It has taken me awhile to sit down and write this, but there is a need to have closure before moving on to the next chapter in life. The season didn’t end the way we hoped it would. We all have dreams of succeeding at the highest levels and that helps to motivate us. We don’t always reach those goals, but that doesn’t mean we hang our heads.
There are a few things about this year’s team that really stand out in my mind.
First, is their willingness to be there for each other. There were a few occassions this year, where there were things happening that were more important than soccer. I was proud of the way the boys were there for their teammates during those times.
Second, is the unselfishness that the boys showed. Granted they didn’t always show it, but as the season went along I thought it showed. A couple of games in particular stick out in my memory. The Marshfield game in which Stuart scored 4 Goals to tie the team singe game record. We have never let a player score more than 4 Goals in a game, because we don’t feel there is a need for it to ever happen. I didn’t realize Stuart had scored 4 Goals at the time. But instead of trying to get that 5th Goal, Stuart tried to set up Chris Saner for a Hattrick. The second game that comes to mind was Senior Night, where 10 different players scored goals and the team kept trying to set up players who hadn’t scored before.
Third, is the way they handled adversity. Several times throughout the season, key players were missing or playing out of position due to injuries or other things. To see players step up and play and not make excuses was good to see.
Fourth, is the fact that we went the entire season without being shutout. We scored at least one goal in every game we played. I didn’t say anything about it as the end of the regular season approached, but Saner did as we were warming up up for the Parkway Central game. As we got to the second Overtime 0-0, I thought he had jinxed it, but we kept the streak alive – 26 Games and counting (including the Hannibal game last November). We have never had a team with that much confidence and firepower offensively.
As we started to go through individual talks with the players yesterday, it was good to hear that they enjoyed the season even though it didn’t end the way we wanted it to end. That is what we want. We want them to enjoy the time with their teammates, have fun and learn some things about soccer and about life. True success is not measured by wins and losses. It is about the journey from the beginning of one year until the end. It is a journey of highs and lows. That journey, and the people you take along with you are what makes soccer great. There is a song by Green Day that comes to mind at the end of each season because I think it’s very appropriate for players and parents – Time of Your Life.
Time of Your Life by Green Day
Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road.
Time grabs you by the wrist, directs you where to do.
So make the best of this test, and don’t ask why.
It’s not a question, but a lesson learned in time.It’s something unpredictable, but in the end is right.
I hope you had the time of your life.So take the photographs, and still frames in your mind.
Hang it on a shelf of good health and good time.
Tattoos of memories and dead skin on trial.
For what it’s worth, it was worth all the while.
I hope you had the time of your life.I hope you had the time of your life.
We will have one more chance to get together and bring some closure to the season for all of us at the banquet on Thursday, November 29 at 6:00pm at the WPHS Cafeteria.
For now, I want to thank you all for allowing me the opportunity to coach you (players) or your sons (parents). It has truly been an honor. These are young men that we can all be proud. Parents, thanks for all of the support you have given your boys and the Zizzer Soccer Program. Senior Parents, we will miss you and your sons.
I’ll leave you with a few notes last notes on this year’s Seniors. We will be losing 13 Seniors to Graduation. Some of these young men have been part of our program for 4 years and some for less. The last 4 years have been some of the most successful in Zizzer Soccer History in terms of wins and losses. The Varsity Record over the last 4 years is 60-38-4 and 51-23-4 over the last 3 years. That includes our second ever District Championship and first ever trip to the Final Four. Over the last two years, West Plains was ranked in 9 straight State Rankings getting as high as #3 after the Final Four last year.
Thanks – we’ll see you all at the banquet.
