by helena patterson
A change in leadership, as well as a new focus on teamwork instead of skill, has brought optimism to the boys varsity soccer team for this upcoming season.
Head coach Shane Kellogg was selected during the offseason to replace the previous head coach after two successful seasons as the JV coach.
“We’re hoping that our record this year will match [the JV record from last year],” junior Stephen Mills said.
Although the soccer season has only just begun, the team is already focusing on what they will need to be competitive in the Liberty District.
Among other things, the team has revised its method of play to better adapt to the team’s own skill.
“Before, it has been a “run and gun” type of team where they try to go straight up and down the field,” Kellogg said. “We are shifting to a much heavier focus on passing and working the ball up the field slowly.”
According to Mills, practices are also now centered around using skills in a team setting, rather than simply working on individual skill. Not having as many very good individual players was a source of failure in the past, Mills said, and was a major factor in the team’s dismal 1-13 record for the 2012 season.
“We’re much more of a team this year, and that’s why we’re going to do better,” Mills said.
Kellogg agreed, saying that the most elite teams are known for having players who are very good and can work as a unit on the field. He also added that the team has been working very hard to ensure that their record will far overtake last year’s.
“That attitude is going to help the team a lot,” Kellogg said.
With the new changes implemented, boys varsity has set a tentative goal to win half of their regular-season games. So far, the team has played two scrimmages and won one.
“We want to make sure we constantly improve and fix our faults,” Kellogg said. “By working hard and being aware of things we need to adjust or change, we will be able to improve and hopefully attain those wins.”