Soccer has had a great season. Their record is 24-5 and they are Missouri Class 2 District 10 champs and Conference champs. They lost the quarterfinals to Carthage 0-2.
“It’s been fantastic. We broke school records. We’re now Conference champs, District champs, and undefeated at home,” junior Logan Houf said.
One factor of this season’s success is how well the team gets along. Their chemistry shows on the field by how well they play with each other.
“I think it’s our chemistry. We’ve been playing together for six years and now we know each other so well, we know how each of us plays,” junior Nate Kramme said.
Coach Howard also plays an important part in the success of the team. His coaching style makes the team work harder to improve and excel.
“He’s a great coach. He knows how to get us going and knows what he’s doing. He’s had a lot of experience. I would never trade him,” Kramme said.
The team has been together for so long they now view each other as brothers, coining the term “brotherhood” for themselves.
“It’s just a fun thing we started. We all really do view each other as brothers. It’s just something we like to say,” senior Sven Olberg said.
Together the team has special traditions they share.
“We go to Imo’s on Monday night for half-priced pizza, Ray Jay’s on Friday nights, and we just get together and play FIFA a lot,” Kramme said.
One of the hardest things for some of the players is saying good-bye to the seniors.
“They’re my teammates and some of my really great friends. I hate to see them all go. Nothing is going to be like playing on the field with them for eighty minutes,” Houf said.
The seniors are also going to miss being a part of the team.
“I’m going to miss all the guys; I’ve played soccer with them all my life, and after this season I won’t have that anymore. That will be different,” Olberg said.
This season is full of great memories for the team.
“My favorite was when Matt Calvert scored the winning goal at Kickapoo. And then we all piled on top of him in front of the fan section,” Kramme said.
Every game, every moment has made the team grow closer together while creating everlasting memories.
“All of it, every single game has just been some of the best movements I’ll ever have,” Houf said.
The seniors give some advice for next season to their fellow teammates.
“Come out and play every game like it’s your last because you’re never sure which game is your last because you’re never sure which game will be your last. Just come out and play your hardest and you’ll be satisfied with the results,” Olberg said.
