Trojans proud of state trophy

Being runner-up in a state title game is possibly the toughest pill a team can swallow, but Timothy Christian's boys soccer players know how they'll come to view their Class 1A second-place trophy.

"It's an initial blow that you lost, but when you look back at the season there's nothing to be ashamed of," said Trojans senior Jake Schemper. "I'm very appreciative of what everybody on this team has done."

The Trojans (18-6-1) lost 2-0 to a team from Winnebago (25-2) that had no shortage of attacking weapons at North Central College in Naperville. The Indians posted 162 goals this season in winning their first soccer state title.

For 40 minutes Trojans goalkeeper Peter Tameling and his back line kept the Indians from scoring, but Winnebago struck twice in a three-minute span to start the second half and the Trojans were unable to find the back of the net from there.

"I was proud of the way we played. It just wasn't enough," said Trojans coach Rudi Gesch. "But we'll take second place. It's been an awesome experience and a great journey."

Timothy Christian bids farewell to seniors Schemper, Tameling, Jeb Nash, Josh Hjelmgren, Jeremy Hoving, Justin Groenewold, Taylor Slager, Kent Dixon and Jonathan Voss - a core group for which Gesch predicted great things for when they were eighth-graders.

"Phenomenal individual talent, phenomenal team chemistry - just very strong senior leadership, and we're really going to miss those guys," Gesch said. "It was a great effort on their parts."

Nash led the squad offensively with 15 goals and 17 assists, Schemper posted 13 goals and 17 assists, and the Trojans got 10 apiece this year from Groenewold and Slager.

"We're just all best friends on this team," Schemper said. "The friendships and relationships I've been able to create here have been priceless."