The Melbourne High soccer teams earned TOC recognition this season.
Photo by Army National Guard
Dark skies and gusting winds made for an intimidating backdrop, but it didn't stop the third-annual MaxPreps Soccer Tour of Champions presented by the Army National Guard from visiting the
Melbourne Bulldogs'
girls and
boys soccer teams to honor their accomplishments of finishing second and seventh in the nation, respectively. The Bulldogs have proven themselves to be one of Florida's powerhouse programs; in the last six years the boys and girls programs have swept the Florida state title three times.
In one of the more unique Tour of Champions stops, we arrived at the coastal area high school as it was playing the role of host to the Brevard County boys and girls All-Star Games, an event that saw both Rosanna Lord (head coach of the Melbourne girls team) and Jerry McCabe (head coach of the Melbourne boys team) acting as the ASG head coaches for their respective genders. One look at both squads and it was evident as to why both Bulldog teams were so dominant this season: The girls all–star team featured eight Melbourne players alone, while the guys weren't that far behind.
The girls game kicked off the evening with the boys game to follow next, but not before the Bulldogs got their moment to shine in their home stadium. With the boys team on the left and the girls team on the right, the Bulldogs marched out to midfield. In the center of both groups stood Staff Sergeant Michael Blackmore of the Florida Army National Guard. SSG Blackmore, a native Floridian whose office resides about five seconds away from the school, couldn't have been more thrilled and honored to be able to present Melbourne with such an honor. It was not only evident in his energy, but in his tone when school administrators and parents came up to speak with him. SSG Blackmore was excited to present the Army National Guard national ranking trophy to coach Lord and coach McCabe in front of a packed soccer stadium.
While sitting next to a statue of the school's mascot, two parents came up to the Tour of Champions display and asked a simple question, a question that could have been answered in less than 15 words, but it ended up turning into a 20 minute conversation between SSG Blackmore and the two parents. Not because it was being dragged out or a ramble, but because he brought along with him the energy and charisma that would entrap people and make them want to listen.
It's rare that teams establish themselves as a dynasty. It's even more rare that an entire program across both genders establishes itself as a dynasty. Coach Lord and coach McCabe have done a miraculous job of instilling their philosophies and their principles into their young athletes. Philosophies and principles that have sent multiple players on to the college ranks and even to the national level. While talking to coach Lord, she mentioned that both she and coach McCabe are two of the most laid-back people and that they never look beyond the game they are playing, just one game at a time. With coach McCabe having over 500 wins under his belt, and coach Lord in the midst of competing for a three-peat this upcoming season, who can argue with that mentality?
Congratulations to Melbourne High School and its championship girls and boys soccer teams!
