Photo by Jacob Dukes
Every morning is graced with the sight of sweating, screaming soccer players. But, this is actually only the beginning of a long road to paradise.
Practices have already begun for the 2014 Boys Soccer team in preparation for the upcoming season in January. The past three years have been seen as a growing process for the team, and now the boys finally believe they can achieve the ultimate glory, a state championship title.
“We know we are easily capable of making it to state, and that’s our goal,” Jon McLeod, 12, said. “We are the top dog this year and everyone knows it.”
The recent weather has not been much help for the team. Players have to go out and prepare for the season in the freezing cold winter conditions, running positional drills and playing scrimmages.
“Practices are pretty tough, but that’s what makes us click together,” Jon McLeod said. “This year we’re going to be on top from the start and we have to stay focused.”
Photo by Jacob Dukes
Also, this is the team’s first season under new Head Coach Damion Simmons. Previous coach Mike Barranco left for a job at Johnson.
“He is pretty cool; a very nice coach,” Zengwei Tong, 11, said. “He makes the team come together, he’s a very good soccer coach.”
Junior Kye Morawietz believes this year’s squad can beat “everybody.” This mindset has resonated throughout the rest of the guys.
“Things are looking really good this year,” Chris McLeod, 12, said. “I don’t really have any personal goals this year; I don’t really care about accolades; I just want to win really badly.”
Photo by Jacob Dukes
The team will begin their season by competing in the Alamo Heights Tournament at Alamo Heights HS Jan. 10.
