The Greenwood Blue Jays, 3rd Place finishers at State last year in Class 1 Missouri High School soccer, began their season Monday afternoon at their traditional practice ground on the south end of Lake Country Soccer. I caught up with the boys at the end of a very hot, late afternoon session (my camera was hot to the touch after 30 minutes). There was a sense of celebration, despite the heat, and well deserved after last years showing. The hard work required to reach State can only be exceeded by the work necessary to return and I believe that is the expectation the coaches and players have for this year. I for one am ready to sign onto that objective as well and look forward to covering the challenges yet to be faced.

With five seniors this year, including three All-Staters in Chris Adamson (also Defensive MVP), Ross Chaffin and Rutger Theime (Honorable Mention GK) who are also the Captains this year, the central core is established. This is a team that gave up less then a goal a game during the regular season, and half of the total goals came in five games against Class 3 opposition. The defense, including Miles Barnhart and Matt Cook, will be the least of the Jays concerns. With seniors Todd H’Doubler and Joey Seagrave, junior Taylor Aiken, sophomore Brad Cook and incoming freshman Chris Algier, we’ll have some fun.

Seniors pictured from L to R: Todd H ‘Doubler, Chris Adamson, Rutger Theime, Ross Chaffin, Joey Seagrave