By ELIJAH BANALES
The Tower
As winter approach leaves a sharp bite in the air, the thud of cleats meeting the soccer ball signals a highly anticipated return to the pitch.
This week, the field transformed into a battleground as players' tryouts officially kicked off, drawing an eager crowd of determined players who have a chance to play this season, both returners and newbies.
For players returning this season, coaches set up goals to create expectations, pressure, and wants for any player in their senior year as well as goals for newcomers.
"This senior class, they were freshmen when I first took over the program. So, I got a chance to see them grow for four years," said Varsity Soccer Coach Burns.
And for newcomers being seen at tryouts, coaches have goals in mind to build and develop the JV team as much as possible when tryouts end.
"Throughout the season I want to build chemistry and build on discipline for the new upcoming season," said JV Soccer Coach Eddie.
As tryouts start after school, bringing late nights and cold hours, Coach Burns sees the returners and has his own goal to get them what they want out of this season- it being, for some of them, their last.
As coaches decide who will make the JV and Varsity cuts for the upcoming season, Coach Burns sees a strong group of returning players who will be vital to the team's success. He already has high expectations for each of the returners, as well as unique goals and obstacles they will need to overcome.
“-I’m excited to see how they preform, for some it’s their second year at the varsity level… looking forward to see them taken on bigger roles,” said Coach Burns
With excitement building among the coaches during these tryouts for talented returners, Coach Burns and his team look forward to competing again and making this their best season yet.
“I’ve been watching this group through the summer and though the fall and I’m just excited to get going, can’t wait for us to get into our first game and see how these guys compete against somebody else,” said Coach Burns