Senior players recognized

The Outlaws soccer program honored seniors Gus Patton, Tate Kaczmarek, Aidan Eckert, Corbin Fredland, Taine Martin, and Zenus Ortega prior to their game against La Pine last week.

Patton has been a varsity starter for two years, and this year was a co-captain. Husmann noted that Gus is a strong leader, a special individual, is always positive and works hard, but reminds everyone it’s all about having fun.

Kaczmarek is a four-year starter and a co-captain this year. Tate is a highly skilled player and led the team in scoring. Husmann said that Tate has high expectations of himself and others, and is very capable of playing at the next level.

Eckert is a skilled soccer player, who has incredible field vision. He’s a four-year starter, a mentor to the younger players on the squad, and also a next-level player.

Fredland is a three-year varsity player, who has started for the Outlaws the past two years, and this year was a co-captain. Husmann noted that Corbin is a very intelligent and versatile player, has grown tremendously this year, and is a balanced scholar-athlete.

Martin is an athletic and versatile player, who has played varsity the past two years. Taine didn’t play soccer until he entered high school and learned the game quickly. Husmann stated that Martin is a ‘super-sub’ with a positive attitude, and a scholar-athlete who plans to run track in college.

Ortega rounds out the senior players and has played one year on the varsity squad. Husmann told The Nugget he can’t say enough about “Z” (Zenus). Husmann stated that Zenus doesn’t see much time on the varsity pitch, but is so loved by his team, and has learned to balance all that life throws his way. Husmann added that Zenus gave such important energy to the team, and that he is also a scholar-athlete.

Of his seniors Husmann said, “This is the first group of guys that I have coached all the way through, and it has been such an honor to be their coach. Our first year, we won just two games. This group of guys has shown great leadership and commitment to helping raise the bar of this program. I have so many great memories with this group of young men.”

After the seniors were recognized and honored, the game then got underway and Sisters had control from the get-go. Scoring was balanced and unselfish as the Outlaws got two goals each from Eckert and Kaczmarek, and one goal each from Christian, Dean, Carson Bell, and Gus Patton.

At the half, the Outlaws were on top 7-0. Husmann opted to shift senior Gus Patton from his usual defensive position up to forward and slide Kaczmarek back to defense, and both boys were excited for Patton to get a chance to play up front.

Patton is the rock of the Outlaws’ defense, so never gets a chance to score a goal. He was moved forward and given a rare opportunity. After some beautiful passes through the middle of the pitch, Patton struck the ball into the back of the net for the final goal of the match.

Husmann said, “The team and fans erupted! He is so very loved by his teammates, such a good human, and it was such a fitting way to wrap up senior night.”