Meet the Captains: Boys Soccer
Will Richer
What other activities are you involved in at school?
I run track.
Do you plan on continuing your sport in college?
No, I don’t.
What are some goals set for the team this coming season? How do you plan to achieve them?
We want to make a deep run into the tournament at the end. We have been playing as a team for the last 8 months and have been planning our formations. We are all friends on the team so we think our off the field chemistry will translate into the field this season.
What is your pre-game ritual?
We have a team dinner the night before every game?
What advice do you have for underclassmen that play your sport?
Wait for your chance because I was the only person coach didn’t know freshman year and I told him he would learn my name soon. I was on the team the next 3 years and got named captain, so just be patient.
What team do you look forward to playing this season? Why?
Needham because they are probably the best team we will face so I am excited for the challenge
Michael Leacoma
What other activities are you involved in at school?
I also do track, NHS, best buddies, and student council.
Do you plan on continuing your sport in college?
Yes, I do
What are some goals set for the team this coming season? How do you plan to achieve them?
Qualifying for playoffs. We’ll do that by taking it one game at a time at not taking any team for granted
What is your pre-game ritual?
I really just drink a lot of water and eat a banana and a protein bar
If you could have one faculty member join your team, who would it be and why?
Mr. Salmans, our freshman coach and a genuine guy that would instantly make an impact on the team. There’s a reason we were almost undefeated freshman year.
What advice do you have for underclassmen that play your sport?
Don’t take these four years for granted, appreciate every moment. Before you know it it’ll be your senior season and you’ll be having your last team dinner with the kids you grew up playing the sport with.
What team do you look forward to playing this season? Why?
Sharon, because we lost to them in the Summer League championship and tied them the first time playing them in the regular season, so looking to finally beat them later in the season.
Bryan Hope
What other activities are you involved in at school? (clubs/sports)
Tennis, Best Buddies, and rec basketball
Do you plan on continuing your sport in college?
I don’t plan on it.
What are some goals set for the team this coming season? How do you plan to Achieve them?
Our goal this season is to make the playoffs and make a deep run. We can achieve them by showing up to every game and playing our hardest for 80 mins.
What is your pre-game ritual? (Songs, pre-game meals, etc.)
I always try to eat a protein bar 1:30 to 2 hours before kick-off. I also try to get a good stretch at home before I get to the fields.
If you could have one faculty member join your team, who would it be and why?
Mr. Salmans because he was our freshman year coach and I know he is a fan of soccer so he would most likely be the best teacher at soccer. Also, why would you not want Mr. Salmans on your team?
What advice do you have for underclassmen that play your sport?
Just play as much as you can, and get a lot of touches on the ball.
What team do you look forward to playing this season? Why?
Needham because they are always the best team in the state so it’s a great test for us. It’s a good game to see where we are as a team.
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Toby Moses, class of 2023, is the Sports Editor of The Searchlight. At Walpole High School, he runs track and is a member of the Spanish Club. Outside...