Team concentrates on strategy

By Dean Wong

As family affairs go, this year's Ballard Beavers soccer team is close knit with the ability to make the KingCo tournament at season's end.

After practice last Thursday, the entire team went to dinner at a parent's house and this type of bonding could result in the Beavers making a statement in one of the best soccer leagues in the state.

"We have a lot of talent. We all know each other and are good friends. We understand each other on the field," said co-captain Jacob Byrne.

Two thirds of the team are first year varsity players.

"We have some good experienced seniors and some talented underclassmen. Most of them have been in the program since they were freshmen and play select soccer," said head coach Gary Hunter.

Because of the quality of the players, Hunter and his staff can concentrate on team strategy.

"Most have been in the program and understand what we want. Each year the players get better and I am very excited. They have great heart, energy and enthusiasm," said Hunter.

A year ago, the Beaver's playoff hopes were on the line while playing the last game of the year. They lost that game to Inglemoor, a team that went to the final four of state.

"We were really close. KingCo is a really a tough league. We don't have many easy games. We will get there this year," said co-captain Kevin Baumler.

Ballard used one of its "easy games," when they beat Franklin 10-0 in the third game of the year. Going against Garfield, Roosevelt, Redmond and Eastlake will be more of a challenge.

Daniel Giuntoli feels this young Beaver squad will step it up. As far as soccer styles are concerned, Ballard will swing the ball out wide and attack.

It's a soccer system that Hunter has used with success in the past.

"We have a fun attitude towards the game and we work well on the field. We know how to play the game. We grow every year," said Byrne.

As a team leader, Byrne wants Ballard to establish a reputation as a soccer school. Most of the players are on local select teams.