Entering his fifth year as head coach of the boys soccer team, Alex Jurek is proud of the fact the numbers of players he recruits for the sport have consistently grown — that despite the fact the Bulldog football team pulls in around 100 athletes for their program.
Competition to fill his roster can be tough, but he likes what he has seen so far.
“This program was built upon the mantel of good kids working together in a team environment,” Coach Jurek said. “This has paid dividends as we have had strong numbers for the last four seasons.”
The team has three seniors who were chosen as captains to help Jurek and his assistants get the younger players ready. Nick Vieau, who is a third year starting varsity player on the team was chosen by Jurek because “he is a strong leader”.
Collin McDowell, a four-year veteran on varsity, was selected because “he is knowledgeable, a great mentor and has great skills.”
Qadry Fakhreddine, a third-year varsity veteran and a member of the 2014 All-Conference team, was also named captain by Jurek because he is “a strong leader and a great mentor.”
They all love the sport and have been appreciative to the coaches for making them better players and people on and off the field.
“Coach Jurek has always been good to me and I’ve learned so much through the years,” said Vieau. “I just try and get better each time out and try to be a good influence for the younger guys.”
McDowell agrees.
“I love this sport and the coaches have always been there to make things fun and teach us new things,” he said. “I like to think I can help the team by showing how hard I work and the effort I give at practices and games.”
Fakhreddine says he’s “been impressed with the boys soccer program and how the team keeps getting better and better over the years.”
“I think this year we’ll be even better,” he said.
Jurek will rely on Brad Novak (junior high) and Dan Baird (JV) to help with his squads and the team plans to continue to wear their Columbia Blue and White uniforms at home and their black outfits on the road.
Jurek says he expects excellence from his players and hopes their behaviors and academic prowess shine a positive light on the school and the program.
“Excellence on the field cannot be overshadowed by negligence in character,” Jurek said. “I hold the player’s character paramount to anything that they can produce on the field.”
As far as on the field behavior, Jurek wants his players to be well balanced.
“What I want for all of my students to be involved in activities year round as it keeps them balanced,” he says. “No matter the activity — whether it be theater, camp counselor or basketball — it keeps them healthy both emotionally and physically. I want them involved as it keeps them grounded. It keeps them accountable. This isn’t just for my soccer players. It is for all of my students.”
Jurek is sifting through a high number of very skilled and athletic players — and will be tasked to choose players who fit well in the top 11 positions and then play 15-17 players each match. The players that show the best talent, character, teamwork and positive attitude will rise to the top.
This years’ team consists of seven seniors, nine juniors and one freshman and they include: Andrew Davalos, Andrew Schneider, Brandon Abrahamson, Collin McDowell, David Berning, George Lomeli, Hunter Mccalla, Jordan Gruenes, Logan Boyer, Mason Makarall, Matthew Davalos, Matthew Johnson, Mitchell Bentley, Nick Vieau, Noah Arrigoni, Owen Houghton and Qadry Fakhreddine.
The schedule is as follows: Sept. 3 at home versus St. Cloud Cathedral; Sept. 4 at Monticello; Sept. 8 at Melrose Area; Sept. 14 at Rocori; Sept. 15 at home versus St. John’s Prep; Sept. 17 at home versus Little Falls; Sept. 19 at home versus North Branch, Princeton, Mesabi East; Sept. 22 at St. Cloud Cathedral; Sept. 24 at home versus Melrose Area; Sept. 26 at Mayer Lutheran; Sept. 29 at Sauk Rapids-Rice; Oct. 1 at St. John’s Prep; Oct. 6 at Little Falls, Oct. 8 at home versus Rockford.
