As the season winds down, the boys’ varsity soccer team is seeking an exciting finish and hopes to conclude the season on a high note.
Although the Wyverns have a record of 2-10-1, they enter the final stretch of the season with a positive mindset, as they have games that they believe are winnable left. “We fight and scrap hard every game, which is what I love about the team,” senior midfielder Captain Pratt Blair said.
Before each game, the team identifies specific areas to focus on during practice, while also maintaining a relaxed environment. “Practices are a mix of fun and business,” Blair said. “When needed, we will work on skills such as hitting long balls with a partner or dribbling and ball control. Other days, we will play small side games with teams called Champions League. It’s a good tradition we have built up, and the boys get very competitive over it”
Though the game ended in a loss, one of the proudest moments of the season came against Loomis Chaffee. “We went into the game being significant underdogs but held them goalless for the first 35 minutes,” Blair said. “It is fun for me in those situations to see the players start to get frustrated with each other about not scoring, especially a top-five-ranked prep school for soccer nationally.”
The team has a mix of kids across all grades, and the seniors take pride in trying to be as good a role model as they can. “Being an older guy on the team, I know the younger kids look up to me,” senior defender Colton Bischoff said, “so I try to keep positive and make it an enjoyable environment for them so they have a positive mindset going into next season.”
A key strength to build on going forward is the team’s ability to work well together. “The team camaraderie is great,” Bischoff said. “Everyone loves playing with each other, and just enjoying what we have in front of us.”
With the season coming to a close, the team has four games remaining against Cheshire Academy, Wilbraham and Monson Academy, Williston Northampton School, and Dexter Southfield School. As these games come and go, the team is changing its mindset. “My mindset is to keep positive, try and win as much as possible, and have fun since it is my last few games with the boys,” Blair said.
As fall sports wind down, look for the KO boys’ varsity soccer team to improve steadily and compete well. They will play hard until the final whistle and try to accomplish their goals. Good luck, Wyverns.
