Real Champions

 A dedication to the 2021 NMHS Varsity Soccer, aka Futbol, Men

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Maverick: Tenacious Leader

Goalkeepers are known to be unorthodox — often described as odd. A better term is maverick and Garrett O’Loughlin fits the bill. An enigmatic, quietly charismatic rebel with a cause, O’Loughlin is making his name known with the Green Wave. A multi-sport talent with a special je ne sais quoi, O’Loughlin is the futboler to watch.

Forging his way to stardom as starting goalkeeper is nothing shy of astounding. With humble beginnings at the local club, O’Loughlin’s keeper instincts emerged shortly before joining the Green Wave. Slipping on gloves late in one’s career is a rarity. A unique natural athlete, O’Loughlin also switches gloves with fields seasonally, from center field in spring to the futbol field in fall. Coupling these experiences makes O’Loughlin extraordinary and his talent nothing shy of spectacular.

O’Loughlin combines agility, match intelligence, constitution, and athleticism with an unruffled sense of calm to create a convincing presence on the pitch. His instincts were striking the moment he donned a keeper’s kit. Instincts are the life force behind the phenomena of tenacity — a fierce blend of grit, persistence, and determination. It pushes leaders beyond their perceived limits and sees them through to achieve goals.

“Only he who sees the invisible can do the impossible.” ~Frank L. Gaines

What is most impressive about O’Loughlin is not his beginnings or his athleticism. It is this je ne sais quoi, a character trait that makes him one of a kind — nearly indescribable. If you watched closely over the past three years, you may be a lucky one to notice a touch of O’Loughlin’s invincible faith, an unparalleled tenacity. He consummately fights for something he knows is real, a vision that  — We Succeed.

Even with his insatiable drive to win stunted by a crushing blow, an injury, and four missed matches, O’Loughlin showed astonishing mental capacity to bounce back. A rare futboler and individual, O’Loughlin has an indomitable spirit and a heart of gold. With aspirations for college ball and the world beyond, we are all fortunate to watch a leader, a real champion, in the making. Success is certainly his for the taking.

Live by your special set of rules, O’Loughlin. Go fiercely forward and do the impossible. Trust your instincts, unleash your tenacity, pursue the invisible, and — We All Win.

“It’s hard to beat the person who never gives up.” ~Babe Ruth

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Vision: The Enterprising Player

Wisdom dictates that enterprising intelligent players are the lifeblood of any futbol team. They stand out for a variety of reasons as they are confident enough to move to their own rhythm – as true mavericks of the sport we love so much. ~The act of enterprising is to have vision, plan with audacity and execute with vigor.~ Cooper Vengrove is unknowingly the most enterprising player in Green Wave history. Though a newcomer as a senior, he is a long-time mate to several players and was able to harness his experience in the New England Founders League and AC Connecticut to quickly create a vivace tempo for the midfield this season. Vengrove has the awareness, ability, and confidence to drive forward with the ball or pick a pass to a teammate, while he conducts the pace of the match and stays several beats ahead of his opposition, thanks to his volume, technical touch, and honest work rate. The thoughtful Vengrove, a man of clear vision and quality character with a genuine interest in his team and its success, leveraged every ounce of talent afforded him to lift his mates, create unity, and guide them through the most extraordinary circumstance. An armband is not what makes you a leader. Being a leader is about how you make others better because of your presence and how that impact lasts in your absence. Vengrove showed everyone how it’s done – and done right. For his earnest all-around efforts, Vengrove was elevated to Captain midseason for the Green Wave and honored to SWC All-Colonial Division team for his futbol talents. If you missed him on the pitch, there will be opportunities to catch him in an AC Connecticut match through spring. It will certainly be exciting and, yet, somewhat bittersweet. Vengrove, the enterprising player, is a multifaceted pitch-master of sorts. In addition to his stellar career on the futbol pitch, he is also a professional musician and is already an AMA award nominee for the song Adderall (Corvette Corvette). Soon CV, as he is known in the musical world, will step off the pitch to pursuit higher education and create beats to pleasure our ears. From one incredible career to the next, CV is currently signed with Embassy Management, and you can find him at https://genius.com/artists/Cv . His adoring fans will certainly be rooting him on no matter which pitch he picks to play. Wherever you go and whatever you do, always know – I want that win for you!

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Heart 100: A champion leader

Although Dillon was not at the Geier party before the final regular season game, everyone knows his heart was with the men that night. He is the shining example that people will follow a leader with heart much faster than a leader with a title. With his enormous heart, Dillon instinctively gives his team, as individuals and as a whole, what they need so that they can succeed – appreciation and a sense of inclusion, a belonging to something meaningful. 

Moreover, Dillon – win or otherwise – carries on with his blindingly bright smile. He truly appreciates everyone around him and their contributions, even the photographer. Thank you for all those extraordinary hugs. From Dillon, we all know it’s wise to  never underestimate the heart of Champion. Wherever you go, go with all your heart first. With a heart like yours, Dillon, you will soar to great heights. 

Wishing you the very best of everything as you move forward off the field.

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Merlin: The Midfield Magician

Imaginative, composed yet charismatic, and lethal, Braeden Arias is one of the most exciting futbol prospects in recent memory and the world is taking notice of the young midfielder’s ascent with the FSA FC ECNL team, while also becoming the breakout star with the Green Wave. Arias packs power. Strength, dexterity, constitution, and intelligence are just a few of his match attributes. Dubbed Merlin for his superior futbol IQ, ability to materialize from nowhere, and sorcerer-like ball skills. He is ambitious and he gets results, a grounding force with an impressive field of vision, superior technique, exceptional range of passing, and an imposing facilitator of offense. What’s most extraordinary about this young futboler are his qualities as a person. As one of the youngest starting Varsity futbolers over the last decade, he is highly respected as a quiet leader who works hard on and off the field with a positive attitude and unwavering integrity. He also trains at a level that surpasses many of his fellow players. All this makes Arias a phenomenal figure for others to follow. With his depth of regional and club experience and his drive for excellence, this lad will be a crucial force for the Green Wave as it pushes towards a stellar 2022 season. If Arias continues his efforts, he is on stride to be knighted as the Academic All-American student athlete before his Green Wave career is over and is surefire to have a selection of D1 teams to pick from. A promising future is certain for Arias. “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.” ~Aristotle

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The Viper: Predatory Finisher

Nate Gray is a rare talent. He has a long-striding athleticism, superior futbol intelligence and is one of the deadliest finishers in the region. Gray functions with such incredible efficiency he’s akin to nature’s great predator – the Viper. On the pitch there is nothing on his mind except the act of killing that goal and he often strikes without warning. Gray is keen at sprinting into space behind defenders to get a clear sight of his prey. Very strong physically and good in the air, he is also quick, technically gifted, and capable of finishing with both feet. His ability to see the play and having the confidence and verocity to execute it, makes Gray venomous to the opposition. One of the major players for AC Connecticut - U17 ACC-National Team, Gray is a key asset signing with the Green Wave for the upcoming year. And if he keeps progressing at his current pace, the team will be well poised for a killer season in 2022. Off the field, the kindhearted, humble Gray undoubtedly has his sights set high. Be it university or taking over the futbol world, one thing is clear, he will make his mark. And the loyal Gray-Green Wave fans will be watching his career with great interest and cheering him every step of the way.

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The Warrior

With the Green Wave squad succumbed to a long list of player injuries this season, Tristan Blore stepped up as a constant source of quality up top. Quick, strong, tall and a powerful playmaker, Blore is the most exciting young futboler on the squad. His performances at the end of the season indicate he’s a rising star thriving under pressure, overpowering, outrunning, and stunning senior opponents. Like a warrior in battle, Blore found his laser focus, fortitude, and fought relentlessly. With his excellent movement and vision, coupled with the speed and strength he brandished against Brookfield and Stratford, Blore will most certainly have an illustrious career with the Green Wave. Real champions are warriors; they’re the ones with the most guts. #GoFightWin

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A Rising Star: Enthusiasm

“You can do anything if you have enthusiasm.” ~ Henry Ford It is exciting to witness Evan in action. He takes on players that tower him and still breaks up plays, wins back possession, initiates attacking moves, and alters the tempo of a match. It’s all fueled by an invisible force, Evan’s enthusiasm. He possesses a certain spark of excitement, a noticeable surge of energy that’s followed by the thrilling execution of a plan of action that ignites his team. Evan’s smile, can-do attitude, and spark of enthusiasm are immeasurable. Enthusiasm is the greatest asset in the world; with it, you can accomplish anything. 

As the Rising Star with great Enthusiasm – Shine Bright, Evan – the team needs your talent. Much success lies ahead for you and excitement for all who watch you.

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Misdirection: a signature style

Bleart’s versatility as a player is absolute — tall, strong, good with his feet and in the air, and he reads the game well. When he is at his best, he can truly dominate the match. It’s this baffling combination of uncompromising talent and an absent-minded, carefree demeanor that makes everyone dizzy, even opponents. It’s from this blur of contradictions that Bleart’s most formidable and admirable trait emerges – a zealous impulse that sparks an astonishing offensive that miraculously changes the game. In a league all his own, Bleart has mastered Misdirection so well it works as a character strength. Be it on the sideline or inside the lines, Bleart kept everyone watching with great anticipation for what out-of-this-world experience may come next. I love these dizzyingly delightful four years of futbol and I will cherish every minute with you, Bleart. And I’m betting everyone else will too. Play every day and in every way with your signature style: Misdirection. You make this game feel real.

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Endeavor: Be like Meji

Meji has many remarkable qualities as a person and a player. The Canon zoom lens picks up one stand-out quality, Meji’s work ethic. No matter the score or circumstances, when Meji is on the pitch, he endeavors to make the absolute most out of every moment. His persistence gives the team opportunities to perform at their strongest – together. When you play like a champion, you are a Champion.

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Invincible: The Sterling Standard

Simply put: Invincible is the Sterling standard. Connor not only prepares to win, he is the living example of Ken Doherty ideal for athlete training, “The 5 S’s of sports training are: stamina, speed, strength, skill and spirit; but the greatest is spirit.” It is clear Connor shows up for the season mentally tough and well prepared. And the skills he develops make him versatile on the field. As a defender, he possesses a lethal combination of speed and strength allowing him to tackle, intercept passes and even counteract the opposition. As an attacker, his deadly blend of skill, technique, and efficiency make it easy for him to peel off defenders, speed into space, and create amazing scoring opportunities. Although, you may not notice it at first, Sterling’s winning spirit is his most glaring quality. What appears calm is fiercely fueled desire, ingenuity, enthusiasm, and an endless appreciation for the game. Thank you, Connor for showing us all that Invincible is achievable.

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Undeniably Dynamic

Quinn is Undeniably Dynamic: one characterized by the force of personality, ambition, energy, excitement, and drive. An explosive combination and a crucial component to the team. It is marveling to witness Quinn consistently create offensive opportunities, fearlessly finish every attack by goal crashing, and effortlessly leap over tall players in a single bound. Capturing Quinn in action is nearly impossible for his photographer and his opponents  — their stunned expressions say it all! Whenever possible, be undeniably dynamic – fearlessly in pursuit of what sets your soul on fire. #getthegoal

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Courage under fire...

The pitch reveals our true personality, our qualities as individuals and our adeptness as part of team. When the time came, Ryan showed remarkable courage under fire – quite literally. In eight days packed with four tough matches, the world learned a lot about Ryan. A few words come to mind: courage, dignity, resilience, confidence, and maturity. It’s exciting to imagine how amazing Ryan will be by next varsity soccer season – over eight months away. Facing down adversity shines a light on who we are and shapes us into who we will become. If you believe that showing courage under fire is the only way legends are born, then we witnessed a legend in the making. Keep up the great work, Ryan. #NoPressure

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Must Love Soccer

Success starts with our love for soccer. And, success is best when it’s shared – especially when it is with one who is there for love; a love for the sport and a love for his friends. One thing is certain, Josh loves being on the there because being with all of you is being part of something that feels special, something greater than we are – a family we choose, our team.

Josh's strength reminds us to put forth our absolute best effort in everything we do and to cheer for and celebrate everyone’s successes, large and small. He does.

When it comes down to do or die, the size of our heart matters. Real champions #mustlovesoccer.

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Limitless Enthusiasm

Success comes from playing, at all times, with Limitless Enthusiasm – this is indisputably Christian. 

It’s no secret that I really, and I mean REALLY, love Christian’s expression when he’s about to get the ball. I describe him — even to him—as a boy about to get an Easter egg. His expression is of sheer delight. 

Be careful though, this enthusiasm gives Christian remarkable drive and laser focus on one thing, “That ball is MINE.” Then he goes about getting it. And once he has it, there is no stopping him from doing what he wants with it. 

Christian, your enthusiasm fuels your success. Hold true to playing the game and living life with your limitless enthusiasm, it is a rare quality, and it will serve you well

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Be Ferocious

Great players will play by the rules but be ferocious. Brendan is not only ferocious, he is also focused — a formidable combination on any field. Pity the attacker who tries to get by Brendan or cross the ball. He is an #attackkiller.

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The Unexpected

The best players are The Unexpected, as they are the most dangerous on the field. Brennan is definitely the Unexpected. His actions speak louder than words — and nothing says it better than the opponent in this picture. 

Now, that's the way to stop an attack! #nofoul

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Proud beyond measure!

To the 2021 NMHS Varsity Soccer Men, While I may not be your official coach, I do have a lifetime of experience. In my eight plus years with New Milford High School soccer alone, I have worked with two athletic directors, four head coaches, eight assistant coaches, more than three dozen teams, and hundreds of players. And you are the only team that can claim this incredible feat. When it got hard, you chose to set aside your egos, dig deep, and battle to make something of your season. What you did was even more incredible. You made something of yourselves. In a few short weeks, I witnessed you grow from boys to men. Even though there are no titles, trophies, or banners recognizing you for this accomplishment, you are Real Champions. When photographing you battle through a season of incredible adversity, I was close and I saw your heart and soul in your effort. In my eyes, you are all heroes. I am proud beyond measure of you and what you accomplished. Cheers to each of you! 

I look forward to seeing you do great things. Your greatest fan and photographer

Denise