The RHS Varsity men’s soccer team used teamwork, leadership and coaching to propel the team to another strong season.

Coach Sandor Jakab described the rise of leaders this year.

“The leaders have definitely stepped up. [Luke] Kasson is a four year starter, so he assumed the leadership role. [Seniors Dominic] Manning, [Jonah] Stupar and [Christian] Sauer have accepted their roles in leadership of the team as well. [The team] feels pretty confident in their roles in leading us,” Jakab said.

Junior Mark Oleson, who plays defense, explained the team’s methods to make up for the seniors who left last year.

“A lot of the juniors have stepped up. We find different ways to play that fit the skills of our team. Each person has their own job and when it all comes together you can really see that,” Oleson said.

The Varsity men’s soccer team practices every day for at least one and a half hours, with extra fitness training on occasion. Junior Varsity coach John

Rorabaugh explained the practices of the varsity team.

“We push them and make the practices more challenging than the games,” Rorabaugh said.

During the summer, the team worked a few times a week to improve fitness. Senior Luke Kasson, who plays center midfield, described the practices.

“The team had regular fitness training a few times a week. In August, we had two weeks that consisted of a ton of conditioning,” Kasson said.

The coaches hold certain expectations and hopes for this season. Oleson explained Jakab’s coaching.

“It’s the same coach that always supports us. He is fighting for us. Whatever he may do that seems like he’s working us extra hard or when it seems like it’s too much, we really know that he’s looking out for us. He just wants us to be the best we can be,” Oleson said.

Dominic Manning, who plays forward, added the influences of the coaches.

“Expectations are always high, but if we didn’t have the coaches we have, we wouldn’t be nearly as good as we are,” Manning said.

Several of the players have participated on the team ever since their freshman year. Oleson explained his reason for joining and staying on the team.

“It’s a beautiful game. When you get on the field, you forget about everything else. The guys are really your best friends. They become your family,” Oleson said.

The Varsity men’s soccer team has won six games this season. Jakab explained the first loss of the season.

“We had our fifty-ninth game, and our regular season, unbeaten streak was snapped. Our last loss was in September of 2010,” Jakab said.

The team continues to strive towards the State Championships. Jakab stated the goals and potential of the team.

“We are always looking to compete for suburban championships, district championships and state championships. [The team] absolutely has the ability,” Jakab said.

This year’s seniors included Kasson, Manning, Christian Sauer, and Jonah Stupar. The team has won a total of six out of eight games. The team finished their season with a record of 15-3-1 and an appearance in the district finals.