Kennard-Dale boys soccer has great season
FAWN GROVE, Pa. — Kennard-Dale鈥檚 soccer team is playing outstanding this season with a record of 17 wins, 3 losses, and 1 tie. This impressive performance resulted in them clinching the division championship, a feat they had not achieved since 2004. The Rams鈥� placed second in the tournament held at the county level and successfully earned a spot in the districts. The team won the first district game against Lampeter-Strasburg but lost in the second round against Cocalico.
Building upon their performance from last year, 9 out of the 11 starters were returning players. Additionally, they strengthened our roster by including a few new freshman players who will provide some added depth. The team鈥檚 goal next year is driven by a desire to progress further in the district competition and earn a spot in the statewide competition.
The captains for this year’s team are seniors Ben Zimmerman and Aiden Hardester. Assisting them in leading the team are Colin Jester, Dylan Logue, and Domenic Mannarino. Levi Sharnetzka decided to give up his position as team captain this year, feeling that there were more knowledgeable teammates better suited for this role. As their coach, Matt Logue said, 鈥� I was startled by this, but it demonstrates genuine growth and display of concern towards the team’s goals and aspirations.鈥�
During home games, the team gathers to listen to music that helps them get into the right mindset for the game. It provides them with the opportunity to concentrate and calm down before starting their warm-up activities on the field.
Being part of KD鈥檚 soccer family is important to all associated with the program. This year, a new student, Evan Kapfhammer, joined the team and was a new student. According to Coach Logue, 鈥淗e entered the room and the group welcomed him as if he belonged with them. The fact that they called him 鈥楾hor鈥� due to his long hair was also advantageous for him. I mean, who wouldn’t enjoy having a name that is associated with a deity?
The players each have their own way of commemorating the games. They discuss their plans for practice and pre-game activities occasionally, but when the actual moment arrives, they often become immersed in the excitement and abandon their initial intentions. As a result, Matt commented, 鈥淭he winning celebration turns out exactly as it should. Working together as a unified group. The team had a fantastic start to their season, winning eight games and tying one. I don’t believe that has been accomplished here at KD. Dylan Logue is close to reaching a significant milestone in his high school career, nearing 40 goals. Currently, he has scored 36 goals in total and 10 goals in the current season, so reaching 50 goals is not too far away for him. Ryan Schwab, who is in his second year with our team, has already scored 7 goals this season at an early stage.鈥�
Matt also added, 鈥淕ary Stephenson has joined the coaching staff and brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the team. His presence has motivated the boys and helped them understand what they can achieve. It has helped the boys remain focused on our ultimate goal of making significant progress in districts and states.鈥�
Some of the soccer team players shared their perspective on playing soccer at KD and their personal goals.
11th grade Ram and a 13-year soccer player, Ben Cunningham, hopes to not only play soccer at the collegiate level but also play professionally. 鈥淔ocus鈥� was the word that Ben uses most when it comes to soccer, 鈥淔ocus on what I can control, not doubt. Focus on the small wins鈥�.forget about mistakes and focus on what鈥檚 next.鈥� He also loves, 鈥渢he feeling of winning,鈥� while being a team member reminds him how his actions can affect others. Before the game, you鈥檒l find Ben, 鈥渓istening to my pregame playlist full blast in my car.鈥� When not involved with soccer, he enjoys hanging out with friends and family.
16-year old, 11th KD grader, Dylan Logue, also hopes to play soccer at the collegiate level. Music helps him keep the right mindset as he, 鈥渢hinks, visualizes, then makes it happen,鈥� on the field. Being part of the soccer team has taught Dylan to, 鈥渂e responsible and respectful, no matter what!鈥� He enjoys the 鈥減eople, laughs, and aggression,鈥� while playing soccer and 鈥減laying video games, hanging out with his friends and music,鈥� when not playing.
Before games, he adds his Mom鈥檚 initials to his wrist tape and gives his Dad a hug. Dylan self-admittedly, 鈥渕ade many mistakes while playing,鈥� and knows has to forget about them. When playing, he adapts by keeping a short term memory mindset during games. He added, 鈥� I wouldn鈥檛 want to be playing for any other program than this one!鈥�
Senior Kyle Coones, 17, is also a 13-year soccer veteran. He hopes to have a winning season, and make KD history. He mentioned some advice he tries to remember, 鈥淗ard work beats talent. When talent doesn鈥檛 work, work harder.鈥� Being a part of the Rams soccer team has taught Kyle that he鈥檚 responsible for his actions and to never take an opponent lightly. Outside of soccer, he enjoys going to the gym and working.
Senior Sam Lighty, 17, closely echoed Kyle鈥檚 thoughts about playing KD soccer. He hopes to score a goal this season. He appreciates, 鈥� the excitement of the game,鈥� and listens to his coach鈥檚 advice, 鈥渘ever give up.鈥� Playing for the Rams has taught Sam, 鈥� respect.鈥� When not playing soccer, he enjoys playing video games.
The Rams soccer team invested and became hooked on the thrill of winning, which they greatly enjoy and it brought them closer together. Coach Matt summarized their current season, 鈥淭his group of individuals successfully revived the reputation of KD Soccer as the undisputed team to defeat in York County, making it a prominent topic of discussion once again. Their contribution has been influential in shaping the culture at KD, and their determination to maintain excellence remains unwavering.鈥�
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