Soccer

A fitting coda to Sullivan West’s boys soccer season

‘One for the ages’ season feted at team banquet

By RICHARD A. ROSS

JEFFERSONVILLE, NY — Much has been written about the 2006 Sullivan West boys soccer season, a campaign that led to a record of 10-5-3, the best in the school’s history. To celebrate the effort of the boys and the huge supporting cast that made this magical season come to pass, a gathering was held on December 3 at the St. George’s Church Pantry, replete with fine food, gifts and stirring words from head coach Debbie Owen.

The dinner, which was organized by parents Jill Grishaber and Meg Armstrong, featured food prepared by the soccer parents.

Slide shows prepared by Grishaber and this writer ran side-by-side on laptops and brought back many memories. Following dinner, Owen began her retinue of thanks with recognition for parents who got their sons to the early 7:00 a.m. practices that commenced last August.

She also thanked the ball runners, team nurses Donna Feeney and Sue Drobysh, scorekeepers and her co-coaches, including Ron Bernhardt and girls soccer coach Mike Ellmauer. She recognized Rick Ellison and Betsy Conaty. Kind words were offered to the school administration and to the media coverage found in The River Reporter and the Sullivan County Democrat. Wrapping up the list, Owen thanked Gavin Owen for his managerial duties and the Sullivan West buildings and grounds crew.

Owen noted that this team was a unique group. After losing a wealth of players to graduation last year, she and assistant coach Bernhardt thought that the achievements of the 2005 Bulldogs would be unsurpassed. But this year’s group, led by its eight seniors and the stellar play of captains Ross Bernhardt, Kevin Cappiello, Kienan Garn and Garrett Owen, coalesced into a team defined by hard work, confidence and a strong abiding belief in themselves.

It was a season marked by emotion. They lost a mentor with the passing of Lenny Miret, but reached untold heights with their “one for the ages” shutout of Burke. “They left memories that no one can repeat,” Owen said.

Since the school did not have a junior varsity team this year, many players who would have been on that team played at the varsity level. Despite the team’s prevalence of youth, the results were most impressive.

As a coach who fully appreciates and affirms the efforts of every player, Owen cited each with something positive and, at times, humorous.

James Spruill: “A quick learner; became a bouncer, not one who was bounced.”

Steven Gaebel: “Greatly improved, forgetful at times but dedicated.”

Harold Smith: “A gentleman, hard working, gave 100 percent effort.”

Mitch Ellmauer: “Greatly improved speed moved him from a defender to striker. He scored twice in the Eldred game and yearned to become the team assassin.”

Gaston Owen: “Never gave up. He had a great touch.”

Kevin Correa: “He calmed down from last year. He was a defensive asset.”

Colin Seidl: “A great stopper turned defensive winger. He wore out his adversaries and vastly improved his heading game.”

Eric Minton: “A scrapper who made up for his smaller size.”

Justin Armstrong: “Filled a tough role and had five goals and four assists. He was a big help to the front line.”

Logan Grishaber: “Helped the Dawgs put the best team on the field by becoming the keeper. Made 127 saves.”

Next up were the juniors.

Peter Parikh: “A rookie with a smile from ear to ear.”

Jesse Fadis: “He picked up the front line and continues to grow into a fine player.”

Rich Feeney: “Made the sacrifice to go from offense to defense. He and Seidl had to man the other teams’ best players.

Owen then spoke about the seniors.

Todd Calvet:“A gentle giant with a kick that came a long way.”

Joseph Drobysh: “Greatly improved with a powerful kick. He stepped up and became more focused.”

Kevin Pinkel: “A future movie director, lawyer or coach. Worked with Parikh and came ready to play at any position.”

Vincent Spruill: “Matured from two years ago; a team player.”

Owen reserved her most poignant comments for her captains.

Ross Bernhardt: “The most consistent player; a great work ethic; the rock of the team. He mixed it up this year with the other team’s bigger players.”

Kevin Cappiello: “Had three goals and 11 assists; the hub of the field, he could kick it to anyone anywhere; became a strong leader as he worked the center of the field and was everywhere.”

Kienan Garn: “He made everyone believe we could do it. During the first half of the season when he had the ball he scored; things got harder when he got hurt but he never let up.”

Garrett Owen: “I was always confident when he got the ball back there that we’d be okay. He had four goals and four assists; he moved us up a level from a ground game to an air game with his heading (three of four goals were on headers); though we lost three defenders and a keeper from graduation, he directed the defense. We gave up no penalty kicks this year.”

Owen presented each of the seniors with framed photos of themselves put together by Grishaber, who then gave Owen a picture of Garrett kicking the ball right in front of his mother/coach in his last game of his career. Its intensity defined the season that was truly “one for the ages.”