First day REFLECTIONS...

Guys, it was a job well done today overall. A lot of players put in quality minutes in contributing to the 3 shutout (2-0, 1-0, 2-0) wins. Our last game vs. K-ville was a bit of a downer, but the end result was satisfactory. Let's learn to do a better job of "taking care of business" in the future!

Now, as we move on, here's the challenge: can we keep the ball rolling in the right direction, so to speak, and realize that all we did today was fulfill the EXPECTED? In other words, those were 3 games that we SHOULD have won in all honesty...let's keep that in perspective as we head into another game week with Grandville and Allegan on tap. That brings me to my next point...

**THEME FOR NEXT WEEK: MENTAL TOUGHNESS....thus far, we really need to do a better job of truly and wholeheartedly competing on the practice field and game field while blocking out other non-controllable factors such as referees, weather, opponents, etc. At the end of the week, we'll vote for the individual who frequently and consitently stays the most even-keeled and composed NO MATTER THE CIRCUMSTANCE. Let's ALL shoot for this great quality!

Reminders:

1.) We'll meet outside on the practice field at 9 AM for Monday practice until noon.

2.) We'll wear gold shirts.

3.) Our bus leaves on Wednesday and Thursday at 4 PM sharp for our two away games.

Have a good rest of the weekend, guys!

PS. Feel free to check out the newly added "JV Boys Blog" link on the left.

PPS. Two "roster" links will be added to the blog shortly as well as a "game recap" link with highlights, etc. of our matches.

First game day REMINDERS...

*Meet dressed and ready to go at the game field by 9 AM tomorrow (sat.)

*Wear your black practice shirts for warm-ups.

*Bring both sets of jerseys...although we WILL wear white for at least the first game.

*Snacks, beverages, and lunch will be provided.

*We're still looking for two ballboy/ballgirls who can work the upper field all day and will be paid $25 for the day's work. Let me know if/when you find helpers!

*Prepare to start the season off on the right foot tomorrow, fellas!

PS. Check out the newly updated "team principles", "team goals", and "team rules" on the left.

PPS. Congrats again to R.J. Flowers, Connor Hagen, Adam Schreur, and Cam Perkins for their selections as permanent team captains for the season. Also, another congrats goes to Connor for earning the first "soccer cleat" award for the week's theme: TEAM COHESION.

Volunteers needed...

If any varsity parent is interested in helping run a concession stand at home soccer games (starting this sat. at one hour increments...10, 11, 12, 1 PM) near the home stands, it'd be much appreciated if you contacted Mrs. Immink somehow to set up specifics. I say "somehow" because i'd like to avoid posting personal contact information on an online, public site for obvious reasons...so you can always email/call me and I can get back with you regarding that information.

By the way, this should have been mentioned at the parent meeting the other night (sorry!), but THANKS so much for all the help from various parents (especially the Rouwhorsts for organizing it all again) for the help at this past "sand soccer" Saturday! You all make our jobs so much easier! And, of course, the guys love it...thanks again.

Players, please see the recent post below if you haven't already...

PS. We also still need a volunteer to run the clock for the tourney games this sat. as well (you get in free!)...and, of course, any ball boys/girls we can gather would be great! Just let me know please.

Reminders...

Guys,

**Review your soccer guides and continue to bring them to meetings in the morning.

**Study up on the "player questionnaire" packets that you received this morning...hint hint...get to know each other!

**Team pictures are tomorrow (wed.) at 1230...we will wear all white.

**We will leave at 4:00 from the HS parking lot for our volunteer work on Thursday And plan on being back to the high school around 6/630 instead of 7 P.M. that day as well. You should wear anything Hamilton soccer-related that day for the volunteer work.

**Plan ahead for the team dinner on Friday at my house. Let me know if you have questions!

**Visualize success for our games this Saturday!

Keep working hard, guys...