By ISAAC DEER
TopSports.news
The message was clear from Shawnee Heights soccer coach Nic Simons, that he couldn’t be prouder of the fight the T-Birds put up this fall.
This year’s Heights team posted the best regular-season record in school history, won the United Kansas Conference championship and was able to have the opportunity to chase a state title.
Although the T-Birds' season ended with Thursday's 5-0 loss to perennial state power St. Thomas Aquinas at the Bettis Family Sports Complex, Simons made sure his team didn’t get discouraged.
”I’ve said it numerous times to anyone who would listen, this is a special group,'' Simons said. "We’ve played through a lot of adversity.''.
Shawnee Heights' soccer team, 15-3 on the year, leaves the field Thursday night after a 5-0 regional loss to perennial state power St. Thomas Aquinas. [Photo by Isaac Deer/TSN]
With injuries and a tough schedule, the T-Birds still managed to have an extraordinary amount of success.
“This isn’t an excuse, but not one game this year did we have all eleven starters. With all of that, their accomplishments are amazing,'' Simons remarked.
The Saints and Thunderbirds were both playing against Mother Nature on Thursday as a rainstorm, cold weather and high winds didn't help either team.
In the first half, Heights limited the Saints to one goal, while Isaac Wilson, Jake Loy and Jordan Garvin had terrific performances in the first half.
In the second half, St. Thomas Aquinas went on a roll. In the first 10 minutes of the second half, Aquinas kicked in one goal that would give the Saints momentum.
The momentum carried by the Saints would lead to three more goals.
“If they (St. Thomas Aquinas) aren’t in the state championship, I’d be surprised,'' Simons said. "Coach (Craig) Ewing has conditioned those guys very well.”
ST. THOMAS AQUINAS 5, SHAWNEE HEIGHTS 0
St. Thomas Aquinas (13-4-1) 1 4 -- 5
Shawnee Heights (15-3) 0 0 -- 0
Aquinas -- Goals: Muckerman, Kitts, Konnesky 2, Hall. Assists: Ryan 2, Mason. Shutout: Diggs, Seger.
