Season Wrap-up: Coaches reflect on fall sports
by Alicen Meysing – News Editor
Fall sports seasons are coming to a close at Hesston College as various teams wrap-up their year with final games and matches. This year had a variety of highs and lows for each team and all Hesston coaches look back on their seasons with fond memories.
Men’s Soccer:
The men’s soccer team’s last game was against Mcpherson College JV Oct. 25. They concluded their season with a record of 5-12-1.
“The hope is that through soccer, these players-these athletes are becoming better men. I feel we took great strides for that this year, I can see it in them already. We are excited for what is coming both on and off the field over the next seasons!” – Matt Gerlach, Head Men’s Soccer Coach
Women’s Soccer:
After an extremely successful season, the women’s soccer team concluded their with a loss against Coffeyville CC on Oct. 29. Their final record was 12-6.
“It is always tough when the season ends, and I will miss being together with the players on a daily basis.” – Bryan Kehr, Head Women’s Soccer Coach
Volleyball:
The women wrapped up their season on Nov. 5 after a game against Coffeyville Community College, their final record was 14-16.
“Our regular season has now come to a close and what a ride it has been. I am so lucky to have this group of girls on this journey for my first year of coaching. We had a lot of unexpected changes throughout the year; the team was resilient and worked hard regardless of the situation. They always came to the court ready to compete with energy and love for the game. I think we grew through adversity as athletes but more significant growth came in our personal lives. I am proud of this team and what we were able to accomplish this year. We may not have gotten the record we wanted and we lost games we shouldn’t have, but we never stopped trying and caring about things that mattered to us!” – DeeDee Landes, Head Volleyball Coach
Cross Country:
After six meets the men of the cross country team finished their season at regionals on Oct. 29. The cross country women won the regional meet and will now compete in the NJCAA National Championships Saturday at Butler Community College (El Dorado).
It’s been said, “If you don’t enjoy the journey, chances are you won’t enjoy the destination.” Our athletic arena is incredibly difficult—endless hours of hard training and extremely imposing competition. Winning is not a helpful measuring stick for success, although the women did win one meet this year. These six women have shown incredible resilience and growth this season as they overcame the difficult competitive challenges, injury, sickness, lurking self-doubt, etc. on the journey. The challenging journey, then, for them has been one of empowerment and intimacy. I have no doubt the women will compete well and ultimately after their last dance together, they will celebrate the destination—because it was, together, a good, enjoyable cross country journey. – Gerry Sieber, Head Cross Country Coach
Fall Softball:
Although the fall matches do not count towards the team’s official record, the softball team had many great games and scrimmages and finished their fall season Oct. 23.
“I thought our team showed a lot of promise for the upcoming year. We have good talent and athleticism. We’re eager to get the spring started!” – Andrew Sharp, Head Softball Coach
Fall Baseball:
The baseball team finished their fall season on Oct. 20 at Friends University, their spring season will begin after Christmas Break.
“Fall baseball was a success for us. It gave us numerous opportunities to evaluate our program, and what steps we need to take to continue to build on our foundation. As a group, I know we are looking forward to 2017.” – Kyle Howell, Head Baseball Coach
As the fall sport season has come to a close, winter sports are just beginning. The Hesston College basketball teams started their seasons last week with a game against Bethel College JV. It was a tough loss for the women but the men pulled away with an impressive win. Keep an eye on your schedule for upcoming home basketball games where you can support your Hesston Larks!
