Class 3 Playoffs – Parkview Gets 1st District Title

Parkview Vikings, Class 3 District 12 Champions 2011

Parkview Vikings, Class 3 District 12 Champions 2011

UPDATE – District 10 Finals at Camdenton are moved to Friday afternoon at 1:00 p.m. at the soccer field. If we can’t go tomorrow at 1:00 p.m., we’ll go Saturday afternoon before graduation. Waynesville has graduation tomorrow night, so that’s why we’d have to play early on Friday. Just a heads up. No worries. Can’t fight mother nature. One more day to prepare!

We’ll know three two of the four Sectional teams vying for a single spot in the State Final 4 by the end of the evening. The fourth slot will be determined tomorrow when Glendale and Nixa play. Note that there may be a time change on that game to try and avoid weather issues.

District 10 Final: at Camdenton, moved to 1:00 pm FRIDAY
#1 Camdenton Lakers vs #3 Waynesville Tigers

District 12 Final: Harrison Stadium, 6:30 pm
#1 Parkview Vikings – 2
#2 Joplin Eagles – 0
Parkview was able to get a pair of goals in the first 10 minutes of the game tonight and ride that cushion to the first ever District title for the Girls program. The first goal was scored by sophomore Emily Courtney from a corner kick. Soon afterwards, Courtney provided an outlet for the defense and made a 40 yard run down the left hand side of the pitch before sending a square ball to Kelsey Loderhose. Kelsey received the ball, did a quick counter-clockwise move and sent a low hard shot across to the far post.

The game was a back-and-forth affair as both teams pushed hard in their pursuit of the hardware. Joplin came out much more organized in the second half and were able to put more pressure on the Vikings but the best opportunities came from several corner kicks in the final 15 minutes. The Vikings were not to be denied however and were able to blunt the Eagle’s efforts to get any closer.

The Vikings are chasing win their first District title, in their first visit to the Title game in 11 years. Joplin last earned the hardware three years ago. Parkview beat Joplin 2-1 on April 12th at home. Kelsey Loderhose got both goals in a 15 minute window of the first half, the first on a PK and the second on a direct kick. Anna Banwart scored for Joplin in the second half.

The winner will host the Glendale/Nixa winner on Tuesday, May 24th in the Sectional game.

In Kansas City, Lee’s Summit West hosts Ray-Pec tonight for the District Title, the winner will host Lee’s Summit North in one of the two Sectionals in the Metro area. Liberty awaits the winner of the Park Hill South/Truman game that is being played tomorrow.
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Shelby Stewart Named Female High School Athlete of the Year

Parkview Vikings, April 2010

Parkview Vikings, April 2010


Stewart has been named Female Prep Athlete of the Year by the News-Leader high school sports reporters. Shelby is #21 in this photo, with Melanie Allen, Holly Messick, Jessica Maerz & Kelsey Loderhose in the background, seen celebrating a late game-winner over Camdenton in April this year.

In addition to her skill, Stewart, a forward who will play soccer at Missouri State, also is known for her loyalty.

Upon entering high school, Stewart could have played four years of soccer had she chosen to attend Kickapoo, her neighborhood school. But Stewart decided to stay with her friends and go to Parkview, despite having to sit out a season because of a transfer rule. In doing so, Stewart chose a school with a less-established soccer program.

It wouldn’t be the last time Stewart, 18, would stay true to her friends when other options were out there.

Well done Shelby. I’m looking forward to covering your contributions to the Lady Bears for the next four years!

All Whites exit World Cup as heroes

Patrick Carver's Friends at WC

Patrick Carver's Friends at WC

As Springfield slowly discovers the world’s game that we already love, and New York City discovers that we can bring the love at the same level as any city in the country, the memory and the emotion that I hold closest are the friends I have made because of the game. One of them includes Patrick Carver, Parkview 2006 and Emory 2010 where he was a two-time All-American. I met him as a player with my nephew Chris’ club team and as a school foe (Chris is a Glendale Falcon, class of 2007) He also played one year in the New Zealand professional league, courtesy of Mike Seabolt, Missouri State assistant coach who hooked him up with the opportunity that Patrick embraced. I asked him to share with us his thoughts on how New Zealand has embraced their team. Here are his thoughts.

Thank you Landon Donovan. The golden boy’s injury time goal thrust us (USA) above Algeria and England to claim the top spot in our group and a match with Ghana in the round of 16, sparing me a very unhappy afternoon.

Another team that has defied the odds to finish ahead of a perennial soccer power is my adopted home country of New Zealand. Although the All Whites finished third in Group F with three ties and didn’t qualify for the next round, the Kiwis are already being hailed as heroes back home (link below).

All Whites exit World Cup as heroes

New Zealand may not be a big country but it is full of passion when it comes to sports. Soccer has nearly always had to take a back seat to the success of the All Blacks, their national rugby team. Despite this, the soccer culture in this country is great. Most people here are either 1st or 2nd generation transplants from countries in the United Kingdom which means they brought their football heritage with them.

The Kiwis left their last tournament appearance (1982) with 3 losses and -10 goal differential. This time around, the country was guardedly optimistic. 4 amateur players in the squad, a world rank of 78, and the lowest paid coach in the tournament were all factors that had New Zealanders downplaying their chances.

Led by captain Ryan Nelson who played here in the America during his college years for Greensboro College in North Carolina and later at Stanford University; the All Whites played a compact style which earned them ties in each of their three games. I talked to some friends in New Zealand who have characterized the results as ‘glorious’, ‘mint’, and ‘phenomenal’. They are extremely happy to have emerged from international soccer obscurity and finish the tournament with more points than Italy.

It’s not often that a New Zealand sports team is rewarded with international notoriety; most of their fame stems from native filmmaker Peter Jackson’s decision to use the country to film Lord of the Rings. For a country that was really just happy to be there, they have exceeded their own expectations which will provide a source of pride and happiness for years to come.

Shelby Stewart, Parkview Vikings Senior, KSPR Athlete of Week

Shelby Stewart, Parkview Vikings (2010)

Shelby Stewart, Parkview Vikings (2010)

Parkview senior Shelby Stewart stays pretty busy in the Spring. Not only is she an all-district forward for the soccer team, she’s also an all-state relay runner for the track team. The future Missouri State soccer player is this weeks Wendy’s High School Athlete of the Week. Story and video by Mike Scott.

Soccer Dad Brian Fogle Named Springfieldian of the Year

Brian Fogle, 2010 Springfieldian of the Year, with wife and daughters

Brian Fogle, 2010 Springfieldian of the Year, with wife and daughters

Congratulations to Brian Fogle, pictured with his wife and daughters, who was named the 2010 Springfieldian of the Year Friday evening by the Springfield Chamber of Commerce. Brian is a soccer dad, who was always in attendance at his daughter Betsy’s Parkview Vikings games (Betsy is 2nd from right, with a bigger smile than her Dad) despite a list of public commitments that stretched across two slides at the award presentation.

The crowd response, as they immediately rose to their feet in applause with the announcement, and the many stories heard following the meeting about how Brian had touched a particular individual or group, pointed to the extent of Brian’s effort and generosity. I’ve personally felt his grace and commitment when he signed on early as a sponsor of the Film Festival in 2006 when he worked for Great Southern Bank. It made a major difference for our group and he always recognized and acknowledged me from that first meeting.

The award is always a surprise for the winner and Brian’s graciousness and breadth were on display in his impromptu acceptance speech. He noted that when he is in a ‘defensive mode’ he falls back on quotes. He offered two, including Oscar Wilde:

“What is a cynic? A man who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing – For me, I know the value of family, friends and my community.”

and a more contemporary source, Elvis Costello, noting a song title as a message he also values:

(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding

According to his long time friends, from his time as an Aurora Houn’Dawg and later at Ole’ Miss, Rolling Stone magazine and rock and roll have been his long time companions. If you haven’t had a chance to meet Brian, I’d highly recommend it. As Executive Vice President of the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, he continues his legacy of working for the benefit of the community. Quite a soccer dad in my opinion.

Here’s the formal announcement from the Chamber of Commerce.

Jessica Maerz Is A Fighting Knight

Jessica Maerz, Parkview Vikings

Jessica Maerz, Parkview Vikings

I caught up with senior Jessica Maerz, Parkview Vikings and Springfield SC, last weekend prior to an indoor game, to have a conversation about her decision to play soccer next Fall for the Lynn University Fighting Knights.

Maerz, a soon to be four year Varsity starter, has played sweeper, center mid, and striker for the Vikings in various years and circumstances. As noted, she is headed to Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida. The Lynn Fighting Knights ended their 2009 campaign in the Sunshine State Conference with a 9-9-0 record.

Maerz has accumulated 53 career goals in her first three years as a Viking, including 26 her Junior year. Her key piece of advice to players who are interested in playing soccer in college? Get started now! If you are a sophomore, it’s time to identify schools and coaches you might be interested in. Get together with your Club coach and they can help you put together a plan. Don’t delay!

Shelby Stewart Joining The Missouri State Bears

Shelbee Stewart, Parkview Vikings

Shelbee Stewart, Parkview Vikings

I caught up with Shelby Stewart on Saturday at Lake Country Soccer where she and her friends were preparing to battle for the Winter session title in their division. I was interested in hearing about her recent verbal commitment to play soccer for the Division 1 Missouri State Bears.

Stewart heads into her senior year with the Vikings, where she will be a three year Varsity starter after not playing her freshmen season due to transfer limitations. She will join another Springfield SC alumni, Tara Bailes (Catholic 2008) on the Bear’s squad. The Missouri State Bears finished the 2009 season with a record of 9-6-3, making it to the semi-finals of the Missouri Valley Conference tournament.

Stewart scored 25 goals to go along with 11 assists her junior year at Parkview. Her speed and leaping ability are top-tier and will be critical elements in her development as a college player. She shares her thoughts and experiences on the recruiting trail in this video:

High School Schedules – Am I Missing Your Team?

OK, spent the afternoon Tuesday entering schedules into my High School Calendar and I’m still missing quite a few. The only way I can cover your team is if I have your schedule and can identify games of interest. Please have your Coach or a member of the Booster Club send me the schedule. I need it as a spreadsheet!

If your team IS NOT on this list, then I NEED YOUR SCHEDULE!
Class 3 – Branson Pirates, Camdenton Lakers, Central Bulldogs, Glendale Falcons, Jeff City Jays, Kickapoo Chiefs, Neosho Wildcats, Nixa Eagles, Ozark Tigers, Parkview Vikings, Rolla Bulldogs, Waynesville Tigers
Class 2 – Carl Junction Bulldogs, Logan-Rogersville Wildcats, West Plains Zizzers
Class 1 – Springfield Catholic Irish, Greenwood Blue Jays

Here is a blank spreadsheet you can complete. Download googlecalendar_schedule and complete. Thanks!

Parkview Kids Soccer Camp Returns Monday

The annual camp for children age 5 up to middle school, run by the Parkview High School Viking’s players. It’s an opportunity for local youth to get some training, have some fun and meet the players.

Parkview Vikings Kid’s Soccer Camp

    Monday, August 4th – Wednesday, August 6th, 2008
    6:00 – 8:00 P.M.

Come join us at the 2007 Parkview High School Soccer Camp!
• All levels of players welcome and encouraged to attend
• Registration open to individual players and/or team registrations (Pre-K through 8th grade)
• Coached by PHS staff and players
• Low player/coach ratio
• Positive reinforcement
• T-Shirt and Snacks for campers

This camp is offered to give every boy and girl the chance to improve their skills and become a better player. We are proud of our program and want you to meet our awesome PHS players and coaching staff. All money raised goes towards improvements to our field or to help our program.

Campers need to bring: a “Soccer Attitude”, water bottle w/name, soccer ball, shin guards and cleats or tennis shoes. This year we will meet on our field which is west of the JFK Stadium and just south of the skate park on Thelma.

The cost is $35.00 (checks payable to PHS Soccer Booster Club), if you have any questions please call LaDonna Hansen at 773-2675

Patrick Carver – NCAA Division III All-America First Team

Congratulations to Patrick Carver for being selected 1st Team All-American this week. Patrick is a product of the Springfield Soccer community, having grown up with MedPay/Springfield Soccer Club, as well as playing for Parkview HS (2005) and the Springfield Demize (2007). Patrick also won a National Debate title in 2004 and wrote a three part series on College Recruiting for this website following his experience in choosing Emory University. Intro – Choosing a College. Choosing a College Part 2. How To Get Recruited. Choosing The Right School.

Here’s a video from his final Club season, the summer of 2004 when the boys lost a close 0-1 match against Busch SC in the opening game of the tournament. Remember, nothing comes easy if you want to reach the top.

I’m looking for a copy of the highlight video from the Glendale vs Parkview game in 2004. When I find that, I’ll add it as well. Below is the complete press release on Patrick’s award from the Emory web site.

(Dec. 17) Emory University’s Patrick Carver (Parkview 2005) was named to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA)/ adidas NCAA Division III All-America first team, based on his performance during the 2007 season. Continue reading