Badgers set sights on state soccer title
—BONNERS FERRY HERALD FILE PHOTO Ethan Wilson, left, (11) Elijah Price (17) and Cordoso Pedro, right, (10) make a fast break down the field in a recent match against Stillwater Christian, in blue.
—BONNERS FERRY HERALD FILE PHOTO Badger Anthony Shutes kicks the ball back into play at a recent soccer match.
—BONNERS FERRY HERALD FILE PHOTO The Badger goalie scoops up a failed goal attempt at a recent game with Stillwater Christian.
-- Courtesy photo Coach Wilkerson gives the Badger boys a pep talk during an away game.
-- Courtesy photo
-- Courtesy photo
BONNERS FERRY — Badger boys soccer is fortunate to have Wayne Wilkerson, also voted Best Coach of Boundary County for 2016, for their head coach.
According to Wilkerson, he has been coaching since his junior year in high school as a youth recreational team coach in Cheney, Wash.
The amazement he got out of watching the younger players improve and their eagerness to learn and the enjoyment of the sport is what drew Wilkerson to coaching. Wilkerson is assisted by Derek Oxford, Brycen Lunger and Dan Tadlock.
“The overall expectations for the Badger boys soccer is to make a trip to state to compete with the best of the best at our level,” said Wilkerson.
Wilkerson stated that the league has become more competitive over the years and the State tournament is about playing your best, win or lose; it is so rewarding for the players and for the coaches.
Overcoming team “chemistry” is something that Wilkerson knows will happen over time and with each practice. A longer season or year round season would be helpful, but there is not the option to go inside, winter sports take priorities, commented Wilkerson.
Wilkerson is also stated that he believed that cross training and participation in multiple sports make these young men even better athletes and persons in general.
“I don’t feel I can rush this or make it happen any quicker then it’s meant to happen,” stated Wilkerson.
Soccer family is the greatest asset to the team. The wins or losses do not define the team, it is the friendships, achievements, losses and strength to overcome those difficult moments that make all us “better.”
The offensive team is improving with every practice and game. They are still selecting each individual player's role and expectations. According to Wilkerson, it is an amazing process to be involved in and to observe.
The defensive team is the heart of the team this year, as with many years past. According to Wilkerson, it’s the foundation that they continue to build on every year, to rely on the experience needed to improve all our players from the least experienced to the seasoned player.