Another season for the boys’ Varsity soccer team has gone by, making this year’s record 6-14-1. After a loss to Morton in the second round of playoffs, the boys are able to take their cleats off for the first time since their season began.

This year, 12 of the Varsity team’s athletes were seniors.  Those who are graduating have been involved in the program all four years, leaving spaces to fill for next season.  One of the two youngest on the team, sophomore Daniel Grahm, was moved up during his freshman year. 

“We were very inconsistent in games and practices this year.  We just couldn’t really find the back of the net besides the one game against St. Francis,” Grahm said.

Even though the team didn’t end with a consistent winning streak, practicing and competing with the seniors for their last year was something everyone enjoyed and found meaningful.

“The record doesn’t reflect how I feel about the season,” senior Dylan Hicks said.  “As a senior, the season was more about having fun and playing with my friends and teammates for the last time.”

Along with the graduating seniors, this was head Varsity coach, Mike Schmitt’s, last season at DGN.  After ten years in the program, Schmitt has decided to step down and allow room for a new head coach next season.

“This season has been a bit different for me personally since it is my last season.  It’s been a bit of a roller coaster from a soccer standpoint and emotionally as well,” Schmitt said. “The highs and lows of each moment have been hitting a little bit harder.”

Schmitt’s was able to continue his last season of coaching all the way to the second round of playoffs.  The game was played Oct. 21 against Berwyn/Cicero Morton, unfortunately resulting in a loss of 3-0.  

“During the game, we held Morton to one goal for the first 65 minutes.  Even though we let in two more goals, I’m proud of how the team played throughout the season,” senior captain Jackson Irby said.

Right now, it’s undecided who the new head coach will be next season.  With the 12 current seniors gone next fall, there will be many new faces on the Varsity team.

“Next year, we just need to figure the game out as a whole. I’m looking forward to being a senior because I’ll be able to lead and be a quality player for the team,” junior Jimmy Harkness said.