Upcoming Week

Hi, boys soccer fam!

Hope all is well and that this very autumn-like weekend is treating you well. Go Green tonight...(MSU "green", that is)! :)

Please see below for the lineup for our first conference week of the season...an important one:

**Monday: home game vs. Z.West (minus Caden due to band performance...good luck, Caden!)...WEAR WHITE JERSEYS TO SCHOOL...meet in my classroom by 3 PM...Christian = meal/vid...SETH/DYLAN = BALL BOYS...gray practice t's for warm-ups.
**Tuesday: 3-5 PM practice...wear black...TEAM DINNER @ ROBINSON'S (530-645 PM).
**Wednesday: home game vs. Unity Christian...Ray = meal/vid...Jared/Ross = ball boys...meet in my room by 3 PM...what to wear in school = TBD...gray practice t's for the game.
**Thursday: 3-5 PM practice...wear black.
**Friday: 3-430 PM practice (with 7th/8th grade teams)...wear gray.

Note: Congratulations to Andrew Caswell for having been voted by his peers this past Friday as an alternate team captain for the coming week. He joins Ryan VanOss as the other alternate. Well done!!

Stay tuned for a separate email re: scouting report for Z.West (repeat of practice on Friday)! Boys, please remember the post-practice talk about Monday games and being mature/on point during the weekend in those cases.

Take care, all!

3-0 Win vs. Fennville

Boys,

Well done today in taking care of business vs. visiting regional rival Fennville. Loved that multiple players got in on the offensive action. Loved that the defense (with GK) cleaned house with a shutout. Loved that we continue our daily progress to bigger and better things.

And we keep moving forward! And forward! And forward!

See you tomorrow for 3 to 430 practice. Wear black. Take care!

5-0 Win at Hopkins

Gents,

As I mentioned after the game today, I'm impressed with your mental toughness in dealing with the first day of school (and all the stress that comes with that) and the weather issues while taking care of business vs. Hopkins.

I really thought that offensively, we looked like a cohesive unit overall today. And to come out defensively with a shutout--playing mostly safe and smart out of the back--is always a good thing.

Nice job...and let's keep building!

See you tomorrow for an important pre-game practice...wear black. :)

Upcoming Week

Happy holiday weekend, all! Hope it's an all-around great one for you and yours.

Please see below regarding the upcoming weekly schedule..."Back to School Week!"

**Monday (Labor Day): required practice 5-6:45 PM...wear black.
**Tuesday (first day of school!): varsity-only game @ Hopkins (4:30 PM)...meet in my room by 2:45 for team meal/meeting...bus leaves at 3:15...Riley = food/beverage...wear gray practice t's. What to wear in school = TBD.
**Wednesday: practice 3-5 PM...wear black.
**Thursday: home game vs. Fennville...meet in my room by 3 PM...Jack/Logan H. = ball boys...Dylan = food/beverage/vid....wear gray. What to wear in school = TBD.
**Friday: practice 3-5 PM...wear black

**Looking ahead to NEXT Tuesday: Varsity team dinner hosted by the Robinsons at 5:30 P.M. after practice that day! Just bring your hungry, thirsty selves, and we've got the rest!

Note: Congrats to Seth Hukill for having been voted by his peers this past Friday as "mentally tough". He will be our alternate captain this week. Well deserved!

That's it for now, guys! Please keep in mind: starting on Tuesday, you are true STUDENT-athletes. Take care of the classroom from the outset as that is always your first priority!

4-2 Loss at Wayland

Gents,

As always, keep your collective heads up! This is all a learning process, and trust that we ARE getting better...despite what the scoreboard says at times.

As mentioned after the game: training/practice is EQUALLY important to actual games/matches, so get ready to get better tomorrow in 10-noon practice (wear gray) and get as HEALTHY as possible! We need all hands on deck!

See ya'll soon. Alicia available from 7:30 to 11:30 tomorrow AM!

5-3 Loss vs. Hudsonville

Proud of you, boys!!

But please keep in mind what I mentioned after the game: I fully plan on being MORE proud of you for future results this season, and "moral victories" are NOT in our vocabulary.  But all things considering today, it was a quality result against a quality opponent.

And, of course, we CAN and WILL get better!

See you all tomorrow for 3 to 5 PM practice. Wear gray. Take care!

Upcoming Week

Greetings, everyone! Hope you've been able to enjoy the weekend thus far despite the clouds and rain!!

Please see below regarding our full week's schedule coming up here:

**Monday: practice 10-12...wear gray...online apparel orders DUE by midnight.
**Tuesday: home game vs. Hudsonville (545 PM)...meet in my room by 315 PM...wear black practice t's...Seth/Caden = ball boys...Brady = food/vid.
**Wednesday: practice 3-5 PM (due to teacher in-service meetings all day)...wear gray.
**Thursday: game at Wayland (445 PM)...wear black...bus leaves at 115 PM...meet on the bus by then...Henry = food (on the bus upon arrival to Wayland)/vid...all players required to ride the bus home.
**Friday: practice 10-12...watch MSU beat WMU in football later in the evening. Go Green! :)

Note: In addition to Jack Gilbert being honored as the team's first alternate captain this past week (communication skills), congrats also to Ryan VanOss and Mikah Sengmany being chosen by their peers this past Friday as current alternate captains for consistently displaying physical toughness. Nice job, all around, gentlemen!

That's it for now, all. Have a great, therapeutic remainder of the weekend!

8-0 Win at Saugatuck

Overall, well done today, boys, in taking care of business vs. a lesser opponent (at least in terms of soccer technique/ability). That's a team we SHOULD have taken care of, and after a lull to start the game, we certainly DID in the end. Should be a bit of a confidence booster, yes?!

See you all tomorrow for 9-noon practice. Meet outside and wear gray!

5-1 Loss to Allegan

Hey, guys!

Please keep your collective heads up as we proceed through this early, learning-oriented portion of the season. We ran into a pretty good team today while we're still putting together some positive pieces. We are not a polished product yet but continuing down that path!

Keep the faith.

See you tomorrow for immediate redemption vs. Saugatuck--our first away game of the season.

Take care!

Upcoming Week

Hi, all!

Please see below regarding this upcoming week's lineup-- week #2 of the season:

**Monday: practice 9-noon...meet in my room by 9 AM...wear black.
**Tuesday: home game vs. Allegan...meet in my room by 3:15 PM...wear gray. Riley/Mikah = ball boys...Jared = food/vid.
**Wednesday: game @ Saugatuck (1 PM...no JV)...meet in my room at 11:15 AM...Bryce = food...bus leaves at noon...wear black...must ride the bus home for all away games!
**Thursday: practice 9-noon...wear gray
**Friday: practice 9-noon...wear black

Note: check out hudl game footage when you can...study up on teammate info...review team goals!

Let's keep up this positive start, gentlemen! Looking forward to seeing you all again tomorrow AM.

2-2 Tie vs. Black River

Hey, all!

Positive first effort today vs. Black River in our first contest of the season. Keep your collective heads up! Obviously, a win is better than a tie, but we had a lot of good things happening today on the field. And we keep building!

Check out "game recaps" below and to the left for game highlights/specifics if you so choose.

Stay tuned later this weekend for next week's lineup.

Looking forward to seeing you all again!

Welcome to Hamilton Varsity Boys Soccer!

Greetings, all!

Can't wait to get started now that we're officially a "team" for the 2015 season!

See below for the first official week of the season:

**Monday, Aug. 17: training/meetings from 9-noon (meet on the field at 9)…concussion testing from noon to 1-ish inside the HS. Parent meeting at 6 PM in my classroom.
**Tuesday, Aug. 18: training from 9-noon…wear black training tops.
**Wednesday, Aug. 19: training from 9-noon…wear gray training tops...team pics (home uniforms) directly after practice...required volunteer work from 3 to 6 PM (meet at the HS by 3 PM).
**Thursday, Aug. 20: training from 9-noon…wear black training tops...team dinner @ 6 PM (Johnny Carino's in north Holland...meet there...$15 per person to be paid on the spot)
**Friday, Aug. 21: home game vs. Black River (5:45 PM)…meeting in my classroom at 3:15 PM…wear gray training tops for warm-ups...ball boys for JV = Ray, Andrew…pre-game food/video for JV = Logan S.

That's it for now, guys! Obviously, much more to come :)

Let's get the party started, yeah?

Summer (and Beyond) Info

Greetings, all!

Great to see those that could make it face-to-face today for the boys soccer meeting. As stated, we are sincerely excited to work with you guys!

If you know of any others who may be interested in boys soccer, please forward along and/or let us know!

Important Dates:

**Monday, June 1: HEAT registration DUE

**Tuesday, June 9: first scrimmage @ Holland vs. Zeeland East (530 PM...arrive by 5 PM for a warm-up)

**Wednesday, June 10: first day of HEAT (6:30 AM)

**Thursday, June 11: first 9-11 AM training session on the practice field.

**Tuesday, June 30: Coach L. and T. Robinson return from Germany

**Monday-Thursday, July 20-23: Hamilton Soccer Camp. Please either attend or help out with the young kids...or better yet, both! See main office for camp registration.

**Wednesday, Aug. 12: First official day of the boys soccer season! Have physical, insurance $$, and athletic code taken care of by then!

Thanks, and please keep the questions coming if you have them!! Can't wait to get this thing rolling this summer and beyond!

Soccer Dessert Banquet

What: End-of-season banquet
Who: All JV/Varsity players and respective family members
Where: High school cafeteria
When: Thursday, Oct. 23 at 6:30 P.M.
Why: To honor all participating JV/Varsity soccer team members on a job well done this season!

District Loss

Keep those heads up, gentlemen!! Last night wasn't the way we wanted to go out on the scoreboard, but it was every way we wanted to go out in the attitude/no regrets/hard work/courage/etc. departments! I sincerely mean that. Really proud to be your coach.

Now, as we kind of re-group and reflect, please join me in my classroom tomorrow (Thursday) directly after school for our last team meeting. Please bring all school-issued uniform items--both sets of uni tops, both sets of uni shorts, backpack, warm-up top/bottom, captain bands…

Take care and see you all soon!!

Grandville Loss/Upcoming Week

Hi, everyone. Hope the weekend is great for you all and that you're enjoying this awesome weather!

Also hoping we are all sufficiently recovered from this past week in terms of overall mentality…especially heading into the biggest week of our season coming up here. As mentioned a couple of times since Thursday's away game vs. Grandville, I was proud of the overall positive, "winning" mentality out there vs. a good Grandville squad despite the score. Keep that up. We'll certainly need that same demeanor on Tuesday vs. Byron Center!!

Remember, ALL teams in the state of Michigan are now 0-0 on the season. It's ANYBODY'S game now no matter the past couple months. Let's step up to the plate and achieve our team goal of at least making it to the District Championship this next Saturday!

Here goes for this coming week:

**Monday: practice 3-5 PM…wear gold.

**Tuesday: home game vs. Byron Center (5 PM)…meet in my room directly after school…looking for a volunteer or two regarding the team meal that day in my classroom!! Please let me know asap if interested!

**Wednesday: practice 3-5 PM.

**Thursday: game vs. Allegan at Holland Christian (730 PM).

**Friday: practice 3-5 PM.

**Saturday: District Championship game vs. ??? at Holland Christian (10 AM).

Take care, all, and let's come ready to work and prepare on Monday!

Byron Center Loss

Gentlemen,

All we can do is move on--and move on immediately--in a positive way. As mentioned last night post-game, the good news is a.) we get to redeem ourselves with a quick turnaround game this evening and b.) we get to match up with B.C. again for all the marbles this coming Tuesday in Districts!

As always, stay positive and keep fighting.

See you all on the bus for Grandville at 345!

Holland Loss

Hey, everyone. Hope the day is treating you well?

Re: the Holland loss last night, I thought we battled pretty hard that first half vs. a talented opponent and on a difficult surface. Unfortunately, our overall mental toughness faltered a bit in the second half in a number of different contexts, and that was the game.

As always, we move on and stay positive!

Big day of training today in preparation for an even bigger day tomorrow -- the seniors' last regular season home game vs. a conference rival!! We still have team goals in reach. Let's keep reaching.

See you for practice and a team dinner in the near future!

Upcoming Week

Hi, all! Hope you enjoyed the Homecoming festivities today and this week??

Here goes with the tentative schedule for this upcoming week--our last week of the regular season:

**Monday: game at Holland…bus leaves at 4 PM…meet in my room at 330 PM…dress up for school…black team shirts, etc. for the game…Logan = vid/food.

**Tuesday: 3-5 practice…team dinner at Team Pax (6 PM).

**Wednesday: home vs. Byron Center…Parent Night….meet in my room at 3 PM….Ray/Andrew = ball boys…Joey = vid/food.

**Thursday: game at Grandville…bus leaves at 345 PM…Cody = vid/food.

**Friday: 3-5 practice.

HUGE week coming up here, guys! Let's get 'em.

Unity Loss…and More.

Gents,

Keep the faith. Last night was not a very good showing on our part, but today's a new day--short term memory. We've got one full week left in the regular season coming up here. As a recent video clip stated (think football player interview), let's finish strong and keep that positive mentality!

See you for practice at 3 PM in gold.

Note #1: Tomorrow (Friday), we will not have practice and instead participate in the Homecoming Parade. Our trailer (Varsity) will be third in line just behind the cheerleaders on the bus garage road. Wear full warm-ups/black team shirts, bring some candy to toss, and be there no later than 330 PM! This is required (and fun)!

Note #2: Next Wednesday, Oct. 8 is our last regular season home game. On that evening, we'll have "Parent Night" for ALL Varsity team members. It would be great if at least one adult family member is present on that evening no later than 530 PM (meet near the scoreboard). Players will escort family members onto the field before the game as they are introduced by Mr. Haggerty over the loudspeaker. Please plan on it!

Z. West Win

As mentioned after the game today, boys, feels good to win, right?!! And feels extra good to truly feel like the win is deserved, right?!!!! I'm proud of you all for stepping up to the challenge of what I mentioned pre-game was the most important game of the season to date, in my opinion.

What's next is even more of a challenge with Unity at their place on Wednesday. Can't wait to see how we prepare and handle that next obstacle.

See you you all tomorrow for practice in gold!

Otsego Loss…and the Upcoming Week!

Hi,  everyone! Hope the weekend has been great for you!

The Otsego loss last Thursday night should be waaaaaay in the rearview mirror at this point--other than, yet again, learning from mistakes on set plays, that is! Other than that, we again re-group and keep fighting as always!

Another big week coming up. And tomorrow, in my opinion, is our biggest game of the season all things considering. This is a team we've beat before, it's a team in our conference, and one of our new team goals is to finish top 3 in the conference this second half the season; therefore, it's a big game!! Can't wait to see us respond in a positive, earnest way tomorrow and beyond!

Here's our tentative upcoming week:

**Monday: game @ Z.West…wear PJ's in school per Homecoming Spirit Week…bus leaves at 4 PM…black team shirts…no pre-game meeting…Team Sikma = food/vid.

**Tuesday: practice 3-5 PM

**Wednesday: game @ Unity…participate in Decades Day per Homecoming Spirit Week…bus leaves at 330 PM…Team Scholten = food/vid.

**Thursday: practice 3-5 PM.

**Friday: Homecoming Parade…no practice…required attendance on the float!

See you soon, all! Take care and keep up the good work in the classroom!

Holland Christian Loss

Boys,

As mentioned already, I thought tonight was an overall good effort vs. a talented foe. Please let's keep in mind that we have a new set of personal goals from here on out and a new, re-shuffled set of altered team goals as well (check the blog).

Let's keep plugging away, guys! And keep the faith!

See you tomorrow in my room at 4 PM. Black team shirts in school. Bus at 430 PM.

Take care!

Schedule Update

Please take note:

**Upcoming Districts: first round home game vs. Byron Center at 5 PM on Tuesday, Oct. 14. Winner plays vs. Allegan at Holland Christian at 7:30 PM on Thursday, Oct. 16. Winner of that game is in the championship on that Saturday, Oct. 18 at 10 AM at Holland Christian vs. ?

Byron Center Loss

Hey, guys.

Please keep your collective heads up!! We did a lot of good things in the game last night, and we certainly can build on those heading into a team goal game tomorrow at home vs. H.C.

All we can do is stay positive, believe, and keep truckin'!

See you at practice today. Be ready for a buddy warm-up, a bit of a chat, and then some action!

This Week

Hi, everyone! Hope the weekend has been a good one!

Check out the tentative schedule for this upcoming week and spread the word:

**Monday: game at Byron Center (8542 Byron Center Ave SW

Byron Center, MI 49315) @ 645 PM…bus leaves at 330 PM…wear black jersey in school…gold warm-up shirt…Collin = vid/food. 

**Tuesday: practice 3-5 PM. 

**Wednesday: home game vs. H.C….meet in my classroom at 3 PM…Kody/Cody = ball boys…Nate= food/vid.

**Thursday: game at Otsego (6 PM…no JV)…bus leaves @ 430 PM…Connor = food/vid. 

**Friday: practice 3-430 PM. 

Tomorrow's a very important day for us! Take care of business in the classroom…and then on the soccer field vs. a conference foe!! 

Holland Loss

Hey, all. Hang in there. Not much else to say at this point. As mentioned, we'll debrief tomorrow at practice.  If I know you all (and I'm confident I do), we'll continue to bounce back no matter the circumstance.

Take care and see you tomorrow for practice (wear gold)!

Unity Loss

Gentlemen, it's a new day--time to move forward. What with a hugely important league contest coming up tomorrow vs. Holland, we can't let last night's performance linger any longer. So we live, learn, and move on, right??!!

See you all for practice. Let's get better!

Upcoming Week

Hey, all. Enjoy the weekend! After that, what a HUGE week it is for us as a team: Unity, Holland, home games, top three place in the division (team goal) at stake, etc., etc. I can't wait to see how we respond to the multiple challenges!

Here goes with a tentative schedule for this coming week:

**Monday: home game vs. Unity…wear warm-up tops to school…black team shirts for warm-ups...meet in my room at 3 PM….Dayton = food/vid….Logan/Joey = ball boys.

**Tuesday: practice 3-5 PM…Team Dinner #2 at Hunter's household (6 PM).

**Wednesday: home game vs. Holland…meet in my room at 3 PM….Evan = food/vid…Elliot/Brady = ball boys.

**Thursday: practice 3-5 PM…participate in MS game halftime shoot-out….more details to come.

**Friday: practice 3-5 PM.

That's it for now, everyone! Lookin' very much forward to this coming week…..

Zeeland West Win

Job well done today, boys. In an important conference game heading into an even more important conference week, to get a win was integral. It wasn't always pretty, but a win is a win!

Now, let's get a good, positive, energetic practice in tomorrow, keep learning, and prepare for the next challenge(s).

Take care and see you tomorrow for practice….3-5…wear black.

H.C. Loss

Hey, all.

Time to get up from the mat! So last night didn't exactly go our way, but what else can we do but rebound first with a positive effort in practice today and then with a winning effort tomorrow in another conference game--this time with Z.West?

I'm in…and I know you all will be as well.

See you for practice (in black)!

Hudsonville Loss, Wayland Tie, and More...

Happy weekend, everyone! Hope it's a great one.

Well, it was certainly somewhat of a crazy, mixed-bag of a week this past week what with the start to school, weather, two tough contests (check out game recaps link below and to the left), team meetings, etc. Let's keep in mind again that we need to have a bit of perspective as well as faith in the fact that we get better incrementally each day no matter the result.

Always remember: your life will go the way your thoughts go!

With a big  league rivalry match coming up against Holland Christian on Monday (attached to two team goals on the season), we DEFINITELY need to keep the above idea in mind!

Really liked what I saw and heard from you all yesterday at practice. Keep up that positive drive and good things are BOUND to happen for us the rest of this season.

Here goes with the schedule for the upcoming week:

**Monday: game@H.C….bus leaves at 445 PM…wear black jersey in school…gold team shirt for warm-up…Mason = meal/vid.

**Tuesday: practice 3-5 PM

**Wednesday: home vs. Z.West…meet in my room at 3 PM…Raymund = meal/vid…Dayton/Zac = ball boys

**Thursday: practice 3-5 PM

**Friday: practice 3-5 PM (with M.S. teams)

Hang in there, guys! Time for conference season!!

Upcoming Week

Hello, everyone! Hope all of you are enjoying a little R and R this weekend?

Of course, boys, time to get in that saddle on Tuesday coming up here: SCHOOL…and our next game. Get 'er done!

Here goes for the upcoming week:

**Monday: practice 5-7 PM…wear black…vote on alternate captain.

**Tuesday: game @Hudsonville…meet in my classroom by 3 PM…bus leaves@415 PM…Hunter = pre-game food/video

**Wednesday: practice 3-5 PM

**Thursday: home game vs. Wayland…meet in my classroom by 3 PM…ball boys = Scott, Joe Sikma…food/video = Andrew

**Friday: practice 3-5 PM.

That's it for now. Take care of yourselves, and VISUALIZE SUCCESS INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE CLASSROOM COMING UP HERE!

1-0 Win @ Allegan

Boys,

Job well done in our first contest last night…and at a venue that is often hard to adjust to with the field dimensions and all. Now, we can certainly get a lot better from here on out (and Hudsonville, our next opponent, is strong), but I like the road we are already on.

Let's keep this thing rolling!

Updates/Reminders:

**Practice today 3-5 PM….wear black.
**Practice tomorrow 9-11 AM instead of 10-noon….wear gold.
**Practice on Labor Day (required) 5-7 PM….wear black.
**Check your respective hudl accounts when you can as there should be game footage posted soon. You'll have to scroll through a bunch of JV clips in order to get to our game. WATCH, REFLECT, AND LEARN!

Take care.

A few things...

Congrats to Hunter Smith, Dayton Pax, and Connor Gutuescu for being elected by their peers as team captains for this season. Well done, boys!

Check out the newly updated "TEAM GOALS" section below and to the left. Thanks for your input today in my classroom. Much appreciated. We will review these often!

Finally, some reminders/updates:

**A few of you still need to sign up on hurl accounts. Please check email asap!

**Team pics tomorrow at 930…wear all white…black team shirts for practice. Speaking of team shirts, I have one black shirt (large) that was left on the bench on Friday after the scrimmage. I also have a pair of black/red sandals left behind on Friday. Let me know!

**Bus leaves promptly at 4 PM on Wednesday for Allegan. All players are required to ride the bus to AND from all away games this season. FYI.

**I'm hoping everyone is ok with a 9-11 AM practice this coming Friday instead of 10-noon? Let me know if you have any issues with this please and we can stick with the original schedule if needed!

Take care, all.

3-2 Exhibition Win vs. Black River…and more

Hey, guys. Hope you're all enjoying the weekend!! Try to get a workout or two in at some point please!

Regarding our first official contest vs. a different opponent last night, I thought we mostly did a nice job vs. Black River. In terms of possession time and offensive chances, we won the majority. That's a positive. Now, in terms of finishing on net with the chances we get as well as playing smart, safe soccer when playing with a lead….we can and will improve!

Looking forward….

Schedule for this upcoming week:

**Monday: practice 9-noon…team meeting at tail end (HW completed before practice!)

**Tuesday: team pics @930 AM…practice 10-noon…team dinner at my house @6 PM.

**Wednesday: game @Allegan…bus leaves TBD…Team Shi-Wei in charge of pre-game food.

**Thursday: practice 3-5 PM (teachers have all-day professional development at the HS)

**Friday: practice 10-noon

**Labor Day Monday: required practice 5-7 PM

**Tuesday: game @ Hudsonville…more later.

Take care, all!

Team Pictures…Tuesday, Aug. 26

Both JV and Varsity team pictures will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 26 at 9:30 AM before practice. Wear home uniforms! More later….

Welcome to the Season!

Congrats again, all, on being official members of the Hamilton Boys Soccer program--Version 2014!

Coach L. Robinson and I are surely glad to have you all.

Time to get officially started with this party, right?

See below for the upcoming week:

**Monday: practice from 9-noon (receive uniform items/team meeting…$35 dollars for gear…checks made payable to Hamilton High)…Parent Night at 6 PM in my classroom.

**Tuesday: scrimmage at Zeeland East…bus leaves at 4 PM…both teams play at 5 PM.

**Wednesday: practice 9-noon

**Thursday: practice 9-noon…Varsity volunteer work from 330-530 (required)

**Friday: scrimmage home vs. Black River…meet at game field by 4 PM…both teams play at 5 PM.

Much more to come…

Let's all hit the ground running starting tomorrow!

First Day of the Season/Tryouts

It's here everyone! Please prepare yourselves accordingly….

**WEDNESDAY, AUG. 13…8-11 AM, 1-3 PM…MEET AT HS TRACK IN THE AM WITH RUNNING SHOES, WATER, SOCCER GEAR, AND FOOD (IF NECESSARY AT LUNCH). AND OF COURSE, BE SURE TO HAVE PHYSICAL, INSURANCE, AND CODE OF CONDUCT TAKEN CARE OF AT THE MAIN OFFICE IN THE HS BEFORE WEDNESDAY!

Take care, all. Can't wait!

Schedule Update

PLEASE COMMUNICATE THIS TO PARENTS ASAP, HIGH SCHOOL GUYS!

On Tuesday, Aug. 19, we will have a preseason scrimmage @ Z.East at 5 PM (bus leaves at 4 PM). JV/Varsity will play at the same time on adjacent fields. No AM practice that day, no PM volunteer work that day.

On Friday, Aug. 22, we will host a preseason scrimmage vs. Black River at 5 PM (be at field by 4 PM). JV/Varsity will play at the same time on game/practice fields. No AM practice that day.

Please update your calendar.

Thanks! Good luck with finals! Finish strong!

Boys Soccer Meeting

Tomorrow (Thursday, May 22) at 7:15 in my classroom for high school boys and at respective lunch times for middle school boys in Rm. 2 (Stieper's room) at the middle school!!

Take care,

Coach Robinson

5 v. 5 Soccer Tournament Info

Hello, all!

First, Happy Holidays to you and yours! May it be a safe, fun, happy "season" for you all!

Regarding the upcoming Holiday 5 v. 5 soccer tournament at the high school, check out the link below and/or your respective team captain's email account in order to be updated on the schedule, bracket, etc. for that day.

http://hamiltongirlssoccer.weebly.com/1/post/2013/12/soccer-tournament-brackets.html

Don't hesitate to contact either me or Coach Stieper with any questions, concerns, and/or comments!

Take care, all!

JV/Varsity Dessert Banquet

Hello, everyone!

Please put on your calendars the following regarding the end-of-season banquet:

What: JV/Varsity Boys Soccer Dessert Banquet

Where: High School Cafe

Who: all JV/Varsity players and parents/guardians

When: Tuesday, Oct. 29/6:30 P.M.

What to bring: dessert to pass per family...along with own beverages/utensils

What to wear (players): business casual/pseudo-dress up

Looking forward to hopefully seeing everyone there to celebrate the end of a successful boys soccer season!

Best,
Coach Robinson

7-1 District Loss to Holland.....

Boys,

I'm proud of you all...and especially proud of my six seniors. We lost to a talented, veteran, seasoned team tonight in Holland. There's no shame in that...none.

We'll talk more, but please know right now that a coach couldn't be more satisfied with your overall efforts than I am tonight as I write this.

Thank you all for a great season!

We'll meet in my classroom right after school on Thursday to turn in all uniform/soccer items, have our last team talk, etc. We'll be finished no later than an hour once everyone arrives.

Keep those heads up, guys!

Schedule for Upcoming Week...

Hi, everyone.

Really hope you've had a restful, rejuvenating, positive visualization-heavy weekend thus far!

Here goes for District week coming up:

**Monday...practice 3-5 PM...vote for weekly alternating captain...visualize success...team dinner at Snay's (630 PM).

**Tuesday...visualize success...bus leaves at 5 PM...game at 6 PM (at Holland)... shock the world...beat Holland.

**Wednesday-Friday...????

Boys, please believe me that we've first got to win the battle in our own heads before we can win the battle on the field this Tuesday. In other words, EVERYONE HAS TO BELIEVE THAT WE CAN DO THIS or else the game is already lost. Spread the positive vibes, everyone!

"Your life will go in the direction of your thoughts."

Faith: Belief that does not rest on logical proof or material evidence...total belief in the unseen.

Do we (all of us) have "faith" in beating a more talented team even though we have no evidence of a "win" in our past against the Hollands of the world?

Get ready...see you all soon.

7-1 Loss to Holland...Last Regular Season Game

Boys,

As I told you all after the game, I'm proud of the fact that not once this season (including today) have I doubted your collective effort and attitude...no matter the circumstances. In all, staying positive and working hard through the good times and the bad times of life will bring you MUCH success...especially OFF the field where it matters most.

Keep up the good work in that department...

And we keep working....

And expecting our season to last BEYOND NEXT TUESDAY!!

See you for practice tomorrow...wear black.

8-0 Loss to Unity.....

Boys,

Keep your collective heads held high! As I told a couple of sources tonight, the final score was as misleading as I can remember in that I really thought we battled our opponent toe to toe during that first half. As I mentioned to you all already, the wheels kind of came off in the second half for us, and despite the formation/lineup buttons we tried to push to get things going a bit more, Unity was just too strong.

We still have MUCH to play for from here on out, guys!

Back to work tomorrow for 3-5 practice...be ready to compete and get better.

Schedule for Upcoming Week......

Hi, everyone!

First, thanks a TON again to the Smith family for their generosity today at the Homecoming Parade. Much appreciated by all!

Hope everyone has a great weekend. Please do your best to get some touches on the ball and some fitness in...seeing how we didn't have any of that today (Friday) and coupled with a huge game vs. #1 Unity on Monday! Take care of business...know you all will.

Here's the schedule for this upcoming week...our last regular season week of the season:

**Monday...game at #1 Unity...bus leaves at 4 PM...wear black jersey in school...meet in my classroom directly after school...food/beverages on the bus....wear gold team shirts for warmups/bring full warmup outfits just in case for cold, rainy weather...........WIN!

**Tuesday...practice 3-5 pm

**Wednesday...game at #2 Holland...bus leaves at 415 PM...meet in my classroom directly after school...more details to come....WIN!

**Thursday...practice 3-5 pm

**Friday...practice 3-5 pm

**Monday of following week...practice 3-5 PM...team dinner at Snay's (630 PM)

**Tuesday of following week...District game at Holland (6 PM)...bus leaves at 5 PM...more details to come....WIN!

Miscellaneous: On Monday before the Unity game, we'll vote for an alternate team captain for our huge final week. Remember, nominees are suggested based on ANY positive contribution from the recent past...on and off the field.

That's it for now, all! Take care...VISUALIZE success this weekend...all weekend...a minimum of three games left in the season...a maximum of........????

5-0 Senior Day Win vs. Z.West....

Kudos once again to our six seniors for not only their positive contributions today (all seniors on the final score sheet, etc.) but more importantly for their blood, sweat, and hard work in helping blaze a new trail for our Hamilton boys soccer program from here on out.

I'm proud of you guys. We are indebted to you, as a program, always!

3-2 Loss at H.C.

Gentlemen,

I loved the overall effort from the squad today vs. a talented H.C. team...on enemy soil at that. You should be proud of the play on the field, the support from the sidelines, and the step forward we just took as a program...never mind the scoreboard.

At this point, how can we NOT believe that we can hang with anyone...and beat anyone?!

BELIEVE IT! VISUALIZE IT!

See you tomorrow for practice...and then for the team dinner at the Pax household (630 PM)!

Upcoming Weekly Schedule.....

Hey, guys.....

First, I hope you enjoy your weekend...rest, heal, relax, get school work done, etc.

Second, congrats to Aaron Smit for his peers today voting him as the individual to have made the most "positive" impressions from today and this past week.

Now, please check out the schedule below regarding the upcoming schedule for the week:

**Monday...game @ H.Christian...wear black jerseys in school....meet in my room directly after school...bus leaves at 430 PM...food/beverages on the bus when we arrive at H.C.

**Tuesday...practice 3-5 PM...team dinner at the Pax household at 630 PM.

**Wednesday...last home game vs. Z.West....meet in my room after school...all Varsity parents invited to walk out/be introduced with players just before the start of our game.

**Thursday...practice 3-5 pm

**Friday...no practice(??)...participate in the Homecoming parade (??)

Miscellaneous: Our team theme will continue to be "positive contributions" on the field and/or off. I hope EVERYONE is striving for that each and every day...and striving to be that next team captain as well!

H.C., here we come!

5-1 Win vs. Otsego...

Hey, boys.....

Here's what I told the press today after the game...can't say it any better at this point:

Coach Comments: "As I told the team after the game, the final score was as misleading as I can remember as a coach. Now, we had multiple chances on net throughout the game, and we hung tough physically. We simply weren't sharp overall. A win's a win, but we'll have to be much better in a huge conference game vs. Holland Christian this coming Monday at their place."

See you tomorrow for a hugely important pre-game practice!

Wear black team shirts...

4-1 Win vs. Byron Center...

Gentlemen,

Kudos to ALL 18 of you for your collective positive contributions on the game field tonight! I'm proud as a coach to see you all leave a lasting imprint in an important "team goal" game. Let's keep this ball rolling in the right direction tomorrow vs. a game Otsego squad!

7-3 Loss to Holland....

Guys,

Here's what I told the press regarding tonight vs. Holland:

Coach Comments: "We certainly did not play up to our potential overall today-- from the back end, to the midfield, and up to forward. Despite going up 1-0 early on, we simply were a step behind and lacked inspiration as a team for much of the match. Hamilton is trying to take that next step as a boys soccer program no matter the opponent, and we're confident we'll get there despite this outing."

Enough said? Bounce back time...

See you tomorrow for practice! Still believe in you all WHOLE HEARTEDLY!

Schedule for this upcoming week...

Hey, all!

First, congrats to Adam Immink for his upcoming alternating captain role as decided by his peers today for his "clutch" play overall.

Please make note of the schedule below for the upcoming week:

**Monday: home game vs. Holland...wear white jerseys in school...meet in my room at 245 for team meeting/food and beverages...Dayton, be ready for vid for the JV game.

**Tuesday: practice from 3-5 PM

**Wednesday: home game vs. Byron Center...meet in my room at 245 for food/beverages/talk...more details to come.

**Thursday: home game vs. non-conference Otsego...meet in my room at 245 for food/beverages/talk...more details to come.

**Friday: practice 3-5 PM

Miscellaneous: Our team THEME for the remaining weeks of the season will simply involve your guys' nominations for individuals who simply do something/anything positive at some point during that respective week...on the field or off!

Looking forward to a great week coming up here of TAKING THAT NEXT STEP AS A TEAM! Remember to continue VISUALIZING SUCCESS in all aspects of your life.

"Your life will go the way your thoughts go."

4-0 Loss vs. Unity...

Guys,

You should be overall very proud of your effort today...ESPECIALLY that first half. From here on out, visualize that type of success--playing together, playing physically tough, communicating, making "clutch" plays, etc. If we replicate that first half effort again and again vs. other teams (including Unity again), we will have much success from this point on!

I'm proud of you guys....and know we will continue to get better.

See you for practice at 310 PM tomorrow...soccer order people, will see you in my room directly after school!

3-0 Win at Zeeland West...

Boys,

As I mentioned after the game tonight, I thought it was a solid win with positive contributions from A LOT of folks...job well done! Feels good to get back in the win column, huh? I feel like it's been a while....too long!!

Now comes the heart of a tough conference schedule. Get up for Unity!

See you all tomorrow at 3, wear black, done at 5.

Keep taking steps forward....and be "clutch"!

PS. Schedule change = Sept. 23 is now HOME vs. Holland and Oct. 9 is now AWAY vs. Holland.

Next Week...

Hey, all!

Hope the weekend's treating you well?

Here's the lineup for this coming week...a VERY important week, in my opinion...as in "crossroads"/what path do we take from here???

**Monday...game at Zeeland West (team goal game)...wear black jersey in school...meet in my room after school at 245...gold shirts for warmups...bus leaves at 4 PM...food/beverages on bus upon arrival.

**Tuesday...practice from 3-5 pm.

**Wednesday...home game vs. Unity...meet in my room for food/beverages and team talk.

**Thursday...practice 3-5 pm.

**Friday...practice 3-5 pm....GK training with MS players for initial portion.

Miscellaneous: Congrats to Luke for his alternate team captain pick for being a consistent "student" of the game.

Theme for next week: "Clutch"...as in who makes winning plays in crunch time/high pressure situations. Let's all strive for it!

Reminder: I will be checking grades at the end of this coming week...take care of business in the classroom, guys!

Take care, all...please let me know if you need anything at all! Time to move forward...and forward...and forward.

2-0 H.C. Loss...

Boys,

Although I loved the overall effort for the last 50 minutes of today's contest, it's very disappointing that we came out so flat...for a long period of time...against a rival...and against a "team goal" opponent. The good thing though is that, knowing your guys' overall character, this will be a lesson learned as we move forward to our next conference opponent (Zeeland West) on Monday! It's GOT to be a full 80 minutes EVERY CONTEST!!

See you tomorrow for practice from 3-5 PM...wear gold...7 PM Hope vs. Grace game afterward!

2-2 Double OT Tie vs. B.Center....

Guys,

I thought we fought hard today overall....a fittingly tough conference opening game. In my opinion, we had the run of play for most of the second half and both overtime sessions, and that's a tribute to you guys! A "tie" isn't as good as a win, but...better than a loss...and we move on...and keep building.

Time for HC in the very near future! Another team goal........:)

See you guys soon!

Next Week: When Boys Become Men...

Guys,

It's time to decide exactly what we are as a team: the kind that resorts to past habits and gives in to traditionally better programs??....or the kind that shocks the world and blazes a new path for Hamilton Boys Soccer from here on out?? I don't know about you, but I passionately vote for the latter! Let's take this team from "good" to "great"! But it's up to you guys essentially....every day...no matter the endeavor...on the field and off.  Get 'er done!

Here's the schedule for next week:

**Monday: game at Byron Center (team goal)...wear black team shirts to school and for warm-ups...all black uniforms for the game...meet in my room at 245 PM for team talk/vid...board the bus at 345...food/beverages on the bus once we arrive at BC.

**Tuesday: practice 3-5 PM...team dinner at 630 PM at the Walker household...make every effort to attend on the eve of a big game!

**Wednesday: home game. vs. Holland Christian (team goal)...meet in my room at 245 for food/beverages/team time...ball boys/vid, be ready.

**Thursday: practice 3-5 PM...attend (for free) 7 PM Hope vs. Grace game in Holland...more details to come.

**Friday: practice 3-5 PM...with 7th/8th graders...more details to come.

Miscellaneous: Congrats to Scott Scholten for being named by his peers as the alternate captain for next week's games due to his "mental toughness"!

Theme for next week = "student" of the game

Take care, all!

8-0 Mercy Win vs. Wayland...

Gentlemen,

As I mentioned after the shortened game today, I/we cannot complain at all with an 8-0 shutout. We "took care of business" and moved another step forward with our team goals. Job well done. Now it's time to put in some more hard work in practice tomorrow, keep getting better, and take yet another step vs. Byron Center and the start of conference play this coming Monday!

Mental toughness....from here on out.

Big 3-2 Win vs. Hudsonville....

Boys,

Congrats again on an overall job well done today! I truly mean it when I say that we've got a chance this season to convert from "good" to "great"...and today was a step in the right direction for sure. Please remember though that our progress as a team gets erased if we get complacent/satisfied in these next two games vs. teams that you guys voted on as opponents we should always beat: Wayland and Byron Center. Now, let's keep working...and working...and working.

Please remember the current weekly theme: mental toughness. You, as a team, certainly showcased that trait today! Keep that up.

See you tomorrow for important training...3-5 PM...wear gold shirts.

Monday/Tuesday...and the rest of the week

Clarifications:

**Monday: optional (suggested) practice at 5 PM...will be done by 7 at the latest! Please make every effort to make it if you can!!

**Tuesday: first day of school (take care of business in the classroom!)...wear white uniform tops, khaki/nice shorts in school...black team shirts for game warm-ups...ball boys (Shi-Wei, Kody) and video guy (Elijah), be ready for JV...meet in my room at 245 for food/beverages...beat Hudsonville!!

**Wednesday: practice from 3-5 PM

**Thursday: first away game vs. Wayland...bus leaves at 345 PM...more details to come.

**Friday: practice from 3-5 PM

Miscellaneous: congrats to Hunter Smith for being awarded by his teammates the alternate captain award for being "physically tough"!!

Have a great weekend, all!

8-2 Bounce-back Win vs. Allegan...

Gentlemen,

Overall job well done in "taking care of business" yesterday vs. a regional rival. And better yet, you partially accomplished one of our team goals!! Bonus. Now it's time to build on that. I really think that this team is on the verge of "good" with the potential to be "great". BUT as I heard a guy I really respect (Gregg Stoel) state today, "the #1 enemy of GREAT...is GOOD". In other words, let's keep moving forward and not simply be satisfied with "good"!

And remember: PHYSICALLY TOUGH at all times (our theme of the week...will vote tomorrow for an alternating team captain).

4-1 Opening Game Loss vs. Grandville

Guys,

Really thought we played mostly solidly all game long today...just couldn't bury the chances we should have at times. Combine that with a couple defensive breakdowns that they capitalized on and bang, there ya go. Again though, the beauty is that we bounce back tomorrow vs. regional rival Allegan!

Overall, please remember: "student" before "athlete", character, hard work, mental/physical toughness (add "communication")...at all times....EVERY member of the team!

See you guys soon...

PS. Check out "game recaps" and "roster" links to the left if/when you get the chance.

7/8 - 0 Win vs. Black River Thoughts...and More

Guys,

Mostly really liked what I saw out of you all with our second exhibition contest of the season yesterday...all things considering (it still being very early in the season, you guys handling business vs. a mostly inferior foe, meeting the challenge of shutting them out, etc.).

Now it's "game time" from here on out...can't wait to see how we respond...and respond...and respond again and again! Each day is a new day to continually prove ourselves...in all phases.

Congratulations to the permanent captain picks officially announced yesterday: Aaron Smit, Kinnon Fast, and Connor Gutuescu. Well deserving....

Congratulations to the alternating captain pick for best representing our first team theme of the season (positive "communication" in all forms): Dayton Pax. Hint hint...next theme = physical toughness!

Here's our tentative schedule for this coming week, gentlemen:

**Monday: practice from 9-noon...wear gold team shirt...bring bathing suit/towel...please be ready and willing to carpool for team building outing at Laketown Beach in Saugatuck! Team dinner at 6 PM at the Smith household...please check email accounts for details.

**Tuesday: first regular season home game vs. Grandville...545 PM (Varsity)...wear black team shirts...meet at 245 PM in my classroom for pre-game meal/talk/video. Ball boys/Video guy, be ready to head out to the field by 345 in time for the JV game!!

**Wednesday: home game vs. Allegan...545 PM (Varsity)...wear gold team shirt...meet at 245 PM in my classroom for pre-game meal/talk/video. Ball boys/Video guy, be ready to head out to the field by 345 in time for the JV game!

**Thursday: practice from 3-5 PM since teaching staff has an all-day meeting in the school.

**Friday: practice 10-noon.....then cheer on the Spartan football team at 8 PM vs. Western Mich.! :)

Miscellaneous: please continue to be looking over "glossary", "team info", "buddy info", "program philosophy" stuff from here on out! Another hint hint.....:)

Take care, all! Let me know if you need anything at all...

Team Goals

Players/Families:

Please see "team goals" below and to the left...decided upon by the team yesterday heading into the regular season!

Always working toward positive things...right, guys??!! Excited to see how you guys respond...

6-1 Scrimmage Win vs. Zeeland East Thoughts....

Gentlemen, you are to be overall commended for the effort last night vs. Zeeland East. Obviously, it was a win on the scoreboard, but there were also several "wins" regarding individual and group play sprinkled throughout the game as well. Now, the perfectionist in me is disappointed that we let in a garbage-time goal near the conclusion and we still certainly need more energy/consistent play throughout, but still...

Let's at this point again remember: COMPLACENCY IS TO BE AVOIDED AT ALL TIMES!!

And we move on...and forward...

Minor Schedule Change

Practice for next Monday, Aug. 26 will be from 9-noon instead of 10-noon. Please bring a bathing suit and a towel along with regular soccer gear!

This Week...(Aug. 19-23)

Hi, everyone! Hope the weekend's been great...

Another "thank you" goes out to those that attended the Sand Soccer tournament and provided nutritional support! Great time had by all....:)

Check out this coming week's schedule below just in case you are confused...and please let me know if you need anything at this point!

**Monday: practice 9-noon (team meeting for both teams during latter portion)...Varsity Rescue Mission volunteering from 4-7ish...meet in HS parking lot at 4 PM...wear gold team shirts.

**Tuesday: practice 9-noon (team pics at the tail end of training)...parent meeting (both teams) in Coach Robinson's room 111 in the HS at 7 PM.

**Wednesday: scrimmage vs. Z.East (home) at 430 (both teams)...both teams meet at the fields at 330 PM.

**Thursday: practice 9-noon...JV Rescue Mission volunteering from 4-7ish...meet in HS parking lot at 4 PM...wear black team shirts

**Friday: scrimmage vs. B.River (home) at 4 PM (both teams)...both teams meet at the fields at 3 PM.

Very much looking forward to getting this thing officially kicked off tomorrow morning!!

PS: Don't forget to turn in $$ for soccer apparel no later than this Wednesday!

Sand Soccer Tournament

Hi, everyone!

As you know from the previous schedule, HS boys and fams, this Saturday, Aug. 17  is our non-mandatory Sand Soccer tournament at Tunnel Park in Holland from 9 am to around noon.

A few details at this point:

**All family members/friends are invited! We'll pick small-sided teams at the conclusion of Friday's training, set up a schedule, and then play on the beach that AM.

**Each student-athlete will be responsible for transportation to and fro. Please let me know if you need directions! A "captain" of each team can also perhaps provide car-pooling options.

**We'll have a cookout afterwards on the Tunnel Park grassy grounds. Would love it at this point (I know it's short notice...sorry!) if a parent or two took the reigns and helped organize who's bringing what. Please let me know if you're interested asap! Otherwise, we'll have the following grade levels be responsible for the following items to bring:

         --Seniors: meat (grill-able and/or deli)

         --Juniors: bread (variety of buns, sandwich bread, etc.), chips, snacks

         --Sophomores: fruits/veggies

         --Freshmen: beverages

As a random estimate, we'll have around 35-40 HS boys eating...plus any fam/friends who would like to join! Sorry, that's not very exact...best I can do at this point.

Either way, we've done this event a few times in the past, and it was a great time all around!

Thanks, everyone...very much looking forward to getting this thing started tomorrow!

Oh, and if anyone's interested in signing up for cell phone text "reminders" from me from here on out, simply text "@jvvarsity" to 616-604-4139 to sign up for free! From then on, you are signed up, and I can communicate with you via text at any point for reminders if that's more convenient for you.

Best,

Coach Robinson

The Countdown Continues!!

Hi, everyone!

I really hope the summer's been treating you well as of late and that you are as excited as we are to get this thing going next Wednesday, Aug. 14...the Iron Man Contest/start to tryouts!!

A few updates/reminders regarding that day:

**Before ANY physical activity, you are REQUIRED to have a physical on file at the HS main office (dated later than April 2013). You also need to sign an athletic code of conduct and pay a small athletic insurance fee at the office as well. Having just checked the list today, there are MANY of you who have yet to fulfill these requirements. Get it done asap, please!

**We'll meet at 8 AM (please arrive a bit early to personally prepare) that day (Wed., Aug.14) in the football field/track area.

**Please bring water, running gear for track events, and soccer gear for field events that day.

**The AM session will end at 11 AM. From 11-1 PM, you're free to do whatever, but obviously, you'll want to hydrate and eat something. Anyone is more than welcome to hang out in Coach Stieper's classroom in the junior hallway of the high school during that interim period. I'd offer my room as well, but i'll be tallying the Iron Man Contest points for each individual during that time in there!

**From 1-3 PM that day, we'll do a lot of scrimmaging as part of the first day tryout process so that we can evaluate you in live soccer action on top of the Iron Man events. The next two days after that (Thursday/Friday of next week) will also be tryout days but conducted more like practice sessions (9 to noon each day). We'll meet at the practice field for those days.

**JV and Varsity teams will be determined by the end of training on Friday, Aug. 16.

I think that's it for now, everyone! Please let me know of any questions/comments/concerns from here on out!

As always....lookin' very much forward!!

Schedule Change #101...sorry!

Everyone,

Due to the recent official release of the school calendar for this upcoming year, we'll practice from 3-5 PM on Thurs., Aug. 29 instead of the previous time of 10-noon. The teaching staff has a full day of school work that day. Thanks for being flexible!

Another Schedule Change!

Please make note: instead of AM practice on Wed., Aug. 21, we'll instead play Z.East at home at 430 PM...both teams at the same time.

Another Schedule Change

First, everyone, please see below this post (the original "schedule change") that I entered earlier today if you haven't already.

As of later today, I have another schedule change to announce for August. Sorry! Here goes:

Instead of Parent Night being held on Monday, Aug. 19, we'll move that meeting to the very next night still at 7 PM at the high school. On Monday (the 19th) at 430 PM (after practice earlier in the day...leave at 4 PM from the HS), the Varsity team will be touring and then serving at the Holland Rescue Mission. And then the JV team will follow the same plans on that Thursday, Aug. 22 after practice.

Sorry for the changes/inconvenience! Please let me know if you have questions.

Schedule Change

Please make note of a schedule change to the August calendar:

Instead of 9-noon practice on Friday, Aug. 23, we will instead scrimmage Black River at home. Varsity will play at 4 PM on the game field. JV will play at 4 PM on the practice field.

Hope the summer is treating everyone well! Hope to see you out for summer scrimmages (starting tomorrow/Tuesday) and Thursday AM training sessions! And don't forget about Iron Man Contest training......

THANKS...

...for all of you who attended the kick-off meeting this morning. We appreciate the sacrifice.

Now, at this point, be on the lookout via your school email accounts for further notes, reminders, documents, etc. in the near future as we move toward the start to summer.

And, again, please pass the word to others who were not at the meeting! Thanks ahead of time.

Lookin' forward to a great start here, gentlemen. Take care and please do not ever hesitate to contact me!

Welcome!

Greetings, everyone! By now, I hope you've all checked your school email account in order to be updated on the next phase of Hamilton Boys Soccer. We, as a united middle school/high school soccer staff, are VERY excited with work with you all this summer, into next fall, and beyond. Obviously, there is much more to be said and done at this point, but we'll officially kick this thing off with a very important meeting:

Thursday, May 30 at 7 AM in my classroom (rm. 111).

Hope to see you all there!

GK Camp

Please pass this along to any GK who may be interested in a summer GK camp that I, along with a fellow ex-MSU GK, will run this July 2013. http://elitegoalkeepingcamp.blogspot.com/

IMPORTANT Meeting...

Guys, we'll have a meeting in my classroom on Wednesday, May 11 at 7:25 A.M. for any male soccer player.

Please make every effort to attend. If you are unable to attend, please contact a fellow player and/or Coach Stieper and me regarding relevant information.

See you there!

Skill Session Sign-up

Starting on Thursday, Jan. 27 (and on each successive Thursday in the middle school balcony area), the following groups of 4 will meet with either Coach Malefyt or myself:

3:00-3:30 PM (Robinson)...Morgan Stillson, Tyler Immink, Aaron Polet, Deban Scholtehn
3:00-3:30 PM (Malefyt)...Shannon Blourne, Emily Grady, Libby Stafford, Sidney Grady
3:30-4:00 PM (Robinson)...Nicole Brigert, Jessica Holst, Cody Weber, Travis Williams
3:30-4:00 PM (Malefyt)...Ambre Couturier, Megan Dangremond, Amelia Ruiz, Hannah Krause

Mark it down on your calendars, show up early to your session to warm up and stretch on your own, wear indoor soccer/tennis shoes, and bring water!

See Coach Malefyt or myself for questions or concerns. Lookin' forward to working with you all!

OFFICIAL off-season training...

A note from Coach Malefyt...

Hello everyone!
Here is the information for this years winter training schedule. Availability in the middle school balcony is not ideal so we are making the best of what we have. There are really four different things that we have planned for you:
1. One Structured day per week for circuit training in the middle school balcony. This will happen 3-4 on Mondays. The first date for this will be January 24.
2. One structured day per week for a running program that Coach Wandel has put together. This will happen at the High School Indoor Track. This structured day will be on Tuesdays. However, the first available day will be on a Wednesday...January 19.
3. Along with the Tuesday structured day...you should do the running program one more day. However, this day is up to you. Each Tuesday you will get the workout for that week and you would do the same workout on your own time. This could even be done at home.
4. Coach Robinson and myself are offering ball workout sessions on Thursday's after school. Signup with Coach Robinson!

Click here to see all of this in scheduled form! (This will tell of day's off as well)

Hopefully when you look at the schedule and read the email it will make sense to you. Please let me know if you have any questions!

Coach Malefyt

Off-Season Training

Stay tuned, everyone, for an upcoming announcement regarding off-season skill work/conditioning sessions that we plan on offering around the second week of January.

Hope you're all having a great break!

Stay Tuned...

...for off-season training opportunities.

Thanks again for a great, rewarding season, everyone! PLEASE let me if you need anything at all. You know where I am and how to contact me!

PS. If you're interested (males and females), the winter holiday indoor soccer tourney is on again. See me for a sign-up sheet if/when you're ready!

JV rescheduling....

All JV players, in light of our canceled school day today (Tuesday), we'll instead have our end-of-season meeting in my room NEXT Tuesday, Nov. 2 directly after school until about 4 PM. Be sure to bring all of your uniform items to my classroom!

Reminder: Our soccer banquet is on Monday, Nov. 1 at 7 PM in the HS cafeteria. Dress is business casual. Please bring a dessert to pass and beverages/utensils for your family. See you there!

End of season items...

1.) GREAT job this season, boys. The win/loss columns perhaps don't reflect the true growth of this team and this soccer program, so let's focus on the positives of this season: true teamwork, positive attitude, and solid work ethic....a job well done all around!

2.) We will meet in my room this Thursday directly after school for our last team meeting. Please be sure to bring ALL uniform items to turn in: both sets of jerseys, warm-ups, and backpacks.

3.) All JV players: meet in my room on Tuesday of next week directly after school for "exit interviews" with the coaching staff. Plan on being there until 4/430 PM. See Coach Stieper or myself with any questions/concerns.

4.) Our end-of-season banquet is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 1 at 7 PM in the high school cafeteria. Dress is business casual (collars...no jeans!). Please bring a dessert to pass, utensils, and beverages for yourself and family members.

5.) Keep your heads up, guys! Thanks for a great season. You have made us coaches proud!

A number of things...

...on the eve of Districts:

1.) I forgot to remind you guys today at practice, but we still have our last team dinner this Sunday, Oct. 15 at 6 PM (at the Immink's...check your map). Hope you can make it. Remember your food responsibilities if you come!

2.) We will meet in my room on Monday at 4 PM for a brief team meeting and PROVIDED food/beverages before boarding the bus at 445 for Zeeland East. Come to my room dressed and ready to go.

3.) We'll "dress up" in school and wear BLACK t-shirts for warm-ups. Gold looks too much like East, right?!

4.) Be ready to discuss the seniors, as well how each and every one of us is going to contribute to a winning effort this coming week in my room on Monday.

5.) Our overall 4th place finish in the league after our 4-2 loss to Wyo. Park in the 3rd place game is still something to be proud of, boys. We are 9-9-1 overall currently...on the cusp of double-digit wins.

6.) HEAL/TAKE IT EASY this weekend, everyone! We need everybody next week!

7.) Let's simply get it done on Monday. It's time to rise up and meet a tall challenge, like we did the LAST time we played East!

Unity loss...and what's next

Guys, a 5-0 loss is never something to celebrate...not at this stage of our soccer program's growth and progress. With that said, in retrospect, I did see some good things last night in the game. For example, I didn't see anyone backing down or looking intimidated by the #1 team in the state, and I thought battles were fought all over the field. THOSE are things to celebrate. That said, we've GOT to play FASTER, we've GOT to play even HARDER FROM THE OUTSET, and we've GOT to be playing our BEST at this late point of the season. After all, it's MONEY TIME for ALL TEAMS!

Is this team "PERFORMING" or "STORMING" right now? Let's go.

Updates:

**We play AT Wyo. Park tomorrow (wed.) at 5 PM (JV) and 645 (Varsity) in the tournament 3rd place match.

**It's the last game of the season for the JV team...be ready to support them and cheer them on!

**The bus leaves at 330.

**There is NO TEAM MEETING in my room beforehand (we'll talk and eat snacks on the bus).

**We'll be wearing black shirts again.

**The weather is calling for rain and low 60's/high 50's...come prepared.

Monday Changes

On Monday at Unity, our JV game will be played at 530 with the Varsity to follow.

The bus will now leave at 415 PM that day, and the Varsity team will meet in my room at 345 PM.

1-0 Double OT win vs. Rogers

Guys, way to stick it out last night vs. Rogers. It was kind of a "blah" game for both teams, but it's great to see us continue to confidently press in the latter stages of games with COMPOSURE. Always remember what "winning plays" consist of...hustle, effort, scrapiness...THAT'S what ultimately got us the win. Job well done.

Now, it's time again for a tough Unity squad on Monday. We need to go into this game with the "nothing to lose" mentality. In other words, RELAX...but PLAY HARD at the same time, if that makes sense. The pressure is NOT on us...have fun with it!

Updates for the Unity game:

**Game times on Monday = 530 PM (JV) and 715 (Varsity)

**Game is AT Unity.

**The bus leaves at 415 that day.

**We will meet in my room at 345 that day for drinks/beverages/talk.

**We'll wear black jerseys/warm-ups to school that day.

District Game (first round)

Our first round district game will be at Zeeland vs. Zeeland East on Monday, Oct. 18 (6 P.M.). A win will match us up with the winner of Byron Center and Middleville to be played at Unity's field on Wednesday (5 P.M....semifinal). The district championship will be played on Friday (7 P.M.) at Unity's field as well.

More details to come...

0-0 Wayland tie

Guys, we've GOT to do something about our slow starts to games...especially with important, tougher conference and district games coming up in the near future. Thoughts?

That said, the second half today was much better than the first...more building...more varied chances...smarter, harder play...etc. Let's capture that type of play for the full 80 minutes!

Rogers is next....REMATCH. Be ready.

Next Week...

Here's the lineup for next week, guys:

**Monday: Home game vs. Wayland...Parent Night (we'll line up at the BEGINNING of our 20 minute game field warm-up with parents to be announced and have pictures taken)...dress up for school...black shirts for warm-ups. WE'LL MEET IN MY ROOM AT 315 PM FOR SNACKS, BEVERAGES, AND A TALK.

**Tuesday: practice from 3-515 PM...gold shirts

**Wednesday: Game AT Rogers (first round of conference tournament)...VARSITY WILL PLAY FIRST AT 4 PM...bus leaves right after school. If we win, we'll most likely play AT Unity on Monday in the second round. If we lose, we'll play at home that day most likely vs. Byron Center.

**Thursday: practice from 3-515 PM

**Friday: NO PRACTICE...Homecoming Parade.

It's another big week, guys, and we don't have too many of them left! Let's keep playing hard...

Proud...

...is what we should be for our overall effort tonight vs. H.C., fellas. Again, I despise "moral victories"...to me, a win is a win and a loss is a loss...and I personally LOVE to win. But THIS occasion, i'll allow for one, because as I mentioned after the game, tonight was probably the best effort of the season all around. And perhaps Coach Ayres was right in saying it was the best we've seen at Hamilton in a long time...possibly ever.

The 3-0 final score certainly wasn't indicative of the competitiveness of the game. I think we'd all agree on that.

Positives to take away from tonight's game and to carry into the near future:

1.) TEAM play
2.) PHYSICAL/FEARLESS play
3.) FAST play
4.) SMART play
5.) VARIED play

Way to go, guys. Now, let's actually WIN one of these! :)

Tough OT loss to Rogers...

Gentlemen, there should be absolutely NO shame in your overall effort today. The first half was its oen sub-par entity, but the second half and OT were MUCH better. And again to the shooters and goalie in the shootout, my hat's off to you for taking on the pressure AND DOING YOUR VERY BEST!! We all support you fully.

Now it's a HUGE game at H.C. on Wednesday...a gigantic challenge...but one that we CAN HANDLE. It's up to all of us collectively how we proceed from here.

Let's get back to work, guys, and keep pushing!

Next Week...

What an important week we've got coming up, gentlemen. Let's make something POSITIVE happen and truly PERFORM--each and every one of us!!

Reminders/Updates:

**Monday: game vs. Wyoming Rogers...we'll wear anything Hamilton soccer-related for school, wear gold shirts for warm-ups, and meet in my room at 3:15 for snacks/drinks/talk...A.K. and Zach, be ready as ball boys that day.

**Tuesday: practice from 3-515 PM...team dinner at Connor's at 6:30 PM...see handout for details.

**Wednesday: game at Holland Christian...bus leaves at 4 PM.

**Thursday/Friday: practice from 3-515 PM.

NOTE: PARENT NIGHT IS ON MONDAY, OCT. 4 FOR OUR GAME AT HOME VS. WAYLAND AT 5:30-ISH PM. I HOPE ALL PARENTS CAN MAKE IT!

Rest up and get re-focused this weekend, guys, and let's prepare for success!

2-1 Wyo. Park Loss...

Overall, guys, it just wasn't a good effort last night in a crucial conference game. Increased expectations HAVE to lead to increased focus, intensity, and performance. We simply cannot just "stay the same" as players and as a team. But, hey, there's a lot of season left to be played, and it's best we keep a healthy perspective on this.

We NEED to get back into gear, and it starts with IMPROVEMENT in PRACTICE. Let's get going, everyone!

PS. Our first "grade check" will happen either today or tomorrow. Make sure your classes are your FIRST priority, everyone.

Updates/Reminders...

...for tomorrow's game vs. Wyo. Park:

**We'll wear white jerseys in school.

**We'll meet in my room at 315 PM for snacks/beverages/talk...spread the word since it was not mentioned at the end of practice today.

**Connor and Schreur, be ready for ball boy duty.

**I'm looking for a volunteer to videotape the first half the JV game PLEASE! Let me know.

Let's take care of business (again) tomorrow vs. a dangerous Park team!

3-2 Byron Center WIN

Guys, way to step up today (especially in the second half) to win a game in a semi-adverse situation...job well done. We certainly "took care of business", although it certainly wasn't always pretty.

Either way, you all deserve a CONGRATS for already meeting an important team goal with many games still remaining!

Let's keep this thing going...