In the world of high school soccer, regional playoffs are often a culmination of hard work, dedication, and skill. The air is filled with excitement as players and coaches alike prepare for the challenge of competing against the best teams in their region. This year, the soccer enthusiasts of Morgan Township High School and Wheeler High School, have an exceptional story to tell. For the first time in recent memory, both the boys and girls teams from Morgan Township and Wheeler were seeded to face each other in regionals, setting the stage for an unprecedented dual regional showdown against Wheeler.
Both soccer programs’ coaches are beaming with pride as their teams qualified for the regional playoffs. It's a testament to their hard work, dedication, and the exceptional talent that has developed under their guidance. For both programs, this achievement signifies a new era of excellence, showing the rest of the state what they are capable of.
“It feels amazing for our team to qualify for regionals,” said Nate Anweiler, Wheeler’s Girls Soccer coach. “Our sectional group had several teams who were more than capable of moving on to the regional stage. Our team feels very proud and blessed to be able to keep our season going. Also, to have the boys moving on as well just makes the atmosphere that much better.”
Both the boys and girls teams have had remarkable seasons. Key moments, such as thrilling overtime victories and dominating performances, have been the stepping stones to regional success. These moments have helped mold these athletes into the formidable competitors they are today. In this case, this is Morgan Township Girls Soccer's first time making regionals, which shows their dominance and drive.
“We started off with a good foundation from last year, but we also grew a lot from the beginning,” said Michelle Smith, Morgan Township Girls Soccer coach. “We started off well and had a few wins, but I would say a game that kickstarted us was against Boone Grove High School. We had a tough match against them, and it really showed our team that they can compete against good teams.”
The coaches stress the importance of learning and growth, no matter the final score. The regional tournament is an opportunity for players to gain valuable experience, develop as athletes, and further cement their love for the sport.
“I want the boys to be proud of what they've accomplished,” said Steve Cuson, Morgan Township Boys Soccer coach. “Their improvements, both individually and as a team, are something I hope they remember for a lifetime. Win or lose, we consider this season a success.”
Team bonding and camaraderie have been vital components of the four teams' success. These coaches emphasized the strong friendships and connections among their players, as they believe this unity has contributed significantly to their accomplishments. It's not just about playing soccer; it's about being a part of a family.
“The culture of our team is outstanding,” said Jay Verttickal, Wheeler Boys Soccer coach. “Freshmen were welcomed by upperclassmen from the start. This has created a relaxed clubhouse with multiple personalities that work together. Simply put, they lift each other up and have each other's back on and off the field.”
For the athletes at Morgan Township and Wheeler, being part of a regional-bound soccer team is a source of immense pride. This accomplishment carries personal significance, as it reflects their dedication and passion for the sport as well as the fulfillment of a shared dream.
“Qualifying for regionals has made all of the hard work we put in during the season and offseason pay off,” said Brayden Cuson, a senior on the Morgan Township soccer team. “For me personally, as a senior and one of the leaders on the team, it is very rewarding to qualify for regionals.”
Competing against each other, a rare occurrence does bring a unique blend of excitement and pressure. It's not just about winning but about making history. The rareness of this opportunity is the driving force that motivates these athletes to give their all.
“It can be difficult since we’ve never played Wheeler before, but we are going to play our normal game and give it our all,” said Hailey Hardesty of the Morgan Township Girls Soccer team. “There is always pressure when playing a game, especially in the State Tournament but the pressure is usually within ourselves to play our best game possible. The coaches try not to pressure us and tell us to play our game but most importantly have fun.”
Each player has their own standout moments, from crucial goals to game-changing saves. These instances are what have propelled the team to the regional playoffs, and the students are proud to have played a part in these successes.
“During the beginning of our season, our goalie had gotten injured, and at the time we had no backup goalie,” said Justyna Podczerwinkski, Wheeler senior goalkeeper. “I stepped up to the position of becoming the goalie because of my former experience as one. At first, I wasn’t the happiest that my senior year I would be playing goalie instead of center back, but I soon realized it was best for my team if I played that position and quickly got over it.”
The dual regional showdown between Morgan Township and Wheeler is not just another soccer match; it's a story of dedication, unity, and the pursuit of excellence. We wish each of the teams the best of luck as they continue to excel in their craft.