Off-season workouts that result in better team chemistry has been the key to the Hobart High School boys soccer team's early 3-0 record in the Northwest Crossroads Conference.
Second-year Head Coach John Hutchins said about 14-15 of his athletes play club ball during the off-season.
“It is definitely a plus, having so many playing year round," Hutchins said. "The strength of this team comes from a great group of seniors on the defense that have built up a great chemistry and we are definitely strong in the goal."
Hutchins praised seniors Matt Plesac, Martin Howland, Todd Burns, KJ Haluska, Miguel Marcano and Vincent Olmos - who he said are all tough on defense and are "definitely leaders on the team."
Players agreed that conditioning in the off months has had a direct impact on the Brickies' quick start.
“I think we have a good chemistry on the team this year, especially the defense,” said Olmos, while Burns noted the team "worked harder in the off-season than we have in the past."
Plesac, a captain, placed an emphasis on "no longer playing as individuals, but as a team."
"We have all learned to trust each other and play soccer how it is supposed to be played," he said.
Haluska, the team's goalie, echoed his teammates' sentiments.
"We have a good chemistry going this season,” he said.
Hobart also has strong juniors (Zach Pardus, Willie Prieto, Greg Gill, Hank Pimental, Carter Gibson) and sophomores (Cody Bryant, Jason Hylek and Adrian Cantos) coming up as the team continues to improve at midfield and striker positions.
Hutchins and assistant coach Don Decker are extremely proud of the hardworking team and want to continue seeing their work pay off in a successful season.
The Brickies boast a perfect 3-0 mark in conference, with their only loss the entire season coming to La Porte. They are back in action on Tuesday, September 9 against Bishop Noll one day before returning to NCC play at Lowell.