by Jamila Thomas

In a quest to attend at least one game of every sport offered at Chamblee, I ended up watching Chamblee play Druid Hills in boys’ and girls’ varsity soccer. Unlike basketball games, the boys played before the girls (they rotate who plays first), but similarly to basketball, there was a bigger turn out for the boys than the girls. 

When I first arrived, I was shocked to see such a small number of people in the stands, but I was later informed that the small mass of people was actually larger than usual. There were no cheerleaders or Pep Club, but they also weren’t necessary. The onlookers had lots of heart and were very supportive to the players, with good reason. The boys played hard during the entire game, but were unsuccessful in overcoming Druid Hills, and the girls tied with DHHS in double overtime. Both teams gave the games their all.  

So far, the boys have a 6-5 record with some important games under their belts. They beat Lakeside (1-0), a AAAA school ranked 6th in the state, for the first time in record years. Clarkston also fell to the Dogs (3-2) with junior and MVP Matt Toups, the team captain, scoring two goals. Seniors this year are Mayur Kenia, Graham Rodrigue, Domingo Cisneros, Reed MacTavish, and newcomer and outstanding scorer, John Propst. A few that returned are John Barrett Reed and Jon Wu, the goalie. Coach Neuhaus says this year has been a “building season” and is expecting an even better season next year. 

The girls, too, believe they have a promising future since the team is predominantly underclass. The seniors are Jae Cody, Megan Truan, Irene Sung, and Iwaine Sung. Cody feels that the team is “more like a team than ever before.” This is partially due to the new coach, Coach Munson. The players feel that she has really brought things together for them. Their record, 6-3-2 so far, is proof of this. Leading scorers are Candace Wilson and Megan Truan, who is also a co-captain with Jessica Lawson. 

Overall, I’m glad to have actually gone to the games. I understand now that the players have to be dedicated to the game since it is more athletically rigorous that any other sport I’ve seen. They also don’t necessarily need all the hoopla associated with other sports, but that doesn’t mean they don’t want support. So, go to a game next season!