Parting Senior Reflections

FALL 2008
"This team will mean more to you than you will ever know. Treat your teammates like your brothers, always work harder than the rest and play every game like a champion. Never give in and never hold back. One day you will look back and smile like I have, knowing you were part of the SSFS Men’s Varsity Soccer Team."
- Chris Jones, Captain 2008

"In my early years as a member of the SSFS Men's Varsity Soccer Program, I didn't understand Eduardo and the program's teachings. But before I knew it, I was molded into the kind of player, student, and person I was being taught to be. The program has a way of doing that; rubbing off on you, and this is only for the better. Everything I have learned in this program -- consciously and subconsciously -- has changed my life, whether on a small scale or large, and I am forever grateful."
- Sam Schneider, Assistant Captain 2008

"Describing what this experience has meant to me is as difficult as realizing it's over. No team comes close to the effect that this team has on its players. That's why I hope all the remaining players treasure their time as part of this team, because experiences as unique as this one don't last forever."
- Benji Wei, 2008

"The Sandy Spring Men's Varsity Soccer experience goes beyond that of a mere team and into something more sacred, a brotherhood. Be careful, because the beginning of this experience is truly the start of the end of a very special journey. Cherish the time in this unique program. Don't let it slip away."
- Zheng Wang, 2008

"This program has given me so much.  Aside from soccer, I have become a better friend, leader, and more confident person.  I can only hope to bring the same sense of purpose, brotherhood and love to the other areas of my life.  The experience is short and sweet -- so cherish the moment, seize the day, and give all you have, because it is something that you will miss forever."
- David Dean, 2008

"Being a part of the Sandy Spring 2008 Men’s Varsity Soccer Team was an experience I was lucky enough to have. It was an incredible experience that I cannot forget. This is more than a Varsity soccer team; it is a brotherhood and a family in the Sandy Spring community. I will never forget this experience, and what I have learned from it. I was so fortunate to have the gift of being a part of this team."
- Tom Palley, 2008

FALL 2007
"When you begin, you can't imagine a team ever meaning this much. When you're done, you can't help but realize that it was much more than a team; it was a family."
- Ashton Imlay, Captain 2007

"Being a part of a team and having a group of your brothers play with you is one of the greatest feelings in the world. Only in certain, uniquely special places will you find such a feeling. SSFS Men's Varsity Soccer is definitely a place where you will be entertained by this feeling of collective soul. It is a privilege and honor to take part in this program. The brothers and friends you make will last a lifetime."
- Aaron Lewis, Assistant Captain 2007

"Cherish the moments with this team, because you will not be able to find another program like the one you are a part of now. The brotherhood, the pride, and the pursuit of a common goal on this team are unique and not found everywhere. Reminiscing of my four years with this team I can't think of a single memory that didn't include my friends and teammates. Have fun in the moments you are in with your teammates, but don't lose sight of your goals and remember that you are only as strong as your weakest link. When you work as one, you will succeed."
- Will Merritt, 2007

"This program has taught me to never fade in times of anguish, but to be stronger. Never boast about wins, but remain humble. And, if you get the minute chance at a championship, hold onto that chance and work your hardest to never let it go."
- Patrick Ma, 2007

"My experience on the SSFS Men’s Varsity Soccer Team will always be immortally engraved into my life as a teacher and an example of how I should conduct myself in struggle and triumph to myself, my family and my community."
- Sam Records, 2007

"To the future of the team, I wish you all the best of luck and I hope you each realize what a special opportunity you have to improve yourself in all aspects of life -- on and off the field. Best wishes and thank you for always putting it all out there to help preserve and perpetuate the legacy of excellence that defines this program."
- Andrew Stowe, 2007

"Sandy Spring Friends Men's Varsity Soccer is more than just a group of guys that play together on a pitch. It's a community, it's a way of life, and it's something so special that you often forget how great it is until it is already gone. Being part of the Men's Varsity Soccer Team is unlike any sports experience you'll have for the rest of your life."
- Augustus May, 2007

"I have felt always a sense of enormous pride as a member of the SSFS Men's Varsity Soccer Team, whether in victory or defeat, be it in hoisting a championship banner or in bowing out nobly. A chance to be a part of something this special should not be taken lightly. I believe that the future looks as bright as our past, because all those who enter this program share something unique in common: that same enormous and distinguishing sense of pride. Be proud!"
- J.K. Woo, 2007

"Sandy Spring Friends School Varsity Soccer has taught me that pride is of the utmost importance: pride in oneself, one's team, and one's school."
- Tommy Meeks-Teal, 2007

FALL 2006
"The difficult emotion I feel does not come from the fact that I may never play competitive soccer again, it is because it is the last experience I will have with this soccer team."
- Kyle Cassidy, Captain 2006

"In my four years at Sandy Spring Friends, this team has provided me with an objective-- to win and strive for greatness. However, it's not the goals I reached, but the memories I made with my teammates in trying to achieve them, that I will cherish most and are what I'll carry with me long after my high school career."
- Ethan Price-Chu, Assistant Captain 2006

"What seemed like three seconds was actually three years, and what seemed like three centuries' worth of memories was actually only three years' worth of memories."
- Christopher Davis, 2006

"I cannot express what this program has meant to me and what it has done for me. I will never forget my teammates and coaches, and I will always have memories that I can look back on. This program has taught me many important things that I am and will be thankful for in my life. Cherish every moment and never lose sight of what you are working towards. Always play as one and success will come."
- Andrew Klontz, 2006

"My journey through this program has taught me many things about myself, but most importantly, it taught me to never give up on my dreams.  I was a dreamer who gave everything he had to fulfill it.  I discovered that without dreams, one is left empty, without hope or motivation.  It is only by dreaming that one is able to reach the zenith of their potential.  There will be those who will find themselves in my situation, the odd man out, but I echo what this program has taught me; never give up on your dreams, they are what got you here, and they are what will lead you on."
- Matthew Ripley, 2006

FALL 2005
"Throughout what now appears to be a somewhat brief tenure as a Varsity soccer player at Sandy Spring, I have learned many things that you cannot simply teach, but that one must learn through experience. Of all of the credible and useful things that I have learned in my short four years, the thing that I value the most is the brotherhood that is created within the team and the many friendships that result from it."
- Steven Matthews, Captain 2005

"This program and my experiences within it make me want to do it all over again, from the very first pick-up soccer session, to winning the banner, to submitting this parting senior reflection. I'm going to miss everything about this team that I came to consider a second family. An experience like this may come along once in a lifetime; so if given the chance take it. And when it has ended, don't cry because it is over, smile because it happened, knowingly assured you'll somehow always remain a part of it. I know I will."
- Chad Henry, Assistant Captain 2005

"Don’t forget to cherish every moment like it's your last, because in the blink of an eye those moments become memories."
- Zack Zarker, 2005

"I cannot put into words what this program has meant to me.  It has been everything to me for four years.  I came in as a little kid and have left a gentleman-warrior.  Have fun and work hard while it lasts, because it runs out fast.  The memories, however, will last forever, so be sure to make good ones."
- Owen Haddow, 2005

"Throughout my years in the soccer program I have learned many lessons which have taught me many things about life. I have learned of honor and brotherhood, and established a blue collar work ethic which will never leave me. For lack of a better term, this 18-0-0 season was..."flawless". This concerns me for the future, however. I challenge those who follow in our footsteps to avoid complacency at all cost, as it is the fastest way to fall from grace. Therefore, stick together, keep each other safe, and live for the moment, because your last game is imminent. Play for the guy next to you; play for the coaches who have given so much; play proudly for your school; and ultimately play for your love of the game."
- Tony "Tano" Busalacchi, Goalkeeper 2004

FALL 2004
"Out of all the things that I will miss about this school, the friends, the teachers, the coaches, most of all I will miss the close brotherhood I have been a part of for the past four years of my life."
- Michael Davis, Captain 2004


"Throughout my stay at Sandy Spring, there has never been any experience as meaningful and dear to me as that of this program. Being with my teammates on and off the pitch left me with only the fondest of memories, and I cannot imagine my life without the values and spirit of chivalry that I take away from the program. This team succeeds because every member of the program works selflessly to advance the ambitions of the group both in uniform and in the classroom. It is this spirit of teamwork that makes this team truly unique, and I consider it an honor above all others to have been able to don the green and white."
- Jason Feuerstein, 2004

"It is my hopes and dreams that, throughout my tenure with the soccer program here at Sandy Spring Friends, a little bit of me has rubbed off on all my brothers and will stay forever embedded with them throughout their lives as a reminder of me, because I surely will never forget them and what they have done for me."
- Adam Pankowski, Goalkeeper 2004

FALL 2003
"In my time as a leader in the program, my hope is that I have created, and now leave behind, more leaders than followers."
- Andrew Eden, Captain 2003

"It's hard to put into words how important the Varsity Soccer Program has been to me. It's even harder to swallow the fact that my four seasons flew by so fast. My only advice for the up-and-coming leaders is to cherish this invaluable experience before it passes you by."
- Trevor Zarker, Assistant Captain 2003

"I have learned to give assistance when I can, accept it when I need, and always to be thankful. Thank you."
- Mark Modak, 2003

"Cherish every moment you have while in the program and remember to work hard for those who no longer can."
- Joshua Lichtenstein, 2003

"The truth is my favorite moments are the one's that don't necessarily involve the game itself. I will surely remember some of the successes I've been fortunate enough to have; however, what I will always remember is the various groups of guys on each team. My favorite moments have always been the stretches before games or practices, or the study halls and field trips. The truth is with each day I forget more and more about each game I've played, but I am always able to smile about the time we've spent as buddies."
- Christopher Shank, Goalkeeper 2003

FALL 2002
"Nothing makes me more proud than to know that I was a part of a team comprised of such outstanding individuals. The bonds between us can only be described as one of brotherhood."
- David Jones, Captain 2002

"The future of this program will be determined by the effort put into it. Effort is everything. Without effort nothing comes together, especially team concept. You have a great leader and a history of success. The leader will bring you together, but you will each individually need to do your part. Coming off a serious injury that robbed me of 75% of my junior season, I never lost track of my purpose and desire. I poured my heart and soul into my rehabilitation – not just for me, but for my team – and I came back stronger and earlier than initially expected because of my passion to do so. Commitment is the key to success. This program has a rich tradition founded in commitment, and it is therefore important to honor those that came before by adding to that tradition, focusing one step at a time and every step of the way."
- Thomas Sadler, Assistant Captain & Goalkeeper 2002

"At no other place can you learn the true meaning of heart, hard work, determination, and family than with the SSFS Men's Varsity Soccer Team. The memories that I will take away from this team outshine any other high school memories. The bond that the team has is unbreakable, and it will not be easy to say goodbye to my teammates with whom I have built such strong friendships. My advice to the younger players is to seize the opportunity given to you by the soccer program. The values you will learn transcend soccer and will stay with you for the rest of your life."
- Robby Reider, Assistant Captain 2002

"While the game is, just that, a game, recognize that the work you put into it will last more than 90 minutes because this team is more than just a group of guys; it is unforgettable. I had played soccer for many years, but at Sandy Spring I was introduced to something that I could truly call a team."
- Nick Graff, 2002

"All things must come to an end, but great things will never be forgotten."
- Ben Novick, 2002

"The Men's Varsity Program at SSFS not only teaches soccer, but also some of the fundamentals that lead to a successful life: persistence and ambition. Through experiences on the field, a boy begins to learn how to deal with both victory and defeat in all aspects of life, while respecting those surrounding him, ultimately this boy learns how to carry himself like a man."
- Miles Mattson, 2002

"It amazes me to stop and think about all that Men's Varsity Soccer at SSFS has given me. It has given me something to aspire to, something to strive for, something to be proud of, a reason to stay in shape, deep lasting bonds with my teammates, and the list goes on. At SSFS, Men's Varsity Soccer means more than the name states, it means all of the things aforementioned and much, much more. Nowhere else can you find a sports program that gives you so many lasting lessons, both in the field of sport as in the field of life."
- Elliott Jones, 2002

"As an international student, the thought of playing on varsity seemed daunting to me, in particular communicating; but there were great teammates and good brotherhood, so it was not that hard. I learned the most important things of my life in the Men's Varsity Soccer Program, such as the importance of brotherhood and family. When we lost we always managed to cheer each other up, and when we won we were so happy because we did so together. Without my teammates and brotherhood there could be no Min-Su on the field. It is impossible to forget what we did together, but alas it is time to say, "farewell". Sometimes a change is as good as a new start."
- Min-Su Park, 2002

FALL 2001
"Even though I am an only child, I have nineteen brothers."
- Kip Kelley, Captain 2001

"Sandy Spring is lucky to have the Men's Soccer Program; it truly develops mind, body and soul. Unlike anything else offered at SSFS, the soccer program will instill confidence and pride by making you push yourself to your personal threshold only to find that you can cross it into the next level. Unique bonds are formed, obstacles are overcome, integrity approaches fruition, and by the time you have reached my position, I can say without equivocation, you shall be a better person."
- Gavin Maguire, Assistant Captain 2001

"Playing soccer as a member of the SSFS Men's Varsity Soccer program taught me many things, most importantly: pride, class and the value of having a brotherhood among one's teammates. Also, my understanding of the game was greatly advanced under the tutelage of the coaching staff, not to mention playing here was outright my favorite experience playing the game in my life."
- Brendan Callahan, 2001

"The responsibilities and challenges presented by the Men's Varsity Soccer Program have taught me how to reach my full athletic and personal potentials, and have instilled in me strong moral values. I highly recommend it."
- Joseph Dickson, 2001

"Through the Men's Varisty Soccer Program at SSFS, I was transformed in a way that I would never have imagined. During my two years on Varsity, the team motto, "Pride!" was an idea that I began to apply not just to my attitude on the soccer field, but also to my life in general. I was imbued with a sense of being truly proud of who I am, as an athlete and as a person. Over time, I became willing and eager to defend not only the goal, but my convictions and beliefs as well, despite any adversity I might face. This pride has been the greatest gift bestowed upon me by the Program, for I now possess a strength that will follow me off the field and through life."
- Jonathan Mort, Goalkeeper 2001

"Becoming a member of the SSFS Men's Varsity Soccer Program was the realization of a dream for me. And although I dreamed about it for four years the experience was greater than I ever imagined. I cannot do justice to the discipline, the camaraderie, the work ethic, the love, the pride that is the Varsity Program. All I can say to those who have not yet experienced it for themselves is this: it is worth every sprint, bear crawl, sweat-soaked shirt, water-logged sock, bloody knee, and bruised ego that it takes to make Varsity. The program's worth is beyond measure."
- Geoffrey Kahn, 2001

FALL 2000
"I have been playing soccer my entire life, at all different levels, and I would have to say that no other program had more to offer both on and off the field than the SSFS men's soccer program. Not only did the SSFS program improve my skills, it showed me the way the game should be played, from the heart: "con sangre." I learned and experienced more than I could ever possibly imagine under the tutelage of Eduardo and the coaching staff. I owe it to the program, for it allowed me to advance in my soccer career and move onto Division 1 college soccer. I wish I had one more year with the program. Rarely do opportunities like the men's soccer program at SSFS come around."
- Joseph Leiva, Co-Captain 2000

"I don't believe that I can truly describe the experience that one has as a player on this team. I believe that only as a member of this fraternity of players can one truly grasp the emotion and conviction that embodies everything we do as a team. I leave this team with a new perspective on what athletics can be, and I hope that others are able to experience this also."
- Mark Vorkink, 2000

"Being part of the soccer program at SSFS was a really good personal feeling and accomplishment for me. You can't understand it until you experience it."
- Pang Sirithienthong, 2000

"Being a part of the Men's Varsity Soccer Program at SSFS made me a stronger individual. It taught me to carry myself with class and pride, and to respect everyone. It is an experience that I will always cherish."
- Jason Dickson, 2000

"The most important lesson that I have learned from being in the SSFS Men's Soccer Program is the value of hard work. It is amazing what one can accomplish when heart and desire become part of ones work ethic, let alone what happens when an entire team shares the same belief."
- Nara Khou, 2000

FALL 1999
"While over the course of my four years on the SSFS Men's Varsity Soccer Team I have been blessed to have received individual honors, from wearing the captain's band and the prestigious number 10 jersey to various All-Met, County and League recognitions, I hold none closer to my heart than the badge of true commitment earned alongside my teammates."
- Sergio Henry, Co-Captain 1999

"Heart, dedication, and hard work is the only way to succeed in Sandy Spring Friends' soccer program. It may take two to four years of preparation, but all who commit will benefit for the future."
- Justin Reid, Co-Captain 1999

"The SSFS Men's Varsity Soccer Team is much more than a team. We are a family in which each player learns the tenants of chivalry: discipline, respect, sportsmanship, and etiquette."
- Paul Bream, Co-Captain 1999

"A group of people who invest as much time and energy as we have in this program form a unique bond with each other that can never be broken. This team is like a family: we work together, study together, play together, and we win together."
- Rob Jones, 1999

"Soccer forced me to look deep inside myself. It forced me to see what kind of a person I was. It showed me that I could do anything I wanted to if I set my goals and worked toward them, no matter the obstacles I had to overcome. Looking back, I see it was my best experience of many at Sandy Spring Friends School."
- Peter LeFevre, 1999

"The soccer program changed the way I view sports. The camaraderie between our players and the policy of sportsmanship had a significant effect on the way I play. In the program, you learn to give it your all to succeed on all counts, and be champions."
- Ampofo Darko, 1999

"If I had to sum it up in a couple of words it would be family, pride, and self-discipline. We are a tightly knit family, we take pride in whatever we do, and we have the self-discipline to do it as gentlemen."
- Robert "Ace" Mallonee, Goalkeeper 1999

"Varsity was all about family, and this is how we from within, as well as others from without, often referred to us. Even more impressively, now outside of the season, we continue to grow tighter and tighter, almost exponentially. But beyond all else, the program instilled a sense that there was no one person who did something right or wrong, we the team, the family, succeeded together and failed together."
- Blake Schwartz, 1999

"While having played on many teams, the soccer team was the first true team experience of which I felt a part. We were together, whether running sprints, helping one another with homework, or simply hanging out on weekends. We were all committed to helping each other improve in all aspects of our lives, not just soccer. Being part of this team is a 100% commitment to be the best you can, while helping others to achieve their best."
- Eric Porter, 1999

"The soccer program provides an environment where a boy can grow into a man. If you bring a determination to see the commitment through, you will discover a conduit straight within yourself to the place where true potential resides; not just potential in the athletic sense, but in the sense of realizing what type of person you can truly be."
- Nick Shank, 1999

"Being known as part of the "family" is one of the biggest compliments one could ever receive at SSFS. It is a compliment that must be lived up to with the determination and respect it deserves!"
- Jamie Moffatt, 1999

FALL 1998
"Recently, I have been thinking a lot about the death of Matt Wehrle. I can't seem to make any sense out of it. It doesn't fit into my ideal world where everything has reason and is just. The only thing I have been able to take from his death is that life should not be measured in years, hours nor minutes, but by the quality of life. The soccer program at SSFS made me know I was alive. Honestly, this is a feeling I can't transmit onto paper. If you ask me what I did in the soccer program, I would say that "I truly lived." I hope never to lose sight of that feeling."
- Max Eichbaum, Captain 1998

"As a graduating senior, I leave behind these parting words: each of you will some day stand where I am now, on the other side, but until then, learn to cherish every moment you have with one another on this very special family. Time and tide wait for no man. With heart, mind and soul, make use of the time you still have."
- Roberto Brubaker, Assistant Captain 1998

FALL 1997
"This is a very unique and incredible program. As a junior, I was inspired by the physical prowess of the soccer players along with their discipline and enthusiasm. Through strenuous workouts, demanding drills, and endless scrimmaging, the players also formed a special camaraderie that could never be broken. Whether weak or strong, shy or proud, I would recommend this program to you. It will be one of the finest experiences of your life!"
- Andrew Raymond, Goalkeeper 1997

"I believe the program to be the best one in which I´ve been associated. Not only does it sharpen your skills and get you in shape on the field, the program also makes sure you do well in classes. The training is the most difficult and rigorous I have gone through, but from this hard work come benefits that will help you later on in life."
- Kwame Darko, Captain 1997

"Coach Eduardo Polón offers a unique, Latin American structured program, in which he demands that his players strive to be the best they can be. As a departing Senior, I have encountered many different coaches, none of which have ever inspired me to work harder, discipline myself more, and care more about my teammates than Coach Polón."
- George Breen, 1997

"The soccer program at SSFS is not just a soccer team, it is a tight knit family. The demanding schedule is worth every minute, if you have the will and determination to follow through with it."
- Paul Kaibni, 1997

FALL 1996
"I learned many things this season beyond, obviously, how to play the game of soccer well. Because I also learned how to be a gentlemen as well as a warrior at the same time. I learned respect for others and most importantly I learned how to take on responsibilities. The coaching staff made this soccer season one of the most extraordinary experiences in my life. I will always remember this season as an inspiration for things to come in my life. Where we go one, we go all, with pride."
- Karl Seith, Co-Captain 1996

"In general, the pride we had in our team and ourselves was transferred to everyone on campus. Even our parents were getting into the spirit of the team. If the goal was to instill a lasting memory into the people involved, it certainly was accomplished."
- Trevor Higgins, 1996

"What I liked most about my team was that all the player´s were together, one as a team. I´d never felt this feeling. Through playing soccer under Eduardo I learned a lot of things, not only soccer skills, but more than that, I learned what it means to work hard and take leadership...and I think I grew up a little bit too."
- Tetsuaki Ogawa, 1996

"In what could be the most important year of my life, I have had and will have to make many difficult decisions. This year´s soccer season consisted of many of these difficult decisions. Should I keep going? Can I really do this? Am I good enough to be here? Many times I questioned myself during the season, but now that it´s over I know all the answer´s. I can keep going. I can do anything I put my mind to. If anyone is considering playing soccer next season, my advice to you would be go for it. If anyone is not considering playing soccer, my advice to you is think again. Not only will you have an awesome time, get in shape, and learn a lot about soccer, but you´ll also make a lot of good friends. You will all grow together - physically and mentally. You may not realize what you have gained until it´s over, but when you do, all the blood, sweat and tears will all have been worth it. It will change your life!"
- Christopher Scotti, Co-Captain, 1996

"The goal of Coach Polón´s program is excellence in all areas. Athletic success must be accompanied by academic achievement. We were therefore required to attend a two hour team study hall every Saturday morning. As a result, the most motivated players enjoyed the recognition of academic success. Coach Polón´s approach to soccer is an excellent training for the battles of life. He summarized his theory in the following phrase, "You can fight and never win, but you can never win without a fight." His coaching created a radical change in our way of thinking as a team. With athletic, academic and social success achieved, out team and our coaches were admired by everyone in Sandy Spring Friends School, setting a new standard of excellence for the future generations of athlete´s in every sport!"
- Christopher Scotti, Co-Captain
an excerpt from his college entrance essay, 1996

"The SSFS Soccer Program teaches how life works: interdependently, team focused and committed towards a common goal. We each play an important role in the team. Look closely at yourself and your teammates, as well as your opponents, because you'll generally discover how one plays is very often how one approaches life."
- Edgar Betts, 1996