Former State Champion Osseo Rebuilding But Still Aiming High

After graduating 12 seniors from last year’s team including Mr. Soccer, Whitney Browne, and All-Tourney selections, Lucas Hoang and George Kawalawu and with just three starters returning from last season’s state championship team, Osseo High School are definitely regrouping. Those returning starters are seniors Ahmad Bah – State All Tourney, and defenseman Jason Peterson and Junior defenseman Luke Vangeest. The Orioles have several underclassman returning who contributed significantly to the success in the tournament including juniors Peter Hagar and Matt Bennett, as well as sophomore Sam Mason. Those six will help provide the core leadership for the team this year.

“Our schedule is deliberately tough again this year and we are blessed to be in one of the most competitive conferences in the state in the North West Suburban Conference,” said, coach Scott Smith. “Of course we want to see Elk River again since they spoiled us from the conference championship, and I think our rivals Coon Rapids and Maple Grove  will be great matches again this year as well. But there are no patsys in the conference, so we will have to play well no matter who we face. We also have some of the best programs in Minnesota to face in our non-conference matches — teams like Hopkins, Armstrong, Rochester Century, and a rematch of the title game with St. Louis Park September 26th. Our young men have their work cut out for them and will most definitely have to bring their A-game to every match, since we know our opponents will be bringing theirs every time. We will be ready to compete, and others will know they are on the field with a team that is going to give them a game.”

Smith says he’s excited about the new turf which was laid on their home field this summer. “Turf suits our game of high pressure pass and attack soccer,” stated Smith. “We’re really going to continue to work to build “total soccer” players which really puts pressure on defenses. We will not being playing like we have something to lose, because we don’t, we are going to play to win, just like last season.”

Because of last year’s success, Smith says there’s a lot of renewed interest in the program from kids at Osseo which should help bring some depth in the developmental teams (Junior Varsity & B-Squad). He says that both these teams had excellent years last year. The 2008 JV was  9-3-3 & B-squad was 9-5-0. He’s hoping they should be able to fill in the gaps for some of the varsity roster.

Smith is a big believer that it all comes down to intangibles. “In my mind, the heart of the champion is proven in learning to be a team and to trust each other, instead of playing as 11 individuals,” said Smith. “In building up the weapons of the heart, tenacity, self-sacrifice, perseverance and courage. These things make the team a sharpened arrow aimed at one goal, an unstoppable force,” said Smith with conviction. “Soccer teams win championships, not individuals. As to the season, anything is possible if you put your mind to it.”

Smith, who is also the track and field coach, said there’s also an element of the unknown at the beginning of the soccer season. “You never know who is going to show up at tryouts either,” said Smith. “I think we may get some track men out, since I coach that in the spring. We’re optimistic, but so is everyone at the start of the season. Hope springs eternal.”

Osseo’s home opener is August 27th against Rogers @ 5 pm.