BY KAYLA GATES
With the fall sports season quickly approaching, select CCHS students have emerged from the sidelines. In preparation for the upcoming competition, prospective players have taken to the field in hopes of making the 2019-2020 girls’ and boys’ soccer teams.
Girls’ and boys’ soccer tryouts were held over the course of the last week in October. Prospective players traveled to Flamingo West Park to condition on the new fields. The evaluations took place over multiple days in order for the coaches to properly assess each and every athlete.
Days were divided based upon experience, with new and returning players having separate opportunities. New players participated in the first two days of tryouts. Those that caught the attention of the coaching staff were asked to return with the remainder of the players on the following two days.
Returning players were able to demonstrate their development from last season. Those who had previously played on the junior varsity team had the opportunity to earn a promotion to the varsity team.
A new aspect of this season’s tryouts was the method the coaches chose to announce eligible team members. In years past, teams have traditionally posted lists with their final rosters. This document is usually circulated via social media so that students are aware of their status.
“During these few days of tryouts, it has been an intense experience.”
This year, coaches chose to distribute results in the form of a letter. After the final day of tryouts, envelopes were handed to each player, each containing a note announcing whether or not the individual made the team.
With the initial distribution taking place on the field, coaches advised players to wait until they returned home to open their letters. With some cuts being made due to the high turnout rates, students were encouraged to receive their results privately.
“During these few days of tryouts, it has been an intense experience,” sophomore Peter Rzepko said. “The skill level is insane.”
Despite the difficulty of making such decisions, tryouts are viewed as a necessary aspect of playing a sport. Coaches consider tryout performance when forming their teams.
“There are a lot of great players who tried out,” sophomore Emily Bruzgis said. “We all help each other out and grow together as the season goes on.”
With tryouts behind them, the CCHS coaching staff has finalized their rosters for the upcoming soccer season. The boys’ and girls’ teams have maintained and acquired various players that could assist them in the upcoming competition. Both players and coaches have expressed their excitement for the season ahead.
Photo by Anabella Garcia
