Coming off a WIAA state championship in 2019, the SHS boys soccer team had high hopes to repeat their success in the fall, until the pandemic delayed the season to March of last year.

While the extra time off gave the team more opportunity to hone their skills even more, Liam Martin, senior and captain was disappointed when the season was delayed.

“We all trained extra hard during the summer months leading up to the fall season, so it was definitely a big letdown when it got cancelled,” said Martin.

Kyle Konkol, head coach, commends the team for their hard work and dedication off the field.

“I give them a lot of credit for getting together on their own to train,” Konkol said. “Individual responsibility and preparation in the preseason has been a big part of our success these last few years. These guys have taken that to another level with their dedication. And now we are all excited to get back on the pitch with the energy we’ve stored away.”

Owen Weisse, junior, feels his individual game has improved since last year because of his practice during quarantine.

“I have definitely improved as an overall player, with all the downtime I’ve had due to quarantine. I spend time doing footwork in my backyard or passing against the wall,” Weisse said. “I feel this experience has made me a better player both mentally and technically.”

Weisse is confident that the team will defend their state championship because each team member is contributing to the success of the team.

“We feel we have a good chance to retain our state championship, we have a lot of talented players on our team from freshman grade to senior. I feel we have a very balanced squad that can compete for anything we put our minds to,” Weisse said.

There are various COVID protocols in place this season to ensure the safety of all coaches and players.

“Coaches have to mask up always and with the benefit of being outside, players are allowed to play without masks on. They do put them on when not competing,” Konkol said.

From the coaches perspective, Konkol has tried to keep the game plan as simple and effective as it was last year. Minimal changes have been made in order to adjust to changing rosters.

“Every year is different. Players graduate and others improve. Sometimes players move into different positions for what our team needs. Last season we were a counter-attacking team with a heavy offensive punch but we defended a lot. That was a tiring way to play but it was best for that team,” Konkol said. “This year we hope to still be heavy on offense but have the ball more in order to defend less.”

The team is able to balance locking into the goal of winning and having fun. While a competitive atmosphere is maintained during practices, teammates are able to spend time in a more relaxed setting before practice.

“The feeling around the team kind of changes depending on the situation. Before practice it’s a really relaxed and fun atmosphere. We got guys kicking a ball around and joking with one another. However, once training starts, everybody is ultra-competitive and wants to win every single game we play,” Martin said. “It’s kind of like a switch that we can turn on and off at any time.”

With all of the preparations in place, the team is ready to go and prove that they are a contender for the state title once again.