After losing a number of key starters, the Panthers look to its young players to lead a run deep into the postseason.
By MIMI BEA
Assistant sports editor
Nick Ichien tries to halt a Viewpoint Pilgram’s progress towards the Poly net in a 2 - 2 tie. Evan Robinson/The Paw Print
While most of Poly’s sports teams took time off during winter break, the boysboys’ varsity soccer team worked to improve its game by practicing regularly, playing in the Ontario Christian Tournament and facing off against Viewpoint. The team worked rigorously during the pre-league season to build both the team’s skill and unity among new and returning players. The team’s work has clearly paid off: as junior and three-year varsity player Matthew Diephuis says, “I think this year’s team plays better soccer as a team compared to the teams my last two years.” Although last year’s varsity boys soccer season finished on a disappointing note, this year’s squad returned to the field with their heads held high, ready to leave the previous season behind. Asked how this year’s team compares to last year’s, senior Nick Ichien comments, “We are a much better team than we were last year; we are definitely a much more skillful and experienced team this year.” Diephuis attributes much of the team’s success to four-year varsity players Nick Ichien and Alex Goldberg, saying, “This is the third year I have played with Nick and Alex, and I think they have both turned into very good leaders. Neither one of them ever complains with the referees, and they consistently bring good attitudes to games and practice.” Diephuis continues, “They set a really nice example for the younger players, and both are clearly very skilled athletes who contribute greatly to our successes as a team.” Although Ichien and Goldberg, as seniors with four years of varsity experiences, are talented players and great leaders on the team, they are not the only ones who have demonstrated their leadership abilities. This year’s squad consists of many experienced players, and instead of picking two athletes to assume the role of team captains, coach Doug Jolly has taken a different approach. “Mr. Jolly has decided to switch the team captains every game, and I think that this is indicative of the leadership in the team,” explains Ichien. “I don’t think that there is any sole leader of the group. I think the most effective way for one to help motivate this team is to get motivated himself and to play with intensity. Many times, this intensity is infectious and spreads to the rest of the players.” While the team is mostly composed of returning players, a few new players definitely stand out on the field. When asked which younger players have stepped up, Ichien pointed out freshman Jack Birkenbeuel: “He has taken on an important role in the midfield, and he has taken on this responsibility with great composure.” Diephuis agreed that Birkenbeuel has been an asset to this year’s team, stating, “He has been a really great addition to the team as someone who has a lot of soccer experience, skill and confidence in his game. He’s started and played almost every minute of every game as a freshman, and I’m sure we can expect great things from him as the season progresses, and in future seasons.” The Panthers’ pre-league record is 4-5-4, and with Prep League play just commencing, Diephuis says, “We definitely have the potential to win at least one, maybe two games in CIF if we play hard.” Although the Panthers faced a tough loss against Chadwick in their first Prep League game, Diephuis still believes that the team is extremely capable of achieving great success this season, saying, “We are going have to step it up a lot after our loss to Chadwick to make it to CIF, but I know it’s possible.”
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