Update: Memorial is off to State. We were there to cheer them on and tell them to Have Fun and Play Hard! So…is it me or does it just seem weird to be sending our boys off to a State Soccer Tournament played outside…and it is snowing! Another strange moment but one that just continues to make this a season to remember. Keep it going boys! Bring it Home!
So…if you have not heard…or just want to be reminded: Memorial Is going to State.
Let’s relive this a little. Here is the goal that was the difference in an amazing game.
Man, that still gives me goosebumps. So exciting and still leaves a big smile on my face. Way to go Matt….and Kimamo.
As well, this picture is so cool. When you are a parent, the opportunity to see your child in a moment of pure joy is so cool. This is one of those moments. Not sure the boys will remember what they were thinking, but they will all remember the moment and it will stay with them their entire lives.
Memorial Tournament History
When you hear Coach Kite refer to EC Memorial as one of the best programs in the State, he is basing that on facts, not just a proud coach. Let’s take a look at the top programs in the state based on tournament appearances. 272 Schools play soccer in Wisconsin. School/Wins/Division.
- Brookfield East 17 D1/D2
- Marquette 17 D1
- Neenah 16 D1
- Madison West 15 D1
- Whitefish Bay 14 D2
- Racine Horlick 12 D1
- Cedarburg 11 D2
- EC Memorial 10 D1 (4 appearances coached by George Oien and 6 coached by David Kite)
- Green Bay Preble 9 D1
- Hudson 9 D1
Other Schools of interest: McDonnel/Regis(4) D3, Chippewa Falls(2) D1, Rice Lake(4) D3, River Falls(2) D2
Memorial Game Recap in State Tournament
1999 (0-1) No info on game.
2001 (1-1) Beat Wisconsin Rapids in Quarters-2 Goals by Connor O’Meara. Lost to Marquette in Semis. Goal by Chad Hendricks.
2002 (2-1) State Runner Up. 1-0 win over Milton in the quarters-goal by Andy Rapacz assisted by Aaron Czubkowski. With a direct connect to this years team, Aaron’s brother Jacob Peloquin has been a valuable part of the varsity team. You know Jacob wants a state tournament, just so he doesn’t have to hear it from his brother. A 2-0 win over Green Bay Preble-Adam Koger stars with a goal and assist. 4-0 loss to Marquette.
2004 (0-1) 4-2 loss to Middleton in the Quarters. Some players I recognize: Aaron Czubkowski. Patrick McClain in goal and currently on the roster of the MLS Minnesota FC. Eric Wirth, yes that Eric Wirth, current assistant coach for Memorial.
2008 (0-1) 1-0 loss to Homestead.
2009 (0-1) Loss to DePere 0-0 and 4-2 in the Shootout. Some names you may recognize: Elek Lane (GK), Zach Brown, Collin Printz, Max Sebesta, Neil Klingensmith. At least ones I recognize. A few friends of the family.
2010 (1-1) A 1-0 win over Middleton. I was at this game. Wow. Zach Brown scored in the 7th minute. We have only 2 shots on goal and for the rest of the game it is a defensive battle, save after save. Amazing we hung in to win 1-0. A great memory for Memorial soccer. Elek Lane in Goal was a beast.
2012 (0-1) A 4-0 loss to Marquette. I was at this game as well. Worst conditions ever for a soccer game. 36 degrees, rainy and 40 mph winds. Especially tough as my son Austin was playing in this game. Emotional night for the family. You know Cooper Lyons wants to get to a state tournament, just so he doesn’t have to hear it from his brother.
Important Note. D1 goes to 4 teams at State. I could have a rant here. Why 4 teams. Most other sports get 8. What the heck. The boys deserve a chance to go to state. Okay…done with rant. Whew. That feels good. In 2013 Memorial Lost in the Sectional Final (would have been 1st game at State) to Green Bay Preble on deflected direct kick off a shoulder. Maybe our best chance to win state if not for a late season injury to Scotty Nicolai. Huge bummer. Still hurts thinking about it. Great Team!! Preble loses in the final in a shoot out. We got our revenge on Preble this year!
2014 (0-1) 3-1 loss to Marquette. Led by Marcus Wollack and Andy Frank, the Abes keep it interesting. 2-1 at half.
2017. This story still needs to be written. LETS GO ABES! This marks the 4th time that Memorial has made it to the State Semi-Finals. They have made it to the Finals once, in 2002. Time to add to that total.
#2 EC Memorial vs. #3 Arrowhead 7:00 Thursday. Plan to have a little preview of the game tomorrow.