The Harwood boys soccer, ice hockey, and lacrosse teams are coming off terrific 24-25 seasons; these teams have won the state championship in their division and are going back for round two. The teams have put in time and effort that people are unaware of.
Winning a state championship isn’t easy, and the work and time put into it is often overlooked.
The Harwood boys soccer, ice hockey and lacrosse teams are going for back to back state championships.
Harwood has always had standout athletic programs; pulling kids from 6 or 7 towns gives them a huge advantage: When the Valley and Waterbury finally unite after years of being opposition they create a team and bond much stronger than others.
This team spirit and connection can come from something far greater than a team. This built relationship motivates everyone around, which can spread further than the locker room. When the community rallies around a team, the team feels the energy. This helps the team feel positive energy and motivates them to perform well in front a home crowd. The work put in when it is just the team there speaks much louder.
“It fires me the [flip] up” senior soccer player Caleb Brookens said when asked how he felt to see the community and school pack the stands. “It brings the intensity to the game, the Jordan Poole effect one might say.”
Listening to music, reviewing the game play and doing some breathing exercises are ways that the boys soccer team prepares for a big game. “A big game brings energy and purpose to the warm up, which isn’t there every game.”
Not all the work put in is seen by the spectators. “We work hard not only on the field but off by watching film, stretching to prevent injuries and even visualizing the mental side of the game.”Says Brookens
The boys soccer teams felt added pressure after returning to the pitch, or field, as the defending champions in division two. Caleb Brookens said “Yeah definitely, because we’re expected to win.” after being asked if he had felt pressure after winning the last game of the season.
The boys hockey team had similar feelings. “Its a surreal feeling,” Said Senior hockey player Eli Herrington. Being able to represent the community all while playing the sport you love is a feeling that can’t be beat.
A difference from the hockey and soccer players was the pre game ritual. “The night before is all about the game plan, and the day of show up looking spiffy,” Said Herrington. When asked if dressing up for a game made a difference, Herrington said “Look good, feel good, play good.” Teams typically do themes for game day but the hockey team stands out as they usually dress in formal or business attire.
Connecting off the ice is just as important to the hockey team as on the ice according to Herrington. “Our group chat is always active with jokes, and we have a weekly team dinner that everyone provides for.” This helps everyone understand their role on the team, even if that isn’t a point producer.
