Photo by Precision Sports Entertainment
High School's gymnasium was filled with athletes and spirit after school on March 16th. The Cougar spring athletes all attended to support their fellow classmates as the Boy's Soccer Team was honored on the 4th Annual MaxPreps Soccer Tour of Champions presented by the Army National Guard. According to the MaxPreps Computer Rankings, the Cougars were No.66 in the nation out of more than 15,000 boys' soccer programs.
The athletic director, Patrick Friel, opened the ceremony by congratulating the boys on their achievements this past fall. Friel discussed the highlights from the season as he was proud to say that the team had 21 wins and won their state title. The last time the Cougars were state champions was in 1995, 20 years ago. Friel then introduced the MaxPreps representative, Brittany Capizzi, who explained what MaxPreps is and showed how prestigious this award was. With 15,000 high school men's soccer teams in the country, only ten teams receive the Army National Guard national ranking trophy and the Cougars made the list.
The MaxPreps representative then introduced Sergeant First Class Daniel Bove of the New York Army National Guard. SFC Bove gave the history of the Minuteman and what it represented to our country. The Army National Guard ranking trophy showed teamwork, camaraderie, and effort. SFC Bove said his congratulations and the presented the award to the head coach David Viegas and the team.
After the presentation, the team came up for pictures as they held the trophy high. The trophy was then moved into the hallway in a showcase dedicated to the soccer team's achievements where all could see.
Congratulations Commack on your state title and national ranking!
