After School Soccer
Some guys go home after school, some go to practice, some to clubs, and others to work. Everyone has something they do between 3:05 and when they get home. Every day, one group does something unusual. They meet at a volleyball court to play soccer.
“It started at recces at St. Edwards, the same group would play soccer every day. When we came to Catholic, we didn’t have rides home until around four, so one day one of us brought a ball and we started playing at the only place we could,” said senior Luis Hernandez. “After that, we did it every day and more of our friends came. I don’t put in too much effort–the games are very lax–but I do take the tradition of it seriously. I like to meet the younger guys that play. I feel our group is very accepting and we have fun.”
“I have a little speaker that I play music with from my phone while everyone else plays soccer,” said senior Andrew Rivera, “but I play from time to time. I’ve been playing with this group from the start, but I mostly just watch now. It taught me to be more social and it helped me make new friends. Like any team sport, it builds character.”
Senior Luis Mendoza said, “I think it’s great guys have somewhere to play even if they’re not on a team. I also like that it’s something to do that’s good exercise and lets you meet new people.”
However as with any sport, injuries are bound to happen. “It was like any other day,” said senior Max Fortner. “I was guarding Hernandez and while we were running, I hit my head on the pole and went down.”
“We all just stood still for a second in disbelief,” said Rivera “He got up holding his head saying he was ok, but when he took his hand off it was covered in blood.”
“By the time Rivera and I had gotten him to the office his, face was covered in blood. He stopped bleeding and didn’t have a concussion or anything, but we were scared,” said Hernandez.
In the cold months, outdoor soccer isn’t the best sport. So the soccer group join the other ‘back gym ballers’ for basketball.
“Basketball is much more competitive because of the other people and people get hurt more. Plus we actually keep score,” said Hernandez. “Everyone really tries and the game is more intense.”
Senior Henry Lara said, “I’ve seen some pretty crazy shots back there. Jonathan Marshall is probably the best, though. In the back gym, pain is weakness leaving the body. Go, Ducks.”
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