Weather Forecast

The weather for Monday calls for rain, wind, and mid-50's temperatures. Dress accordingly for the game!

Theme and Quotation of the upcoming week:

This week (Sept. 28-Oct. 3) is a HUGE ONE, guys: our last two regular season conference games and a big Saturday non-conference game vs. a team that ended our season this past year in Districts. Simply put, each and every one of us needs to STEP UP to the plate and help us continue this positive momentum that we have going at this point of the season.

Therefore, the theme for this week is PERFORMANCE. In other words, there are no more excuses at this point of the season, and we all simply have to suck it up and PERFORM IN THE CLUTCH. Recall the 4 stages of the team process: forming, storming, norming, and performing. At this point of the season, we need to be (and i'd argue we have been lately) in the final stage; that is, it's time to PERFORM WHEN IT COUNTS THE MOST! The question remains: who will step up in crunch time? Ok, enough sports cliches...

Here is a quotation I want you to respond to by Wednesday morning regarding PERFORMANCE. It's a German Proverb (wise words)...oh, those Germans are so smart, aren't they Frau Stieper? Here goes:

"To aim is not enough; you must hit!"

New Photo

Check out the recently added official TEAM PHOTO from the beginning of the season by clicking the link below and to the left. Some interesting faces in there....

"Soccer Cleats" WINNER

Congratulations to GK Josh Brigham for being voted by his teammates as the player who has recently exhibited the most PHYSICAL TOUGHNESS and FEARLESSNESS on the playing field.

We ALL made strides in that department this past week, fellas, and that's what led to team success!

Bus times for next week:

**Monday, Sept. 28 (at Wyo. Park): 3:45 P.M.

**Wednesday, Sept. 30 (at Wyo. Rogers): 4:15 P.M. (no J.V.)

**Saturday, Oct. 3 (at Wayland): 8:45 A.M. (as of now)...AND NO RETURN BUS.

Please remember away game food items! Check the list...and don't be confused by the "Rogers" repeat on the list that was given to you. The second "Rogers" should read "Wayland".

Byron Center aftermath:

Gentlemen, a JOB WELL DONE is in order for tonight's win. I thought we really gutted out a great effort tonight, even with the sloppy play at times. You and I both know though that soccer is often won in the trenches; that is, scrappy, tough play minus the pure skill can often win games. That's what we got a lot of today, and it led to success.

It feels good to win! Enjoy this and let's move on to bigger and better things coming up shortly!

Moral Victories:

There are none at this point of the season, gentlemen. Simply put, it's time to put up or shut up. SOMEONE (or two) needs to step up...SOMEONE (or two) needs to take the reins...SOMEONE (or two) needs to be the spark...offensively or defensively.

Today vs. Zeeland East was another game that we should have had...but it's getting kind of old saying that. We need to be careful because before we know it, losing may become a habit...and a hard one to break.

Someone (or two or three) step up! Time to think about B.C.

Theme and quotation of the week:

Gentlemen, one area in which I think we can do a better job as a team regards PHYSICAL TOUGHNESS (as opposed to mental) and FEARLESSNESS (one of our team goals/principles).

In other words, we can all improve upon going our HARDEST INTO EVERY TACKLE, CHALLENGING EVERY 50/50 BALL, STEPPING UP TO BIGGER OPPONENTS, LAYING YOUR BODY/HEALTH ON THE LINE FOR THE GOOD OF THE TEAM, AND SIMPLY THROWING OUR WEIGHT AROUND (LEGALLY AND NOT RECKLESSLY, OF COURSE) ON THE FIELD.

We need to pride ourselves in "out-toughing" opponents, and we've been inconsistent with that. Let's step it up!

Here is a quotation regarding toughness/fearlessness that I want you to respond to by Weds. morning at 7:30 AM. On your post, please include the full names of parents who plan on attending "parent night" this Wednesday.

"...the only thing we have to fear is fear itself."
-Franklin D. Roosevelt (1932 presidential inauguration speech)