Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Reminders...

...for tomorrow (Wednesday):

1.) Varsity wears anything Hamilton soccer-related to school...JV = dress up.

2.) Varsity will meet in my room at 330 PM tomorrow for snacks, beverages, and a brief team meeting.

3.) The bus leaves the school at 4 PM...be on time!

4.) JV starts its game at 5 PM and Varsity is slated to follow at 645 PM.

5.) There is a chance of rain/thunderstorms tomorrow evening..."be prepared for rain!"

Let's bounce back tomorrow, everyone, in another important conference game!

Monday, September 13, 2010

UNITY aftermath...

Guys, it's best we let this one go as soon as possible. I honestly thought that overall, the effort was there, but we were simply overwhelmed by the skill and pace of play. Let this be a lesson that we need to a.) play with much more pace IN PRACTICE in order to get better as a team and play with the "faster" teams and b.) take it to every team PHYSICALLY.

We'll see you out for practice tomorrow on the practice field with black t-shirts.

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Hudsonville recap and more...

Guys, our game the other night was a good effort, but we didn't seem to be on the same page and lacked a bit of that "gusto" that we had the night before in the win over ZW. We've GOT to recapture that spark for our two important conference games vs. Unity and ZE. Keep in mind our TEAM GOALS and WHAT WE'RE SUPPOSED TO BE STANDING FOR AS A TEAM!!

That brings us to our THEME for the upcoming week: TOUGHNESS...and in this case, PHYSICAL TOUGHNESS. I meant what I said yesterday at the end of practice in our talk: the only way we have a chance to knock off Unity (and ZE for that matter) is if we OUT-TOUGH the opponent. In other words, we simply cannot back down to any given "fight" in the course of play....50/50's, sacrificing our bodies, whatever. We've got to be scrappy and simply out-will the opponent to have a chance. And again, that's the thing: THERE'S ALWAYS A CHANCE IN THE GAME OF SOCCER!! BELIEVE! ALL OF US!!

Reminders/Changes for next week:

**School wear on Monday...JV= gold jerseys (remember to wear your WHITE socks for the game) and Varsity = white jerseys.

**Meeting times on Monday...JV= dressed and ready to warm up by 3 PM on the game field (wear gold t-shirts for warm-ups) and VARSITY = MEET IN MY ROOM DIRECTLY AFTER SCHOOL (NO NEED TO BE DRESSED FOR THE GAME) FOR A BRIEF MEETING AND SNACK. We'll wear gold t-shirts for warm-ups as well.

**Tuesday = practice from 3-515 PM. We all wear black.

**Wednesday = game at Zeeland East...bus time TBD.

**Thursday/Friday = practice from 3-515 PM

Let me know if you have any questions, comments, and/or concerns! Have a good, restful weekend, guys. Get ready for a great day on Monday!

PS. I sent a few emails out already this weekend, guys, so check your accounts if you have one just in case. Check on Sunday as well.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Big 4-0 ZW win...

Guys, GREAT job tonight. I was proud of the WHOLE SOCCER PROGRAM really. Everyone, of all ages, put up a true Hawkeye effort, and it was fun to watch.

Conference play is so important and to get off to a 1-0 start is a very encouraging sign. That said, Hudsonville will be a quality opponent tomorrow, so let's remember what got us to success tonight: possession, 50/50's, positioning, and finishing ability!

Way to go, gentlemen...enjoy it tonight and be ready tomorrow.

Reminders:

**The bus leaves at 330 PM tomorrow.

**We'll wear black jerseys to school.

**Wear gold practice shirts to the game just in case it's warm enough.

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Updates/Change

**Varsity players will meet tomorrow (Wednesday) in the HS cafeteria after school for the pre-game snacks and beverages. Be sure to clean up after yourselves, guys! And, of course, be respectful and represent the program well.

**JV players, be dressed and ready to go for warm-ups tomorrow (Wednesday) on the game field at 3 PM sharp.

**Ball boys for tomorrow (A.I., Smitty, Luke, and Trevor), be ready!

**Our bus leaves at 330 PM on Thursday for the game at Hudsonville.

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Next Week...

Here's the daily lineup, guys, for a very important upcoming week (school, conference season, etc.):

**Monday: Labor Day...off.

**Tuesday: 3-515 practice (wear gold)...best "communicator" will be chosen (Smitty, please bring your captain band)...team dinner at the Guillozet's at 630 PM.

**Wednesday: first day of school (we'll determine what to wear to school on Tuesday)...home game (and first conference game of the season) vs. Zeeland West...we'll meet in my room at 315 for snacks, talk, etc...ball boys, be ready. Note: food and/or beverages can be either brought to me or given to Connie at school today and tomorrow.

**Thursday: away game vs. Hudsonville...bus leaves at a yet to be determined time but it is a later game (645 varsity) than usual.

**Friday: 3-515 practice...end of the first week of school!

I hope you are all enjoying the long holiday weekend. Let's get geared up for this important next week!

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Otsego Reflections...

Let's learn from a game like last night and realize that we simply are NOT the type of team that can dig ourselves a hole and easily climb out of it. The first half was, simply put, not good soccer in all areas on our part. The second half was better but a little bit of "too little, too late", especially with our inability to finish on net.

Either way, i'm excited to see how we face the heart of the season coming up next week. It's conference play time (vs. Zeeland West) and then another tough non-conference game at Hudsonville soon thereafter.

What is this team really made of, guys?!! We'll see soon enough...

Reminders:

**We wear black tomorrow for our last 10-noon practice.

**Please keep in mind the team dinner at the Guillozet's next Tuesday evening and your food/beverage responsibilities.

**To clarify, we do NOT have practice on Labor Day next Monday. And practice on Tuesday is from 3-515ish...we'll wear gold that day and meet on the game field.

**Keep in mind our THEME for this week: COMMUNICATION...on the field and off. We can ALL be better communicators (myself included)!

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Hopkins reflections...

The 6-0 win today was a true all-around effort, guys...a lot of players contributed to team success and we seemed to pay attention to a lot of the DETAILS that are so important to heed...job well done. This sets us up nicely for a rematch with an Otsego team that ultimately handled us this past season 3-1. It's time for a bit of redemption! Let's not let complacency set in...

Reminders:

**We meet in my room at 315 PM tomorrow before the JV game.

**Bring the snacks and drinks to my room.

**We wear black practice shirts and the rest all white.

**Ball boys, be ready to run for the JV game and HAVE BACK-UPS READY FOR THE SECOND HALF WHILE WE WARM UP.

**Be prepared for possible rain and/or thunderstorms.

See you soon!

Monday, August 30, 2010

Bus time for Hopkins...

The bus will leave the HS at 330 PM tomorrow (Tuesday) for the game at Hopkins. Remember, the JV does NOT have a game, so it'll just be us. Be on time!

Friday, August 27, 2010

"Bounce-back" at Allegan...

Guys, overall I was really proud of the effort last night vs. Allegan in the gutty 1-0 win. The ADVERSITY that we faced being short-handed really brought out the best, especially during the second half. Plus, after having a game (and a loss) the night before, it could have been easy to just go through the motions with tired legs and all...you certainly didn't do that...and you should be proud. Let's keep the ball rolling!

Reminders for Monday/next week:

1.) We practice from 10-noon on Monday and we'll meet on the GAME FIELD.

2.) We'll wear BLACK tops on Monday.

3.) Please take care of yourselves this weekend and get/stay healthy! We need everyone's help.

4.) We play at Hopkins on Tuesday at 4:30 PM with a bus arrival yet to be determined.

5.) We play at home against Otsego at 530 PM (meet in my room 315 PM that day for food/video/talk) on Wednesday...BALL BOYS be ready!

6.) Practice on Thursday and Friday is from 10-noon.

7.) Keep in mind our theme for the week: DETAILS! Pay attention to them in your everyday life and strive for the small things because that leads to success in the BIG things!

8.) Enjoy your last full week of summer freedom!

See you guys soon enough....

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Thoughts on Grandville...

Gentlemen, I meant it when I said after the game last night that I really don't think that we got mentally out-toughed in general...so consider that a mini-win and carry it on into our next game vs. Allegan. Plus, you guys all played hard until the final whistle and without any finger-pointing. That's not always easy to do in that game context, so nice work with that as well.

Let's be honest though: we really let a golden opportunity to continue an undefeated season slip away vs. Grandville. That was a winnable game...and with a just a few lapses, bang, all of a sudden it's an ugly 4-2 loss. Let's learn from this one, guys!

Check out the "game recap" link to the left if you so choose....

And also, re-read the "reminders" below in preparation for the Allegan match.

Let's bounce back, guys!

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Reminders...

...for the next two game days:

1.) We wear black each day...gold t-shirt for tomorrow (wed.) and black for thurs.

2.) Bring your whole warm-up suit just in case both days.

3.) The bus leaves promptly at 4 PM each day. The Grandville game will be a later return time due to a greater distance to the game site and a later start time (7 PM for varsity). ARRIVE EARLIER IF YOU NEED TO SEE THE TRAINER!!!

4.) Please remember food and beverage responsibilities each day.

5.) Do your best to stay on a similar wake-up/daily routine each day...and eat/drink right!

6.) Be ready to win two games and give efforts that you'll be proud of! Remember, we will NOT get complacent!

PS. Another "congrats" goes to Zach Beyer for his "soccer cleat award" today. Let's all strive to be MENTALLY TOUGH like Mr. Beyer each and every day!

Monday, August 23, 2010

Parents...

...your sons should have an updated "Parent Food/Beverage List" in their possession as of today's (Monday) practice. Ask them for it if they haven't given it to you!

Thanks so much ahead of time for the help on this...I know the guys appreciate it...as do I. I took care of simple snacks and beverages this past season, but a handful of guys stated that they'd like more for pre-game stuff...hence, this new set-up.

PS for everyone: our bus leaves at 4 PM sharp this Wednesday and Thursday for our away games.

PPS: check out the newly added "roster" info below as well as the "game recap" link.

Saturday, August 21, 2010

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.

Friday, August 20, 2010

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.

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

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...

Friday, August 13, 2010

After Tryouts and Beyond....

Hey, guys.

First, thanks again for the effort these past few days...great all around.

Here is our schedule for the next week as of tonight (Friday):

**Saturday, Aug. 14: Sand Soccer Tourney at Tunnel Park in Holland from 9 AM - noon. If you can remember to bring your own beverage, that'd be great.

**Sunday: off

**Monday: practice from 9-noon (varsity will meet in Coach Robinson's room at 9). Both teams will wear their GOLD practice shirts. That evening at 7 PM, we will have our parent meetings...varsity in Coach Robinson's room and JV in Coach Stieper's room.

**Tuesday: practice from 9-noon (both teams will wear black shirts this day). The JV team will have a community service road trip to the Holland Rescue Mission from 4-7 PM. Meet at the HS at 4 PM for provided transportation.

**Wednesday: practice from 9-noon (both teams will wear gold shirts). Team pictures for both teams are this day with JV at 12:15 and Varsity at 12:30 IN THE HS CAFETERIA.

**Thursday: practice from 9-noon (both teams will wear black shirts). The varsity team will have a community service road trip to the Holland Rescue Mission from 4-7 PM. Meet at the HS at 4 PM for provided transportation.

**Friday: practice from 9-noon (both teams will wear gold shirts). The varsity team will have a team dinner at Coach Robinson's house at 630 PM...details to come.

**Saturday: Varsity (home) with games at 10 AM vs. Allendale, 1130 AM vs. Hastings, and 1 PM vs. Kelloggsville... JV (away) tournament with details to come.

REMINDER: Insurance $$ should be paid promptly and $$ for practice shirts and socks (for some) is DUE BY NEXT FRIDAY, AUG. 20.


That's it for now, guys. Please let one of us know if you have any questions/concerns at all.

Lookin' forward to a great, official start to the season!

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Official Tryout Info...

...for next Wednesday, Aug. 11:

We will meet at the HS track at 8 AM sharp (arrive early!) to start the Iron Man Contest. Scroll down a bit below to review Iron Man Contest rules, etc. The morning session will last from 8 to about 11 AM. Then, after a two-hour lunch break (you will be responsible for your own lunch and you can hang out in either Coach Robinson's or Coach Stieper's classroom if you'd like), we will train from 1 to 3 PM and use this time mostly to scrimmage full field. At the end of the afternoon practice, you'll receive your official Iron Man results, and the top 3 winners will be recognized. This means that for the day, you'll need to come equipped with running shoes, field soccer equipment, and water (AND PLENTY OF IT SINCE IT LOOKS TO BE A VERY HOT FIRST COUPLE DAYS OF PRACTICE).

Refer to any other first week and beyond details in your packet that you should have received near the end of this past school year.

A BIT OF CLARIFICATION: THE TRYOUT PROCESS WILL LAST THROUGH NEXT FRIDAY'S (AUG. 13) PRACTICE. YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED OF YOUR STANDING IN THE PROGRAM IMMEDIATELY AFTER TRAINING THAT DAY. "CUTS" ARE A POSSIBILITY THIS YEAR WITH THE # OF INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE BEEN PLANNING TO COME OUT FOR SOCCER....BE READY!

We're looking forward to starting! We hope you all are too....

PS. See the post below for important information regarding physicals and insurance $$.

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Insurance $$/Physicals UPDATE

Gentlemen, below is a list AS OF TODAY of prospective boys soccer players for this upcoming season who have yet to take care of one or both of the above items, according to the HS main office. Get this taken care of BEFORE Wed., Aug. 11 or you will not be allowed to participate! If you have questions/concerns, you should contact Connie in the main office. She's the one who has to have each of those officially on file.

Here goes:

Connor Hagen...owes $$
R.J. Flowers...owes $$
Dylan Guillozet...no physical/owes $$
Mitch Gage...owes $$
Caleb Cassiday...owes $$
Zach Beyer...no physical/owes $$
Josh Brigham...no physical/owes $$
Cam Perkins...no physical/owes $$
Aaron Kaseumsouk...owes $$
Justin Diep...owes $$
Sam Lohman...owes $$
Andrew Hulsman...owes $$
Tyler Immink...no physical/owes $$
Julio Hernandez...no physical/owes $$
Aaron Polet...no physical/owes $$
Adam Immink...no physical/owes $$
Elijah Walker...owes $$
Aaron Smit...no physical/owes $$
Brady Zomer...no physical/owes $$
Kray Freestone...owes $$
Wyatt Delf...no physical/owes $$
Trevor Edewaard...owes $$
Deban Scholten...no physical/owes $$
Austin Dams...owes $$
Cody Weber...owes $$
Trey DeVries...no physical/owes $$
Blake DeWitt...no physical/owes $$
Kinnon Fast...no physical/owes $$
Anthony Guillozet...no physical/owes $$
Luke Hildenbrand...no physical/owes $$
Ben Pikaart...owes $$
Octavian Condet...no physical/owes $$