Josh Huritz
Cavalier Corner
East Hills MS
1st Place
MS Division, News Writing
Sports News Story
This past summer, the untouchable German national football team (soccer in America) was the champion in the World Cup. But locally, the East Hills soccer team were champions as well.
This past fall, the East Hills 7-8 boys soccer team was also untouchable. With an amazing 12-0 record, the team shattered the 41 year championship skid. The team had skill, determination, and an insane will to win.
As the years progressed, the Cavaliers soccer win/loss record improved. Two years ago, the team failed to win more than they lost. A year ago, the team had a winning record, but just barely. This year, the team became a weapon because of unification and a common goal.
“It took a lot of hard work and practice,” team member Alex Igwe (8) indicated. “We had to stay humble as a team, and if we lost that, then we would start to lose.”
After so many years of building, this little soccer team turned into an example that perseverance and hard work can pay off, even if it takes 41 years.
“A key component was the way we interacted with each other and the amount of chemistry we had,” starting goalie Namath Vorakkara (8) says. “Also, all of the team members did an equal amount of work.”
Chemistry and good interactions contribute a great deal to the success of a team. If a player falls down, another one helps his friend and teammate up.
“It all depends on teamwork,” starting defensive back and long-time team member Sheehan Hussain indicates. “If the team work is there, then we win.”
This was true about how the team went out every day and interacted with one another. This Cavalier team was compassionate towards one another. They knew that what they had was special and they shared the season as a team, as a group, and as friends.
Cavalier soccer players would all agree that coming out on the field each day and getting better, practicing, and then winning on the field had to be one of the best feelings a player could have while playing a sport. “The team shared a common goal and a will to win,” Coach Johnson says.
And a what a will in they had; winning 12 games and losing none was an incredible feat that took a lot of skill and practice. While the Cavaliers played, it was like the whole team was one brain. They knew where to pass and who to pass to. They were like a well oiled soccer machine. The 2014 seventh-eighth grade boys soccer team is a core example of great team work and practice, elements that help teams achieve glory. This team became the embodiment of victory.