The fall 2001 intramural season is quickly coming to an end and for my liking much too soon! The team Billy Gouse and I am fortunate to coach will be missed after our game on Nov. 10, our final battle! We had a great season, we played, we learned, we had lots of fun and we made new friends!

We won, we lost, we laughed, we even cried now and again, but we made it through the season together, beginning with 10 players and ending with 10 players all in one piece!

Each one of the boys are special to us and the team. They all accepted the responsibility of punctually attending practices and the games weekly, which made our job a lot easier.

Thanks to their parents!

Now let's get into who made this team and season so memorable. Matthew Del Rosso, our forward, fullback and part-time goalie who always hustled and played hard on each and every play, I love you. Christopher "Chris" Hoffman, indestructible forward, fullback and goalie who never wanted to rest.

Matthew Gillen, our full-time fullback who always had a smile on his face and a question on his mind, and yes you can name our team The Mighty Ducks anytime you wish. Stephen Ello, great forward and fullback with nifty footwork and other solid soccer skills. Daniel Gavaria, fun to coach, who listened and developed into a very good all-around player (thanks to your dad too!) John Alognd, is one player who you could see develop week to week, good listener and excellent goalie. Daniel Bach, a big heart, who always tried his best to help his team. Kyle Cartwright, "lefty," fun to watch play, and very coachable with a bright soccer future. Mackenzie "Mack" Blanz, really turned it on in the second half of the season playing forward, fullback, and goalie positions.

Lastly, Billy's son, Ryan Gouse always willing to play any position we asked him to and played them all well.

Enjoy the winter season off boys, and come back in the spring raring to go again. Remember it's more important to play, learn, have fun and make new and lasting friends than it is to win every game. And if your coach(es) sometimes forget, be certain you and your folks remind us, no matter which sports you choose to play, OK?

Parents, thank you for your support week in and out, it means as much to us as it does to your children. See you all in April.