The first day of double sessions went well for the Marauders. Over 70 players reported for double sessions. We started the first session by acknowledging JV Coach Michael Callanan's 48th year of coaching high school soccer. Although he is focusing on the season ahead, he is also planning ahead for years 49 and 50!
The mixture of drills and scrimmages allowed all five coaches the chance to observe the players in a variety of circumstances. There is some sense of immediacy with Varsity candidates, since the team will be named at the end of practice tomorrow. There are many more candidates who are capable of playing on that level than there are spaces available. These will be hard choices, and there will be some tough cuts. However, because we are able to guarantee every player a spot on one of our four teams, it cushions the blow somewhat. There will be a number of players who may not be initially happy with their placement, but we are confident in our ability to make these placements, and to balance the individual developmental needs of every player with the best interests of each team.
Tuesday night, the scene shifts to Merriman-Branch Field for the annual Alumni Game at 7:00. The Alumni team seems to be taking this year's match pretty seriously. They have even printed tee shirts for the occasion. The game will be highlighted by a pair of father-son confrontations, with alum Jim Mitchell hoping to score on Konrad in the Marauder goal, and the first-ever Strohbehn family clash, with alums Kris and Ian (father and son), squaring off against younger brothers Luke and Sam. We are looking forward to greeting former Marauder Captain Angus Kennedy, just returned from his work with Grassroot Soccer in South Africa and Zambia. Everyone in the program is welcome to this entertaining event!
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