It is the beginning of the end for fall sports. With post-season tournaments in sight, EC soccer finishing up at second in the league, and eyes set on the last few weeks, EC coaches shared their reflections at the end of last week on the season.
EC Soccer
What has the highlight of the season been for you so far?
Coach John Haezebrouck: Fernando Caccia, Jack Cross, Eduardo Dominguez, Alexander Earnhardt, and Matthew Stafford. Seeing the growth of this Senior class in terms of their leadership has been my highlight. These five seniors have really taken the underclassmen under their wings and pushed them to be better players and better men of character.
What are your goals for the remainder of the season?
We set three team goals at the beginning of the season and all can be achieved by season’s end.
#1: Earn a year on the banner (within reach)
#2: Beat Shrine (we play Thursday for the league championship) Note: EC soccer lost a hard fought battle and took second in the league.
#3: 5 league shutouts (have 4 so far) Note: achieved on 9/24
What stands out for you about this year’s team?
The togetherness and bond that these boys have. There is a willingness to work together and achieve their goals as one. We are 11-2 and there is a direct correlation between the work that they’ve put in together and the results that they’ve earned as a team.
EC Volleyball
What has the highlight of the season been for you so far?
Coach Gina Mirjah: To date the highlight for the varsity volleyball team is the fact that this young team has found a way to dig deep, be a little uncomfortable and outside their element, and produce more than they thought possible. To see their excitement is very rewarding.
What are your goals for the remainder of the season?
Goals for the rest of the season are to work on refining our skills, continue to build team trust, and have fun!
What stands out for you about this year’s team?
This year’s team is mentally tougher than I thought. They are digging deep, pushing hard, and always building each other up. They are a joy to coach.
EC Cross Country
What has the highlight of the season been for you so far?
Coach Mary Williams: There are moments every season when a runner falls in love with running or reaches their true potential. I got a text a few weeks ago from a runner that read, “I just wanted to let you know how awesome that run felt. I finally understand what you mean about breaking through a wall. So… I wanted to say thank you. Thank you for pushing me even when I kind of hate you for it.” Seeing each runner push themselves and overcome their personal limits is the highlight of every season for me. Of course, it also doesn’t hurt that we have picked up a few trophies and won our first CHSL Jamboree in school history.
What are your goals for the remainder of the season?
The team’s goals are always three-fold: to achieve their personal best, to grow as a team, and to make it to States.
What stands out for you about this year’s team?
This year’s team stands out both for their running success which began with their dedication to their summer training as well as for their unity as a team. This time last year I found myself telling the squad I didn’t care if they made it to States if they didn’t do it as a united team. This year that isn’t even a question. They are united and running together like EC cross country has never done before.
EC Football
What has the highlight of the season been for you so far?
Coach Michael Pruchnicki: The football program has been working hard to come together as a team through the different team activities including team Mass, volunteering for youth camps, and working hard at practice. The highlight of the year has been seeing this brotherhood on the team develop.
What are your goals for the remainder of the season?
The goals for our team are to be our best each day, to grow closer to Christ, and to win the Catholic League championship.
What stands out for you about this year’s team?
The resiliency of this team stands out to me so far. The team continues to work hard and takes on the challenges that the coaching staff gives them. It has been a pleasure coaching this group this year.
