Alpena’s Young Stars Shock the State: How One Boy’s Team Took Home TWO Major Titles!

ALPENA, MI – The Alpena High School boys soccer team has been making waves in recent weeks, proudly represented in the latest honors from the Big North Conference and the Michigan Football Coaches Association. This recognition highlights a season of growth, teamwork, and individual excellence, despite the team finishing with a record of 11 wins, 12 losses, and 2 draws overall, and 4 wins, 7 losses, and 1 draw in the conference.

Leading the accolades was senior Joe LaCross, who earned a spot on the first team for the Big North Conference. LaCross, a three-year varsity player and team captain, distinguished himself by leading the team in scoring with an impressive 27 points, composed of 17 goals and 10 assists. His outstanding performance earned him not only the team’s Most Valuable Player award but also the coveted golden boot award.

Other players who shone during the season included Owen Kaiser and Reed Leeck, who were named to the second team. Kaiser, a four-year varsity player and team captain, secured second place on the team in scoring with 22 points, featuring 8 goals and 14 assists. Leeck, a junior and two-year varsity player, contributed two goals and one assist, but it was his defensive prowess that truly caught the eyes of the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA).

Lucas Thompson and Jayden Crandall also received recognition, with both players earning honorable mentions. Thompson, another captain, played a pivotal role in the midfield, excelling particularly in critical moments by converting corner kicks and penalties, finishing the season with 8 goals. Meanwhile, Crandall stepped up as a first-year goalie, improving significantly throughout the year and emerging as one of the conference's top keepers by the playoffs. He boasted a remarkable 1.9 Goals Against Average, recorded 6 shutouts, and made a total of 87 saves.

The team's head coach, Ken Dragiewicz, expressed pride in the progress made throughout the season. He noted that the team displayed a strong blend of talent and experience, with contributions from a mix of sophomores, juniors, and seniors. “I am proud of how the team played because they played as a team,” said Coach Dragiewicz. “I can’t wait to see these guys step up next season.”

While the season may not have ended with a winning record, the foundation laid by the team this year is promising. As players like LaCross, Kaiser, and Leeck move on, their leadership and contributions have set a standard for the younger players to follow. The Wildcats are now looking to capitalize on their development, aiming to build momentum for the next season.

In addition to their on-field accomplishments, the Alpena High School football team also earned Academic All State Honors from the Michigan Football Coaches Association, further showcasing the school’s commitment to excellence both in sports and academics. This dual recognition serves as a reminder of the holistic approach education-based athletics offers, emphasizing the importance of not only athletic skills but also academic performance.

As the Alpena boys soccer team gears up for the next season, fans and supporters are optimistic about what lies ahead. With a solid roster and a coaching staff dedicated to fostering teamwork and growth, the Wildcats are indeed poised for a more successful campaign in the future.