Jeffersonville High School is confident of hosting next year’s boys’ and girls’ soccer sectionals, despite last week’s fire which destroyed the two-storey press box.
Athletic director Tony Branch said he would expect the insurance fire compensation and the GCCS Corporation to build a new and more practical press box by the time the soccer season returns next year.
“In this case we would again request to host boys’ and girls’ soccer sectionals,” said Branch. “We have one of the best venues to host as we can supply all of the amenities, including lights for evening and night play.”
Coincidentally, the fire occurred on October 15, two days after Jeff had hosted the girls’ sectional final and the same week ‘Kick It’ had been working on a story around the issue of rotating soccer sectionals between the area’s schools.
With the Highlanders winning the boys' championship at Floyd Central, and the Red Devils coming out victorious at, well, Jeffersonville, the question as to why both these schools have hosted the tournament the past couple of years was brought up.
Before the new format came into play, Floyd Central hosted a larger sectional comprising all the teams in the area. That larger format still remains in place for the girls, a tournament Jeffersonville also hosts.
While both schools have done a fine job to date, would it be a fairer system if the likes of New Albany and Providence were to host the competition in a rotational system similar in other high school sports?
Theresia Wynns, Indiana High School Athletic Association assistant commissioner, said hosting doesn’t rotate in soccer at all sites because not all schools desire to host it. However, if schools want to meet to ask for a rotation they may do so.
"Schools that are interested in hosting sectionals simply write me a letter indicating so with information about its facilities," said Wynns. "(They) express a desire to host if they can meet the specifications needed, i.e., size of field (120 x 75 yards), bleachers, concessions, restrooms, parking, etc."
Ms Wynns added that venues rotate in other high school sports because the schools in the sectional alignment meet and make those decisions.
“The alignment for soccer is totally different from that of volleyball, basketball softball and baseball,” she said. “The sectional is the only site that rotates - regional and semi-states do not. The other sites for these sports are decided by the IHSAA and very few rotate. Soccer has fewer schools and is still one class."
The IHSAA receives the gate receipts from hosting venues after expenses and stipends are paid, said Wynns.
Okay, so now we know the score, are other schools even interested in hosting them? New Albany athletic director Donnie Unruh said it may seek to host the girls' sectionals in the future, now that its field has improved, while Providence girls’ coach Dave Smith, who believes it should be determined on a rotating basis, said the Pioneers hope to apply to host tournaments once it meets the criteria laid down by the IHSAA.
They have taken some steps already, added Smith, like introducing, floodlights, World Cup standard goals, nets and a new concession stand, while a new Bermuda grass field is also in the pipeline.
“We also have plans to upgrade the spectator area and build a new press box where we can video games,” said Smith.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Sorry - no headscarves please!
There is nothing more annoying sometimes than hearing tales of “the law” being adhered to a little too rigidly without common sense. News comes the way of ‘Kick It’ this week of an incident which typifies that such twaddle is alive and well in our game.
Iman Khalil, a 15-year old Muslim girl, was forced to sit out a game in Tampa, Florida recently because the center referee said her head scarf was not part of her red-and-white soccer uniform and therefore violated game rules. Wearing headgear is generally prohibited as the head, as we know, can be used in the game.
Iman, who had never had an issue with the scarf in the two years she has played competitively, was somewhat stunned when the referee told her she couldn’t take to the field with a piece of clothing which is part of her faith.
Her Hernando Heat U16 teammates, parents, and members of the opposing Zephyrhills Bulldogs all urged the referee to let her play to no avail. Iman’s mother told the Tampa Tribune she was brought to tears, while parents called the incident a “heartbreaking” one.
The man in the middle stood by his decision even after the United Soccer Association's referee assignor checked with the league at half-time and was told Iman could play the second half.
You’ll be glad to hear that a different referee allowed her to play wearing her head scarf the following day against South Hillsborough Soccer League Celtics. In fact, league officials turned up - obviously aware of the growing media interest - with policies that showed she should have been able to play Saturday, including a 2002 memorandum that covers the topic of players "bound by religious law to wear such head coverings."
A player "must request the variance well enough ahead of game time,” the law states, but Iman and her team had not requested such a variance because the scarf had never been a problem before.
Iman Khalil, a 15-year old Muslim girl, was forced to sit out a game in Tampa, Florida recently because the center referee said her head scarf was not part of her red-and-white soccer uniform and therefore violated game rules. Wearing headgear is generally prohibited as the head, as we know, can be used in the game.
Iman, who had never had an issue with the scarf in the two years she has played competitively, was somewhat stunned when the referee told her she couldn’t take to the field with a piece of clothing which is part of her faith.
Her Hernando Heat U16 teammates, parents, and members of the opposing Zephyrhills Bulldogs all urged the referee to let her play to no avail. Iman’s mother told the Tampa Tribune she was brought to tears, while parents called the incident a “heartbreaking” one.
The man in the middle stood by his decision even after the United Soccer Association's referee assignor checked with the league at half-time and was told Iman could play the second half.
You’ll be glad to hear that a different referee allowed her to play wearing her head scarf the following day against South Hillsborough Soccer League Celtics. In fact, league officials turned up - obviously aware of the growing media interest - with policies that showed she should have been able to play Saturday, including a 2002 memorandum that covers the topic of players "bound by religious law to wear such head coverings."
A player "must request the variance well enough ahead of game time,” the law states, but Iman and her team had not requested such a variance because the scarf had never been a problem before.
The final countdown
The boys' and girls' IHSAA Soccer State Tournament finals will be held in Indianapolis this Saturday, with just four teams remaining in both competitions.
Number one ranked Evansville Memorial (21-0-2) flies the flag for southern Indiana for the third consecutive year and will play unranked Goshen (17-2-3) at Kuntz Stadium (10 a.m.)
Memorial was eliminated in the semi finals on its previous two trips to state and, as favorites, will be hoping to go all the way this time.
It beat this area's regional winners, Columbus North 3-0 on Saturday before disposing of Bloomington North 4-1 in the semi-state final.
The second semi-final will see No. 16 Chesterton (17-4-1) against No. 7 Indianapolis North Central (17-3-3), also at 10 a.m. The final will take place at 6 p.m.
In the girls' tournament, Center Grove (20-3) beat Floyd Central's regional conquerors, Columbus North 1-0 in the semi-state final to advance to the last four.
There, the Trojans will take on Indianapolis Cathedral (14-3-4), while Penn (20-2) and FW Bishop Dwenger (18-2-2) - reigning champions for the past two years - will battle it out in the second semi-final. Both games are at 12 noon with the final at 8 p.m.
Number one ranked Evansville Memorial (21-0-2) flies the flag for southern Indiana for the third consecutive year and will play unranked Goshen (17-2-3) at Kuntz Stadium (10 a.m.)
Memorial was eliminated in the semi finals on its previous two trips to state and, as favorites, will be hoping to go all the way this time.
It beat this area's regional winners, Columbus North 3-0 on Saturday before disposing of Bloomington North 4-1 in the semi-state final.
The second semi-final will see No. 16 Chesterton (17-4-1) against No. 7 Indianapolis North Central (17-3-3), also at 10 a.m. The final will take place at 6 p.m.
In the girls' tournament, Center Grove (20-3) beat Floyd Central's regional conquerors, Columbus North 1-0 in the semi-state final to advance to the last four.
There, the Trojans will take on Indianapolis Cathedral (14-3-4), while Penn (20-2) and FW Bishop Dwenger (18-2-2) - reigning champions for the past two years - will battle it out in the second semi-final. Both games are at 12 noon with the final at 8 p.m.
Net-Surfer tryouts
Tryouts for girls' soccer club Net-Surfers will be held for U15 to U18 girls at Providence High School on Saturday October 27 and November 3 (10 a.m. to 12 noon).
Teams, which will be selected based on age and ability, will play in the Kentucky Select Soccer League (KSSL). Players can improve their play by competing weekly in practice and league games, as well as participating in two tournaments, where they have the chance to be seen and recruited by college coaches.
Anyone interested should bring a soccer ball and water bottle, wear soccer cleats, and dress to play according to the weather.
For further information, contact director of coaching Dave Smith at 812-283-6084 or 502-445-0354.
Teams, which will be selected based on age and ability, will play in the Kentucky Select Soccer League (KSSL). Players can improve their play by competing weekly in practice and league games, as well as participating in two tournaments, where they have the chance to be seen and recruited by college coaches.
Anyone interested should bring a soccer ball and water bottle, wear soccer cleats, and dress to play according to the weather.
For further information, contact director of coaching Dave Smith at 812-283-6084 or 502-445-0354.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Floyd not bothered by underdog role
Recrowned sectional champion Floyd Central believes it has a chance of upsetting No. 17 state ranked Columbus North on its home turf in tomorrow night's girls’ soccer regional final (7 p.m.).
The Highlanders (9-7-4), which secured it seventh title with a 2-1 win over Providence Saturday night, may be going into the game with the Bulldogs (17-1-1) as the underdogs, but Lewie Stevens' girls are not bothered about rankings or records.
" I don't think the ranking will faze our girls," said Stevens. "We played a quality schedule early and our kids know that the rankings are fairly subjective. We tied Jennings and felt like we gave away the loss to Columbus East so we know we can play with North. That probably is motivational for our kids.”
In fact, Floyd Central's sole regional title was won against Columbus North by a 1-0 scoreline in 2000, when Stevens and assistant Lynn Kaiser were at the helm. And the pair feel its squad is hitting its peak at the right time to repeat that feat.
"They have been getting better every game since about the fifth game of the season and it really showed Saturday," said Stevens. “We feel that we are playing our best soccer right now and that we have to earn the respect of our opponents.
“I didn't sense a lot of nervousness from them prior to the sectional championship. They are all veterans of club ball tournaments and have been here before last year as well."
Columbus North's Emily Wheeler and Chelsea Roberts may have bagged 17 and 14 goals respectively, while defender Abby Pence and midfielder Sarah Orisich are on a "Top Watch" list for 2008, but Floyd Central is not without its talent either.
Nikki Korte rose her game to another level against Providence on Saturday; Brigid Morrissey would probably make most schools' teams in the State at left back; and the Highlanders are blessed with three forwards in April Vanderplow, Becky Kennedy and Kelsey Traughber that are capable game winners.
"We know that there is really no magic bullet that gets you over the hurdle,” said Stevens. “I really think that we have to play hard and intensely but more than that, we have to play smart. Against a quality opponent, all the little details we have worked on all year come into play.
"Most of it has to do with movement away from the ball and staying under control. Don't devolve into a kickball game. Keep your composure and play the game the way we are capable of doing. If we do that we know that we will be in a position to advance.”
Stevens said North, who beat rivals Columbus East on penalty kicks Saturday after a 2-2 draw, will get chances, but they don’t want to panic.
“Against a team like North that is going to happen,” he said. “How we respond will probably be the measure of the game.”
The Highlanders (9-7-4), which secured it seventh title with a 2-1 win over Providence Saturday night, may be going into the game with the Bulldogs (17-1-1) as the underdogs, but Lewie Stevens' girls are not bothered about rankings or records.
" I don't think the ranking will faze our girls," said Stevens. "We played a quality schedule early and our kids know that the rankings are fairly subjective. We tied Jennings and felt like we gave away the loss to Columbus East so we know we can play with North. That probably is motivational for our kids.”
In fact, Floyd Central's sole regional title was won against Columbus North by a 1-0 scoreline in 2000, when Stevens and assistant Lynn Kaiser were at the helm. And the pair feel its squad is hitting its peak at the right time to repeat that feat.
"They have been getting better every game since about the fifth game of the season and it really showed Saturday," said Stevens. “We feel that we are playing our best soccer right now and that we have to earn the respect of our opponents.
“I didn't sense a lot of nervousness from them prior to the sectional championship. They are all veterans of club ball tournaments and have been here before last year as well."
Columbus North's Emily Wheeler and Chelsea Roberts may have bagged 17 and 14 goals respectively, while defender Abby Pence and midfielder Sarah Orisich are on a "Top Watch" list for 2008, but Floyd Central is not without its talent either.
Nikki Korte rose her game to another level against Providence on Saturday; Brigid Morrissey would probably make most schools' teams in the State at left back; and the Highlanders are blessed with three forwards in April Vanderplow, Becky Kennedy and Kelsey Traughber that are capable game winners.
"We know that there is really no magic bullet that gets you over the hurdle,” said Stevens. “I really think that we have to play hard and intensely but more than that, we have to play smart. Against a quality opponent, all the little details we have worked on all year come into play.
"Most of it has to do with movement away from the ball and staying under control. Don't devolve into a kickball game. Keep your composure and play the game the way we are capable of doing. If we do that we know that we will be in a position to advance.”
Stevens said North, who beat rivals Columbus East on penalty kicks Saturday after a 2-2 draw, will get chances, but they don’t want to panic.
“Against a team like North that is going to happen,” he said. “How we respond will probably be the measure of the game.”
Regional title goes North
It was a good day for Columbus North (15-4-2) Saturday as the school also won the boys' regional title at Floyd Central, beating Madison 3-0.
Alex Abedian - who scored a hat-trick against the Highlanders in the semi-final on Wednesday - shot the Bulldogs ahead in the opening minutes and added a second with 15 minutes remaining.
The game was put to bed five minutes from time courtesy of Louie Souza. It was North's ninth consecutive game without conceding a goal.
The Bulldogs will play No 1 ranked Evansville Memorial (18-0-3) in the semi-state championship at Evansville Central this Saturday.
Alex Abedian - who scored a hat-trick against the Highlanders in the semi-final on Wednesday - shot the Bulldogs ahead in the opening minutes and added a second with 15 minutes remaining.
The game was put to bed five minutes from time courtesy of Louie Souza. It was North's ninth consecutive game without conceding a goal.
The Bulldogs will play No 1 ranked Evansville Memorial (18-0-3) in the semi-state championship at Evansville Central this Saturday.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Time for a new crystal ball...
After a thrilling weekend of boys' sectional soccer, I've ditched my wonky old crystal ball and replaced it with a state-of-the-art, shiny new one complete with high definition and the ability to reveal the scores of penalty shootouts before they take place.
Congratulations to Floyd Central and Jeffersonville, winners over New Albany and Christian Academy respectively. Both move on to the regionals tomorrow evening, with the Highlanders hosting Columbus North and the Red Devils taking on Madison.
Saturday was the day goalkeeping heroics came to the fore, with Daniel Neeld and Seth Quinn proving themselves masters of negotiating the 12 yard spot kick against New Albany and Providence. In Quinn's case, he also had to do it in overtime when saving from Ben Hughes.
This week, the girls take center stage with the sectionals kicking off at Jeffersonville tonight, culminating in the championship decider on Saturday.
Girls' Jeffersonville Sectional
Match 1 – Jeffersonville vs. New Albany (Tuesday, 6 p.m.)
It's not been easy for Jeffersonville and coach Michael Dennis this fall, with the loss of 10 seniors and a lot of new players being introduced to the fold. The regular season meeting between the teams saw the Bulldogs come out 5-0 winners and while I believe this will be a closer game, it's hard to see Jeffersonville closing the gap enough to come out on top in this one. Verdict: New Albany.
Match 2 – Floyd Central vs. North Harrison (Tuesday, 8 p.m.)
Floyd Central boss Lewie Stevens doesn't believe the possibility of having to play three games in sectional over the space of five days will be asking too much of his girls, so they're not all that upset with the draw. "We feel we are up to the task and at this time of the year it is not so bad getting tested every other day or so in order to stay sharp," he said. Recently, the Highlanders tied with Jennings County, whose only two losses this year have been to top 20 teams, so Stephens feels it can play quality soccer and are "putting it together at the right time." Verdict: Floyd Central.
Match 3 – New Albany vs. Floyd Central (Thursday, 6 p.m.)
Should New Albany prevail, it could see the very interesting prospect of Jessica Moore facing off against sister Sara (Providence) in the championship decider. However, a repeat of the 3-0 win for the Highlanders in regular season against the Bulldogs would spoil that particular scenario. New Albany do have potential game winners though, in the shape of Kaitlin Robinett and Kayton Cole, so the Floyd Central rearguard will have to be at the top of its game. At the other end, forwards Kelsey Traughber, April Vanderplow and Becky Kennedy have keeper Madie Bruker - who pulled off one of the saves of the season against Providence - to beat. Verdict: Floyd Central.
Match 4 – Corydon Central vs. Providence (Thursday, 8 p.m.)
Providence has received what some might describe as the 'easier' side of the draw. A victory against Corydon will see them into Saturday's final but it should not be forgotten that the Pioneers just edged out the same opposition in sectionals last year by 1-0. "We greatly respect Corydon's program and remember what a battle it was against them last year," said Providence coach Dave Smith. "The overall level of play in our area has been elevated so much in the past five to seven years that every team has skilled players and athleticism. Verdict: Providence.
Championship – Floyd Central vs. Providence (Saturday, 7 p.m.)
This, a repeat of last year's final which Floyd Central won on penalties, would be one matchup worth catching. The Pioneers and the Higlanders are ranked 8th and 9th respectively in the district, both tied 0-0 in regular season, and both are looking strong coming into sectionals. It could be another tight affair, as a strength of both sides is defense. Floyd possess one of the more talented players around in sophomore Brigid Morrissey, while Jackie Cusick, Maggie Taylor, Laura Heverly, Nikki Roberts and keeper Kayla Prusinski have been mean to opposition forwards this season. Equally keeping a tight ship has been the Providence rearguard, which includes the likes of Jill Grable, Megan Eve, Shaina Luther, Jaclyn Mann and keeper Alyssa Hendershot. Nikki Korte and Sara Moore will battle in the middle, while game winners Laura Jenkins and Cristian May-Boquiren (Providence), and the aforementioned Traughber, Vanderplow and Kennedy (Floyd Central) will be hoping to hit the net. Verdict: Providence.
Boys' regional semi-finals (at Floyd Central)
Floyd Central v Columbus North (Wednesday, 6 p.m.)
Floyd Central (4-9-4) has done remarkably well to get this far, when you consider they won just one regular season game with a squad comprising three seniors. Having beaten one Bulldog, it now comes up against another in the shape of Columbus North (13-4-2), a side ranked No. 13 in the State. North made it here by comprehensively beating sectional hosts Seymour - a regional finalist last year - by a 5-0 scoreline before edging out rival Columbus East 1-0 in the championship game with two minutes remaining. However, coach Scott Hollis said that although they know it will be a very tough game, they have a “huge momentum” going into it. “ If you look at our record, you wouldn't have thought we would win sectional but we felt over and over that this team, when it strings it together, is a pretty solid team.”
Jeffersonville v Madison (Wednesday, 8 p.m.)
Having seen Jeffersonville (8-9-1) play Madison (13-1-3) already this season - when it dominated much of the first half but lost the initiative in the second - I believe Ryan Bixler’s charges are capable of winning this. New Albany also showed last week that the Cubs' defense is suspect, having put four past them in a regular season game. Three of those goals were the result of Madison's defense not closing down attackers quick enough to stop the strike, and if it gives the likes of Scott Meneou, Brian Quinn and Nick Neely that sort of space, they could pay the price. Having said that, Madison has only lost once this season (1-0 to Jennings County) and the winning habit is one it has gotten used to, and it is possible Saturday's war of attrition against Providence and the later final may be felt in Jeff's legs.
Regional Championship (at Floyd Central): Floyd Central/Columbus North v Jeffersonville v Madison (Saturday, 12 noon)
Congratulations to Floyd Central and Jeffersonville, winners over New Albany and Christian Academy respectively. Both move on to the regionals tomorrow evening, with the Highlanders hosting Columbus North and the Red Devils taking on Madison.
Saturday was the day goalkeeping heroics came to the fore, with Daniel Neeld and Seth Quinn proving themselves masters of negotiating the 12 yard spot kick against New Albany and Providence. In Quinn's case, he also had to do it in overtime when saving from Ben Hughes.
This week, the girls take center stage with the sectionals kicking off at Jeffersonville tonight, culminating in the championship decider on Saturday.
Girls' Jeffersonville Sectional
Match 1 – Jeffersonville vs. New Albany (Tuesday, 6 p.m.)
It's not been easy for Jeffersonville and coach Michael Dennis this fall, with the loss of 10 seniors and a lot of new players being introduced to the fold. The regular season meeting between the teams saw the Bulldogs come out 5-0 winners and while I believe this will be a closer game, it's hard to see Jeffersonville closing the gap enough to come out on top in this one. Verdict: New Albany.
Match 2 – Floyd Central vs. North Harrison (Tuesday, 8 p.m.)
Floyd Central boss Lewie Stevens doesn't believe the possibility of having to play three games in sectional over the space of five days will be asking too much of his girls, so they're not all that upset with the draw. "We feel we are up to the task and at this time of the year it is not so bad getting tested every other day or so in order to stay sharp," he said. Recently, the Highlanders tied with Jennings County, whose only two losses this year have been to top 20 teams, so Stephens feels it can play quality soccer and are "putting it together at the right time." Verdict: Floyd Central.
Match 3 – New Albany vs. Floyd Central (Thursday, 6 p.m.)
Should New Albany prevail, it could see the very interesting prospect of Jessica Moore facing off against sister Sara (Providence) in the championship decider. However, a repeat of the 3-0 win for the Highlanders in regular season against the Bulldogs would spoil that particular scenario. New Albany do have potential game winners though, in the shape of Kaitlin Robinett and Kayton Cole, so the Floyd Central rearguard will have to be at the top of its game. At the other end, forwards Kelsey Traughber, April Vanderplow and Becky Kennedy have keeper Madie Bruker - who pulled off one of the saves of the season against Providence - to beat. Verdict: Floyd Central.
Match 4 – Corydon Central vs. Providence (Thursday, 8 p.m.)
Providence has received what some might describe as the 'easier' side of the draw. A victory against Corydon will see them into Saturday's final but it should not be forgotten that the Pioneers just edged out the same opposition in sectionals last year by 1-0. "We greatly respect Corydon's program and remember what a battle it was against them last year," said Providence coach Dave Smith. "The overall level of play in our area has been elevated so much in the past five to seven years that every team has skilled players and athleticism. Verdict: Providence.
Championship – Floyd Central vs. Providence (Saturday, 7 p.m.)
This, a repeat of last year's final which Floyd Central won on penalties, would be one matchup worth catching. The Pioneers and the Higlanders are ranked 8th and 9th respectively in the district, both tied 0-0 in regular season, and both are looking strong coming into sectionals. It could be another tight affair, as a strength of both sides is defense. Floyd possess one of the more talented players around in sophomore Brigid Morrissey, while Jackie Cusick, Maggie Taylor, Laura Heverly, Nikki Roberts and keeper Kayla Prusinski have been mean to opposition forwards this season. Equally keeping a tight ship has been the Providence rearguard, which includes the likes of Jill Grable, Megan Eve, Shaina Luther, Jaclyn Mann and keeper Alyssa Hendershot. Nikki Korte and Sara Moore will battle in the middle, while game winners Laura Jenkins and Cristian May-Boquiren (Providence), and the aforementioned Traughber, Vanderplow and Kennedy (Floyd Central) will be hoping to hit the net. Verdict: Providence.
Boys' regional semi-finals (at Floyd Central)
Floyd Central v Columbus North (Wednesday, 6 p.m.)
Floyd Central (4-9-4) has done remarkably well to get this far, when you consider they won just one regular season game with a squad comprising three seniors. Having beaten one Bulldog, it now comes up against another in the shape of Columbus North (13-4-2), a side ranked No. 13 in the State. North made it here by comprehensively beating sectional hosts Seymour - a regional finalist last year - by a 5-0 scoreline before edging out rival Columbus East 1-0 in the championship game with two minutes remaining. However, coach Scott Hollis said that although they know it will be a very tough game, they have a “huge momentum” going into it. “ If you look at our record, you wouldn't have thought we would win sectional but we felt over and over that this team, when it strings it together, is a pretty solid team.”
Jeffersonville v Madison (Wednesday, 8 p.m.)
Having seen Jeffersonville (8-9-1) play Madison (13-1-3) already this season - when it dominated much of the first half but lost the initiative in the second - I believe Ryan Bixler’s charges are capable of winning this. New Albany also showed last week that the Cubs' defense is suspect, having put four past them in a regular season game. Three of those goals were the result of Madison's defense not closing down attackers quick enough to stop the strike, and if it gives the likes of Scott Meneou, Brian Quinn and Nick Neely that sort of space, they could pay the price. Having said that, Madison has only lost once this season (1-0 to Jennings County) and the winning habit is one it has gotten used to, and it is possible Saturday's war of attrition against Providence and the later final may be felt in Jeff's legs.
Regional Championship (at Floyd Central): Floyd Central/Columbus North v Jeffersonville v Madison (Saturday, 12 noon)
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