24 • The Beacon November 28 , 2024
RV coaches , players share thoughts from magical season
The 2024 varsity boys soccer team at River View High School had a magical season that many athletes dream about . Here is a look at some of the coaches and players ’ favorite memories from the season and thank-yous for helping make the dream come true .
Head coach Vince Andrews
“ Wow , every athlete that has ever played a sport dreams about playing for a state championship . We dreamed , we believed , we put in the work and we made it a reality . I have been a Black Bear my entire life , and the pride that I experienced , not only from my team and coaching staff , but also our community , was overwhelming . I want to thank everyone for the support and ask that you continue to support all of our local student-athletes . The life lessons they take with them will last a lifetime . Our rural kids deserve the very best . Thank you from the bottom of my heart .”
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Coach Kurt Knicely “ During the warmup time at state finals , I remember the nerves and anxiety I felt as a coach . I tried not to let it show and tried to put myself in our team ’ s shoes ( cleats ). I was walking around and talking to players individually and then headed to the bench . I turned around to look at the crowd that was there . At that time we had to of had a 10-to-1 ratio in fan base . The amount of pride I felt for our community almost overtook me . It was such a visual that I had to take a pic and post it to Facebook . That crowd only grew as the game went on . The
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The 2024 varsity boys soccer team at River View High School had a magical season that many athletes dream about . roar of the crowd when we scored was amazing . I ’ ll never forget the sound for the rest of my life .
“ I ’ d like to thank all of the first responders who took their own time to escort the team to and from games , the parents who dedicated their own time to make our tournament run special , all of the businesses and individuals who made donations . Having been fed multiple times and allowing pep buses to be a continuous thing during our tournament run helped more than anyone will know . I ’ d also like to thank my family ,
• BOLOGNA
• SUMMER SAUSAGE
• WEINERS
• SNACK STICKS
• JERKY … AND MORE !
– EXTENDED HOURS DURING GUN SEASON – 2934 TR 163 , Sugarcreek , OH 44681 • Jonas Hershberger 330-897-7972 Mon ., Wed . & Fri . 7AM-4PM • Tues . & Thurs . 7AM-5PM • Sat . 7AM-11AM who flew in from Arizona and Florida to attend the game .”
# 16 junior Carter Knicely
“ Making a sliding block on a shot in the first OT period of the state finals game has to be my favorite memory . After coming back from an ankle injury , it was very rewarding to contribute in such a specific way . I ’ d like to thank Michelle Wright and Dr . Chad Guess for going above and beyond to help me rehab an ankle injury that cost me playing time in the tournament run . If it wasn ’ t for them , I may not have been able to play in the state final game . I ’ d also like to thank my grandmothers and aunts , some of whom even flew in from out of state to attend .”
# 0 senior Laired Williamson
“ First , I want to thank my family for always being there for me and taking their time and money to put me where I am today . I also couldn ’ t ask for a better ending for my high school career . My favorite memory was honestly everything these last four years .”
# 8 senior Micah Hardesty
“ I want to thank God for this amazing opportunity , my coaches for always pushing me to grow , and my family and friends for supporting me . My favorite memories are getting our hair bleached as a team and bringing home a state title with the same group of boys I ’ ve played soccer with all my life .”
# 77 junior Parker Andrews
“ My favorite moment from the tournament was winning the state championship . I really want to thank my family , friends and community for coming out and showing us consistent support .”
# 2 senior Hayden Walters
“ My favorite memory is winning the state championship with my best friends . I want to thank my family , teammates and coaches for making me the best version of myself .”
# 50 sophomore Cash Guilliams
“ My favorite memory of the 2024 season is the second we scored the game-winning goal in the state championship . It was a heartwarming experience that you truly had to be there to know what I mean . My thank-yous go out to my parents and coaches that helped me get to where I am today .”
# 3 senior Nick Phillips “ Winning the state championship in soccer is a memory I ’ ll treasure forever . The joy of celebrating with my teammates , coaches and everyone who supported us along the way was unmatched . That moment wasn ’ t just about the trophy ; it was about the countless hours of practice , the challenges we overcame and the bond we built as a team . I ’ m incredibly grateful to the community for their unwavering support , whether just watching the games or giving positive comments through social media or in person . This victory was for all of us , and your support made it possible .”
# 24 junior Layton Massie
“ I ’ m very thankful for the support we ’ ve received from our community and the surrounding communities .”
# 7 senior Cael Summers “ There were many amazing memories that I personally experienced throughout the entire 2024 season . If I were to pick one as my favorite , it would obviously have to be winning the state championship game at Historic Crew Stadium . Playing in that game with that atmosphere was unlike anything I have ever experienced in my life , and the fact that I was there with my best friends is truly just a storytale . I would like to thank my coaches , family and teammates for everything they did for me throughout the entire season . I would not have wanted to experience this journey with any other individuals . Most importantly , I would like to thank God for guiding us to where we got this year . I know that God was with us every night during those big games , and without him nothing is possible .”
# 1 senior Brody Stevens “ One of my favorite memories this season was being able to play in and win the state championship alongside my teammates . On Aug . 9 at the meet , the team ceremony , I said our goal for this season was to win a state championship . Now after the many hours of hard work and determination to succeed , we did it , making this one of my favorite memories , and I couldn ’ t ask for a better way to end the season . Thank you to everyone who supported us .”