Representing CUC
Posted by Chad Kettner on February 15, 2007
When push comes to shove, these guys get the job done.
The men’s CUC soccer team has started the season with four wins and only one loss, something that many would not have expected a year ago. It’s not that people thought that there wasn’t any soccer talent at this school, it’s the simple fact that CUC hasn’t had a soccer team since 2003 – and even then they weren’t in an official league.
However, soccer is back – thanks in part to huge efforts made by Stefan Sremac and Tyler Ferguson. Tyler continually pleaded with Mr. Schafer to make it happen. “I told him that I’d find the players if there weren’t enough.”
Putting together extramural sports teams has always been a difficult thing for this school. Not only is it hard to guarantee that there will be enough athletes on such a small campus, but it is also difficult to find athletes that are willing to commit to the program and all the time it requires. This group of guys, however, made it clear that they were willing to do what it takes to have a team.
Mr. Schafer heard their cries and put in the final effort to make it happen, something that Alastair Atherton, coach of the Aurora, feels will really benefit the school. “It’s another opportunity to provide something positive for the students outside of classes and the usual college life. More than that, it’s an opportunity to represent CUC in our community.”
Every Wednesday morning at 6:00am, the guys are not only up – but participating in a two hour long full-fledged practice. Coach Alastair is really proud of how well the team has come together. “We have a lot of top notch players that have really jelled.”
With such a hot start, hopes are high – and everything indicates that this group is willing to meet the expectations that have been put on their shoulders. Stefan, the leading scorer through five games, plans on nothing but success. “Honestly, our expectations are to win – to be the top of tier two.” And what exactly does this success mean to the school? “Well,” Stefan added, “it brings school pride.”
The men’s soccer team has been an outstanding program for the college life and a great representation of what we want our school to stand for: commitment, sportsmanship, and success.
With the sports teams leading the way, there are signs of excellence coming out from all areas of our hilltop campus. “And, since most of us are returning,” comments Ferguson, “the following years will only get better.” Let’s hope that the school’s future can parallel that of our soccer team and raise our college to new heights – heights that are only possible when everybody is willing to do their part.
—–This article was originally published December 2006 in The Aurora Chronicles—–
