They’re back and better than ever, the reigning state champions took the field last Monday to begin what feels like a long journey but will end in just a month on Nov. 14th. With 22 returners, the Friars are hoping to pick up this year’s victories right where they left them being led by new Head Coach Don Corrao.
They will face rival and league runner up, Kellenberg (10/19), in their second game of the season as well as number one seed of last year’s league, Chaminade, in a mid-season matchup (10/27). Last year’s season was defined as beating the odds, which worked in the Friars favor, now they are hoping to defend that statement once again and clinch another state title.
Don Corrao in his first season as head coach, but a staple in the Friars soccer community for several years, is hopeful that he can carry his Friars to yet another successful season. He tells us his expectations for his team are too, “Work hard every day, learn, compete, and have fun doing it. Our goal is to repeat as League Champions and continue on the Friar spirit.” This spirit that the team embodies stems from many traditions held throughout the program for several years. Corrao explains to us the traditions the Friar’s plan to continue, “somewhat hampered by restrictions imposed because of the pandemic, the team still looks to support breast cancer research, get involved in community service, days at the beach, soccer tennis, retro day, and crazy hat day to name a few.” The Friars soccer team is one of the most involved programs here at Saint Anthony’s they believe in giving back to those who support them.
The Friars and CHSAA league teams all started their training on Sept. 21st and are working hard to prepare in time for their season opener (10/13). Other highly skilled programs such as the Flyers of Chaminade look to regain their spot as top competitors of the CHSAA league and the only team standing in their way is the highly talented defending champions, our Friars.
I asked some of the players what they’re most looking forward to this season as well as their favorite matchup. Junior Forward Julian Wicik, who played at the varsity level last year, says, “The moment I most look forward to is putting in the work to win the league again. My favorite matchup is St. John’sthey got new and talented players from multiple DA teams and that’s going to be a challenge to overcome.” Top elite clubs and players represent what is called the USDA; meaning United States Development Academy which is a boys program consisting of multiple clubs across the nation that compete in various events throughout the year. St. John’s who finished 4th overall with a record 2-3-3 in the league last season is filling the underdog spot that the Friars once occupied, and will rival all the top competitors with their addition of new players from several well known clubs.
Senior Logan D’ Aoust added, “This season we need to adjust to everything that is going on in the world and be thankful that we are allowed to play. We are very fortunate to be student athletes at Saint Anthony’s, the coaches and staff are doing so much for us right now. For the rest of the season, we just need to find our rhythm and keep moving forward one game at a time.”
With the league being highly competitive the Friars have their work cut out for them. They are looking forward to working and playing hard to prove that they are once again champions. After their first victory against St. Mary’s 6-0 they hope to keep this winning streak going. Follow the Friars journey as they try and head to yet another state title. Catch their game Monday, 10/19 against the runner up of last year’s league, the Firebirds of Kellenberg.
Gabrielle Miller is a Junior at St. Anthony’s High School, this is her second year at Friar Scoreboard. She is a member of NHS, the Girls Basketball team and hopes to study journalism in the future.
