Senior Bo Cook #4 challenges for the ball Cedar Springs Keeper Kyle Coutchie jumps for the ball. Also pictured: #9 Jake Rickner, #4 Bo Cook, #5 Tyler Hinton, and #2 Ron Fisk.
Reflecting back over this past season, the Cedar Springs varsity soccer team has given their school and community much to be proud of. Coach Avink has impressed upon them not only strong soccer technique, but also teamwork, brotherhood, hard work, team spirit, and sportsmanship. This talented team has shown a lot of growth throughout the season as demonstrated by their 17-3 win/loss record, making school history by becoming OK Blue Conference Champs, and competing for the district title. This team had high expectations going into the district games, knowing they had worked so hard up to this point and they believed it was within their reach.
On the cold, windy Thursday of October 21, 2010 the Cedar Springs Red Hawks traveled to Ludington to match up against the Ludington Orioles in the second round of district games. The score remained 0-0 at the half. Shortly into the second half, with 30:07 on the clock, Mikko Jarviniemi knocked the ball into the net for a 1-0 Red Hawk lead. With approximately 15 minutes left in the game, the Orioles tied it up 1-1. The Red Hawks kept the pressure on the Orioles. At the 6:47 mark, senior Ryan Austin (assist Kyle Szirovecz) scored the winning goal allowing the Red Hawks to claim a 2-1 victory and earned them the opportunity to play for the district title on Saturday, October 23.
The varsity team once again hit the road and traveled to Muskegon Orchard View Schools to take on the Greenville Hornets. The final game of districts took place on a rainy Saturday, but it didn’t damper the fan support and enthusiasm for the team. Even though the Red Hawks played a spirited game and had more scoring opportunities than Greenville, the Hornets came out victorious with a 2-0 win.
After the final game, Coach Avink commented on the season. “The guys had a tremendous season and accomplished more than we could’ve imagined. They have everything to be proud of. The program took huge steps this year and I look forward to the years to come! Great job guys!”
The team would also like to thank their parents and faithful fans for their encouragement and support throughout this amazing season.
