By JASON CHOI
The Jericho High School varsity soccer program experienced much success this year and helped to increase school spirit. Students and staff were able to experience the games and provide their support which created a sense of unity and excitement in and out of school.
Over the course of the playoff period, the High School Administration was a key factor in fostering team support . In October, they allowed teachers to take their classes to the playoff games which were scheduled during the school day. Athletic Director Mr. Mankowich said, “It was a great feeling looking over and seeing the stands around the field packed for our girls’ game and then our boys’ game. I think the Administration did a great job in helping to promote it.”
Math teacher Ms. Kahan agreed. “I thought it was very nice for teachers to let their classes go out. I thought it was a great experience cheering our soccer team on. It brought our student population together, and even teachers together. It was fun for me to watch,” she said.
The athletes felt that this support had a profound impact on their teams. Girls varsity soccer player and senior Alexa A. said, “It was the biggest turnout we had and it made the team play better.” Similarly, girls’ varsity soccer player and senior Rachel S. said, “It was very exciting to see the crowd cheering for us because normally we don’t have that many people come to our games. It was just a nice change of pace to see people excited that we were in the playoffs.”
After reaching the Long Island Championship, boys varsity soccer player and senior Matt R. said, “To see a huge portion of the school coming to support us gave us immense confidence and inspired us to play our hardest. Also, it was very welcoming to see the huge amounts of school spirit being displayed.” After winning the State Championship, boys varsity soccer player and senior Jason D. said, “I felt like the support of our fans, which we call The Nest, was a key factor in our championship run. The constant support of our fans was our key motivation throughout the season.”
The momentum from the boys team at home was able to propel them all the way to the State Championships. The crowd erupted as the team came back to steal a winning goal at the death in the Nassau County Championship, and it got better as the team scored 3 goals in both their State semi-final and final. For the students that experienced it firsthand in Middletown, NY, it was an unforgettable experience. Senior Alexa A. said, “There was a lot of us up there, I would say at least 50 students and 50 parents. Obviously, everyone was very excited. The team ran out on the field and everyone in the stands was jumping.” Passion was overflowing as the euphoria flowed from fans, players, and coaching staff. Senior fan Fahad K. said, “I was very excited because we finally won after a lot of years, and I believe it is a central part of our community to recognize the achievements of others, and the parade we had was one way of doing that.”
The day after winning the State Championship, the boys team was celebrated with a parade through the hallways. Team member and senior Jason D. said, “We play for our school and it was very heartwarming seeing every single class outside clapping and commemorating us on our milestone.” Students were very happy with the parade. Senior Alexa A. said, “I thought it was a good way to honor the teams. It made them feel good about their accomplishments.” Similarly, senior Leetal P. said, “I thought it was a really nice idea to have them parade through the hallways because it recognized their accomplishments and it raised our school spirit.”