DIXONVILLE – Strength and Honor. That was the slogan of the Umpqua Valley Christian Monarchs boy’s soccer team this season as they won the OSAA Special District 6 league championship on October 28 beating North Clackamas Christian 4-1 at Wilsonville High School. The win capped off an impressive season for the Monarchs as they finished with a 13-1 overall record and 9-1 league record.
The UVC boys team overcame a variety of odds this year after not having a team in 2014 and finishing 4-7-1 last season. After finishing 5th in conference last year and only having 11 players on the roster, the Monarchs began daily doubles on August 15th to start training for the season.
Daily doubles were where the blood, sweat and tears were poured out by the UVC team to help teach the game to six freshman and four players who never had played soccer before. The team ran on the term ‘Strength and Honor’.
“These guys worked so hard in daily doubles,” head coach Dan Reeves explained. “We pushed them hard to help them to prepare and it was a brotherhood that was established during that time together. It helped propel us to work hard every night at practice and ultimately battle during every game throughout the season.”
Tyson Sanders, the goalkeeper who never played goalie before last year, allowed the fewest number of goals in conference this season by contributing 70 saves. The defense for UVC didn’t allow North Clackamas Christian to score except off a set piece on a free kick in the league title game. Sanders reveled in the progression made by the Monarchs this season.
“It was fun to go from not having a team two years ago to winning the championship this year,” Sanders said. “It was a cool turnaround to see.”
Jayden Fong, a midfielder who missed his junior season last year due to an injury, had seven goals for UVC this year. All the blood, sweat, and tears were worth it for the senior.
“The reward of everything we’ve done throughout the season and for a lot of us many years before, all the years of focus, practice and determination paid off.”
Zach Schissler, who had 20 goals this season, said the Monarch’s success was all about teamwork. “We had to work together as a team and be uplifting to one another. We got to go out and win the championship.”
Gage Reeves, the team captain, led the Monarchs in scoring with 23 goals and 21 assists. Gage was voted 1st team all-league, as well as conference MVP.
“One of the greatest things about our team is we may not have the highest skill level of all teams, but we definitely have the most heart,” said Gage. “(The championship) is really the fruition of all the guys hard work and determination.”
Gage added that it was “pure bliss” after winning the league championship. “That moment was the culmination for us seniors, for the last 15 years playing soccer.”
Aaron Buechley, who was also a captain, had seven goals to go along with nine assists for UVC. Jacob Luther a senior contributed 12 goals and two assists to the Monarchs season.
Coach Reeves said after the championship game win that it was special to embrace with my son, Gage. “There was some tears, emotion and I’m just blessed to share it with them. I’m really proud of these boys and their accomplishments.”
Zack Schissler and Gage Reeves were voted 1st team all-conference. Jayden Fong and Tyson Sanders were voted 2nd team all-conference. Jacob Luther, Aaron Bueckley and Cody Phillips received honorable mention.
UVC finished 2nd in the OSAA state rankings for 3A/2A/1A. The Monarchs had the 3rd highest goal total scored for any team in that 3A/2A/1A ranking with 80 goals in 14 games.
