As the school year is coming to an end, so are all the spring sports, bringing the rush of all the lasts. Last games, last practices, and last bus rides. These wholesome moments spent with teammates, who have become so much more than just teammates, are especially cherished. Seniors are taking it all in, reminiscing, and have started going down memory lane. Committing to and being a part of a team can be one of the best parts of high school, creating bonds and memories that last a lifetime. The boys soccer team’s senior night arrived quickly, many players saying it came too fast, marking the end of an era to many.
Braulio Aguilera (12), senior captain on the varsity team, has definitely been feeling all the emotions. “I feel a little sentimental. Everything is going by fast, so fast. You really just have to enjoy every moment,” he said. As he looked back on the season, the role he added, “My goal is to make it to the state championship. You have to balance all these emotions while also competing, giving your all,” Aguilera said. As some final words of wisdom and encouragement, “Don’t play for the number on the back, play for the badge in the front. Leave the jersey better than you found it,” Aguilera said.
“I feel really happy for him. I’m beyond proud of him and all his achievements. Seeing him become this great person has motivated me, and I look up to him so much. It’s really a bittersweet feeling,” Sandy Landa (10) said. Her brother, Jose Landa, our SBO president, has done so much for the school and his team. He’ll definitely be missed, and we are all super proud. “It was kinda last minute, since we were in a rush, but we decided to make shirts for him. They took a couple of days and were a little difficult, but the outcome was great and definitely worth it,” Landa said.
Milly Ramirez (10), one of the soccer team managers, is preparing for these seniors’ big night to be the best it can be. “This year, there are 17 seniors, and we are making their posters, gift bags, and a big banner for all of them to do a final sign off. Last year, we had a lot of help, but with there being more seniors, it’s been a bit stressful. We are super proud of the seniors and how they’ve been doing this season. Their games are always fun to watch and feel their competitiveness on the field,” Ramirez said. Even from the sideline, the energy from these boys can be felt, showing the connection between the team and their supporters in the stands.
After this big game, energy is high, and emotions are heightened. “I feel good, it was a great win. I feel like we could’ve scored more, but it feels great to win on senior night and like to go off with a bang,” Ethan Arciga (12) said. Leaving the season with a bang, here are some last words from Arciga to the next gen and his teammates, “Greatness comes from hard work and dedication, even if it doesn’t work out. It takes time,” Arciga concluded.
Fighting for the region title once again, chances are still high, but they are going to have to work hard. Best of luck to our boys soccer team with the region and playoffs coming up.
