By Elyse Horb | Echo
From Third West to Sammy II, 15 men's teams from across campus gather every Monday and Wednesday afternoon on the intramural soccer fields to compete. Only one will get the coveted title of Intramural Soccer Champions.
Intramural sports at Taylor are the epitome of competition within community. For 40 minutes, the sound of heavy breathing mixes with footsteps thudding down the field, and yells of elation mix with shouts of frustration. After the final whistle blows, though, the divisions dissolve as both teams circle up to exemplify a true community in Christ.
"After the game we always pray . . . for both teams," said freshman Max Partain of PDUB FC. "Even though we're competing, we're still brothers in Christ. It's a reminder that these are people that you're doing life with. You might have lost or won but you still should respect them."
For some, this season is full of hope. Junior Patrick Hubbard is finally returning to the field after a concussion during a match with 2EZ left him out for most of the season last year.
"I'm motivated to finish the season out and play for glory," said Hubbard, who plays for The Association.
Another player injured during last year's season, Assistant Sports Information Director Jon Erny of Faculty/Staff, comes into the season with the hope of staying healthy and meeting new members of the team.
Since intramural sports are open to anyone, the soccer fields are populated with men of all different skill levels and motivations for playing. Some, like sophomore Sami Gonzalez, began their careers at age five and played on traveling club teams and their high schools' varsity teams.
On the other hand, Not Achilles' Heel's junior Derek Sanson has no prior soccer experience and hopes this season of playing will improve his skills. "I'm doing it for the joy that I get out of it. (I want to) have fun, enjoy my teammates and try to get better," Sanson said.
Several rivalries brew beneath the surface of the league. One such rivalry arises from a floor divided. The men of The Brotherhood (Broho) formed two different teams this year: Achilles' Heel and Not Achilles' Heel.
Achilles' Heel carries on last year's legacy, known for their small roster and losing record. Not Achilles' Heel has more players on its roster and, since this team assembled this year, only time will tell if its record will be any better than its counterpart's.
Junior Kasey Leander of Broho offered his perspective on his floor's teams.
"How do you choose between the best intramural soccer team ever to hit the field and the most ferocious competitors ever to engage in the game of soccer?" Leander asked. "It's like, your mom is playing your grandma in soccer, who are you gonna root for?"
Leander chose to play for Not Achilles' Heel.
"That's gonna be a real test of loyalty for the men of the Brotherhood," Leander said of the two teams' upcoming match.
The men of Broho are also part of another rivalry in the league. After a crushing loss to 2C Juicy in the intramural football playoffs, Not Achilles' Heel looks to seek its vengeance on the soccer field.
"2C Juicy is going down so hard," Leander said, adding that Not Achilles' Heel is going to win because it wants it more. "They were able to squeak by with a narrow victory in intramural football," Leander said.
In response, 2C Juicy player and junior Drew Decker simply said: "We won."
Many men come out to play every week but not all for the same reasons. For some, intramural soccer is just about having fun. Freshman Antonio Leija of The Darkstars said that his team is different from most because they don't care if they win or lose. They are there to have fun.
Some, like Partain, play for love of the game. Still others get their motivation from the T-shirt that comes with the championship. Sophomores Noah Drabinsky of The Cult and Sami Rodriguez of Third West both said it's all about that T-shirt.
According to senior David Hershberger, the men of Chester FC do it for Mom.
In the midst of hopes, dreams, comebacks and rivalries, one underlying theme emerges: camaraderie and loyalty hold each team together. After a season of battles between 15 teams, only one will rise to the top and claim the title of Intramural Soccer Champions.
