Miamisburg Vikings

The weekend of November 21 & 22 we will be having our Cub Foods Fundraiser. We need your cooperation and time in making this fundraiser a big success!  We raised $1,466.98 during the two day event last year. We need all the boys to bag groceries and parents to help support them during both days of the event. The sign-up list is below, please check out the days and times available and send in your request for a time slot to miamisburg.vikings.soccer@gmail.com . If you have any questions, please contact Jerry Schwartz at jerry.schwartz@cchmc.org .

SATURDAY, Nov. 21
10:00am-2:00pm
PLAYERS:
1:  Brad Taranto
2:  Josh Myers
3  Matt Cardenas
4: Bank Plangwal
5: Anthony Scaglione
6 

PARENTS:
1: Larry Taranto
2:

SATURDAY, Nov. 21
2:00pm-6:00pm
PLAYERS:
1:  Ian Mullen
2: John Porter (arrive 3pm)
3: Eric Schwartz
4: Chip Denlinger
5: Alex Bussard
6: 
PARENTS:
1:  Mullen
2:  Mullen

 
SUNDAY, Nov. 22
2:00pm-6:00pm
PLAYERS:
1: Andrew Denlinger
2: Matt Cardenas
3: 
4: 
5: 
6: 

PARENTS:
1: Alex Cardenas
2: 

The goal for our program is very simple...we want to provide an opportunity and the instruction to each player so that he might improve a little bit each day and reach his potential as quickly as possible.  Tom Landry said, "A leader is one who can get players to do what they DON'T want to do, so that they may achieve what they DO want to achieve."

The improvement that we are looking for is in every area of the player's life.  We want them to become better family members, better students, better classmates and better players.  The coaching staff will provide guidance to build young men of character and integrity on and off the field. 

The coaching staff has been hired by Miamisburg Schools to manage the soccer program.  It is our responsibility to create a positive environment that enables players to achieve their highest level of success.  We will always direct the players towards our team goals and try to remove the obstacles that inhibit their improvement.

With that in mind, below are the team guidelines and player expectations:

                                                  TEAM EXPECTATIONS:    

The TEAM comes first, in word and action:  Everything that we do should be done in a manner that improves the team.  Each player represents the school, the team, their family and then themselves.  Your actions NEVER impact only you, thus you must use great wisdom in making the right choices.    

Attendance and Punctuality:  The first day of tryouts is August 6th, 2007.  From that day until the end of the season you are expected to be at all practices, games and team functions.  The official end of the season will be at the close of the team banquet.  

Unexcused absence from practices or games is unacceptable. It is unfair to allow players who miss practice to play while those attending practice sit on the bench.  It is impossible to develop team play without the participation and commitment from each player.

You must speak with a coach in advance if you need to miss a team practice or game (even when you are injured).  The coach will discuss with you if the absence is excused.  Life is a series of choices; all of which have consequences and those players who choose to attend items that are unexcused can expect to forfeit playing time. This is a simple team concept.

Being on time is expected.  Players are to be dressed and on the field with a ball getting warmed up at the designated start time.  Players who arrive late or are not ready at the start of practice should speak with the coach to provide an explanation.  It is reasonable for those players to expect to receive behavior modification training (BMT). 

Communication and Language:  Everything we do is a form of communication.  Know that you are ALWAYS being observed, therefore conduct yourself in a positive manner that enhances the image of the school, the team, your family and yourself.

If you have any issues, talk with a coach immediately.  The coaching staff can provide understanding or resolution to most items right away.  The coaching staff are not mind readers, so please come talk with us when you have something on your mind.  Unfortunately, nothing gets resolved through complaining to others or poor attitudes; and waiting usually makes it worse. We will treat each player fairly assessing all the factors to bring about a satisfactory solution.

Abusive language, foul language or negative reactions are not acceptable at any time.  When this occurs in a game, it is usually a cardable offense that impacts the player and the team negatively.   If a coach witnesses this AT ANY TIME, the entire team will be impacted negatively and the individual responsible will receive additional BMTs.  We must be able to control ourselves at all times.

Team Selection and Player Role:  Team selection and playing time are determined by assessing the combination of individual talent, commitment, attitude and the needs of the team at a given time.  Players will be assigned to the team that best enables that player to successfully compete and to improve his game.

The coaching staff encourages each player to improve themselves in all facets of the game.  Optional off-season weight lifting, open fields, summer conditioning and contact days are provided to facilitate this improvement.  It is not hard to figure out...those players who push themselves the hardest, have the best attitude and commit themselves to reaching their potential will have the greatest impact on the team.

A varsity letter will be awarded to all players who participate in 50% of the Varsity halves and complete the season.  Also, a varsity letter can be awarded per Head Coach recommendation if the 50% participation criterion is not met.

JV recognition is provided to all team members who complete the season and do not receive a varsity letter.

The varsity team will consist of 15-18 members who have shown the highest combination of talent, attitude and willingness to excel.  A roster of 16-21 players will be selected to compete at the JV level.  A player CAN be moved up to the varsity at any time during the season if the team need and player's level of play justifies such a move.  This movement could also justify a player being moved from the Varsity to the JV level at any time during the season.

If a player has concerns about his role on the team, he should speak with a member of the coaching staff to gain clarity.

These decisions and discussions are never easy, but the coaching staff will always do what they believe best benefits the team and then the player.  They will make sure that the player has complete understanding of the situation.  Consequently, any conversations with parents DURING THE SEASON will exclude the following items:
        
- their son's team placement or amount of playing time

- the position on the field that their son is playing

- any comparisons of the capabilities of other players on the team

The coaching staff does not allow grade, age or past participation to impact  the selection process. Favoritism is not an excuse that can be used, as each player has the ability to be a favorite of the coaching staff by simply giving  THEIR BEST....FIRST TIME, EVERY TIME.  As each player works towards giving his best first time, every time; a reminder is provided that effort alone does not guarantee any playing time. Teamwork, the ability to compete and attitude, along with effort, are all components for team selection and playing time.

                                                  PLAYER EXPECTATIONS:

You are a STUDENT-ATHLETE at Miamisburg High School.   Academic integrity is a must.  You have to apply yourself every day in the classroom.  I believe the soccer team should have an outstanding reputation for academic excellence.  If you ever need help academically, speak with the coaching staff or your school counselor.

You are part of a TEAM.  You are responsible for your own actions, but also must have a commitment to each other. The friendships and memories that each player develops will carry on for many years to come.  Make them great ones, built on respect, trust and striving towards excellence while helping your teammates along the way.

You are required to give YOUR BEST....FIRST TIME, EVERY TIME:  The team calendar lists every activity available to you, both optional and required.  You decide on what you attend AND on how you perform. You will reap what you sow.

If you give yourself 100% every time, you have the BEST chance for success.  The player who gives his best every time wins regardless of the scoreboard.  A player's effort shows the respect he has for himself, his teammates and the game.  He must give his very best effort every time out....home training, each optional session, each practice and each game.  The athlete who does this can look themselves in the mirror and know they are a winner.

You should be able to achieve the following  TRYOUT expectations to be considered for team selection:

- Run two miles in 14 minutes (14:00)
- Run one mile in 6 minutes and 12 seconds (6:12)                  
- Achieve 12 on the Beep Test (20 meter sprint drill)                                     
- Perform 80 ball situps in 120 seconds                         
- Perform 60 ball pushups in 120 seconds                       
- 120 Ball juggles without hitting ground                       
- 60 consecutive foot juggles w/out hitting ground        

Those players who are unable to achieve the tryout expectations hinder there chances for team selection, but do not necessarily eliminate themselves from the selection process.  If selected, they will receive BMTs to accelerate the learning curve and 70% achievement will be needed prior to game participation.

I end with this quote,"Setting a goal is not the main thing.  The main thing is deciding how you will go about achieving it and then having the determination to stay with that plan."

I look forward to an outstanding 2007 campaign.