Leading the boys’ varsity soccer team’s 2025 season day in and day out is senior forward Co-captain Pratt Blair, who has been instrumental to the team’s success.
Blair has been playing soccer for most of his life. He first laced up his cleats at the age of 6 when he joined the town’s recreational league. His passion for the game early on led him to join his town’s travel team and later a high-level club through the Sporting CT program.
Blair is not just a one-sport athlete, as he is also a co-captain of the boys’ varsity tennis program as well. “I had always viewed soccer as my second sport, but as I progressed, I realized both sports complemented each other, and I began to appreciate it more,” Blair said. “I love the team spirit the game brings, and it means a lot to me,” he said.
While the team’s record has not been a strong reflection of their effort and hard work put forth, Blair knows that they can turn the corner and finish this season strong. “We are resilient. Out of all the KO soccer teams I have been on, this team impresses me the most. Our boys get along, which is important and boosts morale, but we have many young players who have stepped up, and I am proud and thankful for them,” Blair said. “Although our record doesn’t show it, this team is hard-working.”
Up to this point, the boys stand at 2-10-1 but are determined to stay focused and give it their all in the final contests of the year. With Blair at the helm, he understands the importance of conveying this message and how even the most minor details, such as his body language, can impact the rest of the team. “Learning to stay positive and take it all with a grain of salt is so important. At the end of the day, you can’t let a tough loss define your season because there is always the next game a couple of days away to prepare for,” Blair said. “Along with that, encouragement, positivity, and hard work are words I live by.”
Soccer offers numerous valuable life lessons to those who participate in it, including the importance of teamwork and camaraderie. Blair has learned to cherish every opportunity on the field because he knows that someday soon, there will be no more jerseys to put on, teams to rally around, or roars from the Wyvern sideline when the boys are triumphant in their efforts. “KO soccer has meant everything to me these past four years,” Blair said. “I have made some serious lifelong memories, and our team and I have endured serious hardships. I will take the lessons I have learned these four years and carry them on after my high school years.”
With three games left against Wilbraham & Monson, Cheshire Academy, and Dexter Southfield, the Wyverns will look to put a few more in the win column. “Although the season has been tiring at some points, I keep reminding myself to enjoy and cherish the last few soccer games at KO,” Blair said. “The four years have really flown by.”
As the season continues, Neikrie will continue to play an integral role in the team’s success, and we wish him the best of luck!
