The Wolfpack Academy Developmental Competitive Soccer Club earned the silver medal in the Show Me State Games in the November 3-v-3 finale of outdoor soccer.
The five-player team was a combination of players that live in different areas of Missouri, including Mexico, Hallsville, California and Jefferson City.
Coach Chris Williamson said the 3-v-3 competition is very competitive that requires quick decision making, accurate passing, field awareness, above-average ball handling and communication. The former Mexico High School head coach put emphasis on communication because, since the players are from different areas, a challenge is the communication factor and how proficient they can be while moving at a high pace on the pitch.
The communication was pretty clear as Jesus Garcia and Alexander Rodriguez, of Mexico High School, with Ivan Pena ,a young upcoming player from California Middle School took Game 1 against a Kirksville team (Who’s Your Daddy) 9-5. The aggressive attack of defending and a complementary offensive bombardment of finding the back of the net helped the Wolfpack Academy take Game 2 against a Sporting Columbia team (Thunder) 9-4. Lady Wolf Kam Anthony, of Capital City High School, was a key factor moving the ball to finish out the match and take command of the No. 1 seed in pool play.
The Wolfpack Academy would have a bye in Round 1. Round 2 would be a matchup that led the Wolfpack to the finals, taking Game 3 against the Frisco Freight Trains 14-3.
The semifinal game involved Logan Gibson, who was a former player of the Wolfpack Academy and Williamson was his coach as a young teen about 10-12 years ago, coaching the other side.
“It wasn’t about winning,” Williamson said. “It was about something more as in being a coach and the influence you can have on your players to want to do the same for youths through their lives. Really a blessed moment to be part of it. We both are from the Waynesville-Laquey area of Missouri.”
The championship was a battle to the end, and Maung Ka Kaw — a player from Hallsville — kept the Wolfpack fresh as he hit a shot at key moments. The Northern Stars would take the match 9-4.
“It’s all about retaining what you learn on the pitch,” Williamson said. “Rather than be good or bad, self inventory yourself and your game. Keep accepting challenges and become consistent. Wolfpack Academy Soccer has leadership with a diverse culture and our players represent it well.
