There are few scholastic sports programs worthy of the term venerable. One exception is the Staples High School boys soccer team.
Starting with highly respected coach Albie Loeffler, the Wreckers have been a model of excellence in the sport for over a half century.
Last week Staples won its 26th FCIAC championship in 51 years and second in a row with a win over Ridgefield.
The Wreckers have won 11th state titles but their last came in 1993, the longest drought since the team was founded.
This year’s team is one of the most talented in Staples’ history, with few superstars but very skilled players all over the field. One player who is an example of what has made the Wreckers so successful is Andrew McNair, a wing whose non-stop hustle has proved contagious with his teammates.
McNair celebrated his 17th birthday today with two assists to help spark Staples to a 4-1 win over Conard in the opening round of the state tournament.
I caught up with McNair after the match, when he discussed what it will take to win a state title, the pride of being a member of the Staples program, and why he is one of the few players on the team who did not get a Mohawk haircut for the postseason.
NUNWAY Andrew! Must be all that good camp training, eh? You look great. Keep up the good work!
Steve & Nancy
Comment by Steve Rubin — November 16th, 2009 @ 11:57 am