Page 88 - 1980

Soc-her

**This is the first year I’ve coached
I girls and it was an extremely
satisfying experience,” said soccer
coach John Walsh. “For a first-year
girls’ program, we had a very
successful season.”
The girls ended their season with a
2-10 record.
The outstanding players were co­
captains Susie Storm and Jenny
Alexander; Marie Payton (halfback),
and Pam Reid (forward).
“The newly-added girls’ soccer team
gives more girls the opportunity to
participate in sports. The attitude of
the girls’ team was not only to try and
win, but to have fun,” said senior Susie
Storm. “Our coaches were very helpful
and supportive.”
The boys started their season with
one goal in mind and that was to make
it to the Zenon Cup playoffs and they
did it. First round they drew Creighton
Prep and were defeated 3-0. The team
ended its regular season play with a
500 record of 7-7.
“1 feel that our ’81 season was one
of our best seasons in the last four
years that I have played,” said senior
Marlin Ritzman. “The players seemed
to be more enthused about playing this
past year than ever before.”
Senior Jeff Palensky and junior
Todd Wick were chosen as the teams
co-captains. Jeff played as first team
goalie and Todd played the halfback
position. Other key players were Donn
Merriam (fullback) and Larry Cohoon
(forward).
“This was my first year playing
Ralston and I’m sure I’ll be back next
year,” said junior Steve Sestak. “The
coaching and overall team attitude
were excellent. I’ve played on other
teams, but never one that was so
emotional.”
“Soccer is a growing sport and quite
a few of the kids in Ralston are
playing,” said coach Walsh. “In a few
years our program has the potential of
being very strong.”

Winding up for the kick, senior Donn Merriam gets in a few
practice kicks before the starting of the game against Creighton
Prep.