By Teddy Kraus ‘25
After winning the Wyoming Valley Conference District Championship four years in a row, the Sem Boys Soccer team was optimistic heading into the 2022 season. Following the regular season with an impressive record of 8-1-1, they liked their chances to win a fifth consecutive title.
Unfortunately, Sem lost to Dunmore 5-1 and their championship aspirations came up short. Current senior captain Louie Michaels ‘24 reflected on how the team felt after the loss saying, “We were defeated and devastated. That team had one of the best potentials of any Sem boys soccer team. It was especially hard to swallow because we knew we beat ourselves. The whole team definitely experienced pain from that loss.”
Going into this season, there were questioned about how the team would bounce back after losing key players like Thomas Iskra, Aiden Gilbert, and Owen Rowlands to graduation. The team silenced any questions, however, posting a 7-3 record including a spectacular 5-0 record in away games. Captain Matt Swartz ‘25 commented on how the team has adjusted, saying “Even though we lost a lot of talent and leadership from last year, coach Littzi expects the same thing out of everyone as far as work ethic and attitude goes. Everyone on the team has stepped up in a major way and I give a ton of credit to coach on how he’s adjusted our lineup from an X’s and O’s perspective to keep us playing well.”
Great teams are able to use losses as learning opportunities and motivation to improve. When asked if the team is using last year’s loss to motivate them this year, starting Central Defensive Midfielder, Brian Leahy, ‘25 noted, “For sure it is. Last year’s loss is definitely driving us and motivating us to win it this year. We have the talent to win. What separates us is that we have a group of guys who are willing to do whatever it takes to win. Come district time, losing isn’t an option anymore. Experiencing defeat last year, seeing the seniors leave sad, we don’t want to get that feeling of regret and disappointment again. The seniors will end their careers with gold.”
The ending to last year’s District Championship loss was very difficult for the Sem Boys Soccer team. It would have been easy for the team to take a step back from their consistent success over the past five years, especially after losing four starters from last year’s team. However, with Coach Littzi’s adjustments, the players’ work ethic and attitude, and the team’s ability to use last year as motivation, this year they’re ready to get back to the top.