Seniors Send-Off in Style

The Polson boys’ soccer team worked their way up to the top of their conference this season, qualifying them to compete in the state championship game for the first time since 2018. 

They faced off against Whitefish for a State Class A Title and won 4-0. While their season was quite successful, the team faces a challenge for next year.

In many sports at PHS, senior participation is very low, but for the soccer team it’s the opposite. This season the team had more seniors than any other class. This poses the question, what will participation be like next season?

 Captain Cruz Lies, a senior, has seen the team’s highs and lows over his four years playing on the team. He said their hardest game this season was against Stevensville. A lot of people were sick and it was their homecoming game, where the stakes and school spirit were high. Despite these moments, Lies said, “I like that I’m able to lift up my teammates and give them some motivation and guidance.” 

At the beginning of this season Lies was voted to be captain by his other teammates.

The team has only lost two games and won ten games. When asked what makes Polson’s team different from other schools, Cade McConnell, a sophomore, said, “We have a very strong sense of friendship, because we all grew up together and played together.” McConnell has played for as long as he can remember, and his teammates have stuck with him throughout his years.

Chris McElwee, assistant coach, has been coaching with Head Coach Josie Lies for four years. When asked about the biggest change in the team McElwee states, “I would say the biggest change that we’ve had from four years ago to now is the relationship the seniors have with each other, who have been playing with one another for four years.” 

Although PHS will say goodbye to eight seniors, their younger teammates are ready to step up. Juniors Edgar Vejezpete, Jackson Bontadelli, Afton Hatch, Strider Gage, Zephyr Sternick, and Donovan Beeks will brings thier years of playing experience into their next season.