on the team had scored at least a goal, and an impressive 61-23 goal differential, Coach Willie cited three award winners:
Most Improved: Gary Li
Most Valuable: Elias Zinman
Sportsmanship: Alexander Purcell
Coach Johnson closed with one of his characteristic Haikus:
One more in the books
a season well enjoyed
go forth and play hard
Reserve Coach Erik McEwen cited his team for hard work and a positive attitude. The Reserves had a challenging schedule, with four games against varsity-teams (Newport and Mount Royal), and a very strong Cardigan bunch. He described the goal of the season against Cardigan by Kaz Matsuoka, and gave out the following awards:
Most Improved: Mason Mallett
Most Valuable: Joe Zhang
Offensive Player of the Year: Kaz Matsuoka
Defensive Player of the Year: Alex Benton
Coaches Award: Wilson Rimberg
Sportsmanship: Avery Wallis
It was notable that the Reserves turned out in force, setting a record for the number of players who attend the year-end event. It was a testament to their commitment as team members and their respect for each other and for their coach.
Junior Varsity Coach Yosef Osheyack gave a moving speech about how much the team had improved, and come together as a family, noting their excellent play at the state championship tournament. The JVs had a record of 15-4-2, and were a strong opponent for the Varsity in the annual scrimmage.
Assistant Coach Trevor Barlowe helped honor the players with their certificates, and the following awards:
Most Improved: Sam Maynes
Rookie of the Year: Lincoln Adam and Benny Gantrish
Defensive Player of the Year: Roger Danilek
Most Valuable Player: Benny Gantrish
Coaches' Award: Ben Sobel
Unsung Hero: Sam Ives
Sportsmanship: Benny Gantrish
Following the raffle drawing, which will send longtime supporter Rick Greenwald to Foxboro to watch the Patriots play Bill Parcells and the Bills on Monday Nigh Football, the crowd was treated to the teaser trailer for the year-end highlight video. Sam Strohbehn's goal against Dover received an impressive number of "oohs and ahs".
Finally, the annual music recital didn't disappoint. Freshman Mark Ralston-Daniel played a wonderful, somber cello solo that did the impossible and quieted down a rowdy crowd. Former Marauder Captain and current Dartmouth Captain Eric Jayne dropped in (with teammate and fellow Marauder alum Brendan Barth) and played a scintillating guitar solo. Owen Brooks backed up an excellent student rock band. The most compelling act was the Soarthroats, because they reflected and exemplified was the HHS soccer program is all about: performers of all ages and classes, working together for a common goal. Having all four teams together for an awards night has some drawbacks. There are some compelling stories that weren't told for lack of time. Each team has some great tales from the season to share. Each had moments of brilliance, courage, sacrifice, disappointment and personal growth. The setting of the evening is by nature a bit chaotic. But these negatives are most certainly offset by the most important takeaway: this program is one extended family, not four teams in separate silos. Guided by a dedicated group of coaches, the soccer program shared their successes and setbacks with each other, and the 101 players in the program this year came away with the knowledge that they all ownership in an effective and important co-curricular part of their lives as HHS students.
No comments:
Post a Comment