By BUTCH HARMON
Not only did the Genesee Christian boys soccer team do something that no other Soldier soccer team had ever accomplished, but they also did something that no Christian athletic team had done in school history.
Genesee Christian ended the season with a 21-4 overall record, and it became the first team in school history to reach the state semifinals. It earned a trip to the Division 4 state semifinals after winning the regional title by defeating Memphis 4-2 in the regional semifinal and then defeating Oakland Christian 2-1 in the title game. Genesee Christian then dropped a 2-0 decision to eventual state champion Frontier International Academy.
“This was the farthest any Genesee Christian soccer team has went in school history,” coach Doug Anderson said. “It’s disappointing to lose anytime, but I felt overall the season was a great success with what we were able to accomplish.”
The Soldiers were able to benefit from a strong offense and defense this season. Junior Clay Selby led the offense. A first-team, all-state selection, Selby totaled 48 goals and added 20 assists this season. His older brother, senior Hunter Selby, scored 16 goals and added eight assists, as he earned third-team, all-state honors. Sophomore Travis Rose and senior goalkeeper Collin Chrenka both earned honorable mention, all-state honors. Chrenka ended the season with 15 shutouts to his credit.
“We were very balanced on offense and defense,” Anderson said. “That led to scoring opportunities on offense and keeping a lot of goals out of our defensive end. We were a very balanced team.”
With just three seniors on this year’s team, the Soldiers are looking forward to another big season next fall.
“We lose three seniors, but we have a lot of guys coming back next season,” Anderson said. “We also have a good group of eighth graders coming up. If everybody puts in the work and effort in the off-season, we have the potential to accomplish something great next year as well.”