The boy’s soccer team kicked off the 2010 season with a championship win in the Fat Cat tournament in which they are hoping to end their season carrying home the Kansas 6A State Championship trophy. In 2009 the team finished with a 13-6 record and a loss in the State quarter final to Lawrence Free State.
With this disappointing loss last year the boys soccer team is coming out of the shadows of football to raise the bar in the Blue Valley West soccer program. Changes from last season to this season have contributed to the series of wins. “Well the biggest difference from last year is that we are playing as a team, Coach Aiman did a great job of emphasizing “team work” this year”, Seo Hyun Kim expresses his opinion. Despite the new philosophy, the soccer team holds an advantage unlike any other school in the EKL. Seventeen seniors dominate the field with experience and high expectations from the underclassman.
“I think having so many seniors brings great “foundation” to our team because of all of our experience, we all keep each other accountable and push each other to get better, However, underclassman like Garrett and Seo In really bring that extra spark to our team”, says Seo Hyun. Not only has the team taken their talents to the next level, but the fans have created a supporting atmosphere much like Friday night football games. “I believe that our school has been a football school in the past but this year the fans In our grade are supporting us very well and getting the whole school involved in soccer games and making them more enjoyable for everyone, soccer fans are great this year”, senior Justin Wedel.
According to the Kansas High school boys soccer rankings Blue Valley West is ranked second under Saint Thomas Aquinas for all classes and ranked number one in Kansas for 6A. STA will be the toughest match up for Blue Valley West that will be played October 19 at STA. Seniors have gone as far as making soccer crew t-shirts to support the team on their road to a State Championship. With a sweet repeat from the girl’s team high hopes remain for a triumphant conclusion to the boy’s soccer team.