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Post by Scott Crawford on Feb 18, 2013 15:02:46 GMT -6
History of Holy Cross Tiger Soccer: A Perspective
by Allan Shuford, 2001
As I begin this historical perspective, allow me to state that this is done with some thoughts in mind. My first objective is to bring attention to a program that is not and appears not to have ever been, highlighted at Holy Cross. I might add that there has been a recent up swing of attention shown toward the program. My hope is that this perspective will in some small way, bring attention and remedy some of that. Secondly I wish to dispel some myths concerning soccer at a school my family has come to love and be a part of. Needless to say this is a result of both my sons being interested in the sport of soccer.
My hope is that this can be used to gather support and interest in soccer and in particular the Holy Cross community. I am more than aware that there is an abundance of talent presently at the school and only needs to be nurtured into something that could bring honor, pride and positive recognition to a school rich in these already. It appears that the foundation and tradition of Holy Cross Tiger soccer has strong roots.
For the record, the Holy Cross Tiger Soccer team has won the state title once, finished as the runner-up twice, and was third one time. I was able to identify 289 letterman, of which 54 were 2-year letterman, 26 were three year letterman and 13 lettered all 4 years of their high school career. There has been 27 all-District award winners, of which that includes two players named 3 times and four double awardees. Also, there have been 1 All-Metro and 1 All-State player to grace the soccer field for the Tigers.
I must thank Brother Stephen Walsh, Grayson Harris, Susie McLaughlin, Darlene Sixkiller, Terry McGaha, Richard Neider, Brian WARNING VIRUS and Ray Charboneau for allowing me access to any information that might have existed. This would not be possible without them.
Most of the current information in this perspective is from the yearbooks. The accuracy of them is where I have relied most upon. Any omissions and incorrect information is unintended. Here is what I leaned:
The soccer program began as a sport played without much recognition to a source pride and some fame in the 1960s. Then the program all but disappears and returns some 10 years later in the mid-1980s. The sport is still trying to recover from that disappearance but finally appears to be gaining some momentum. Most recently it was noted that opponents may not fear us but they have a new found respect for Holy Cross soccer.
The earliest documentation of a soccer program is from the Chalmette. This is a publication that was published for Holy Cross and is the predecessor to what we know as the yearbook. In the 1926 edition, under Athletics, there is a picture of 12 young men and what appears to be a brother. Although there is extensive write ups concerning individual games for football, basketball, track and baseball, all that is noted of the soccer team is the picture. There are no names, no mention of the efforts, nothing save the photograph.
Starting with the 1960s, I will address each year individually.
1963 - In the 1967 yearbook, it was mentioned that this year (1963) was the inception of soccer at Holy Cross. That was obviously unfounded based on the photo of the 1926 team. There was no mention in the 1963 yearbook about the team. It is assumed that the 1963 team fielded a team but who and where they played is still a mystery. The 1964 team took credit for competing in the New Orleans area.
1964 - It was reported that this was the first year that Holy Cross fielded a team that competed in the New Orleans area and were known as the Latin Tigers of Holy Cross. The team finished third in the city and were the only Catholic team playing in the league. No other New Orleans Catholic high school had a soccer team at this time. There was not mention of a coach but rather Moderators. They were Brother Mary Joseph who led the team in the first semester and Brother Alfred who took over for the spring term. The team played 22 games although there is not a season record. All of the players were residents (boarders), and were from South America, Central America or Cuba. Special mention was awarded to Captains Marco Calderon and William Lind for leadership. The only senior was leading scorer, Vincente Maroquin and the top defender was identified as, Fouad Canahuati and goalkeeper Arnald Palma.
1965 - There was nothing found in the archives. The yearbook was not located in the archives nor the alumni office. It is assumed that the flood of that year (Hurricane Betsy) had something to do with this but that is purely speculation.
1966 - Again, there was nothing written in the yearbook regarding the efforts and results of the Holy Cross Soccer Tigers. There was, however, a team picture with the players being identified and the words, team gives good showing in tough league, along with two photos.
1967 - The team of 1967 played only 6 games. They were unbeaten and won 5 of these games, tying one. The quote from the yearbook that supports soccer starting at Holy Cross in 1963 was, this year had its first undefeated season since its birth five years ago. The team scored 30 goals and gave up only 7. It also marked the first year that the team had players not of Hispanic origins.
1968 - The 1968 Tiger Soccer team was identified as the only interscholastic team in the local area. Most of their games were played against university or post-university teams. However, the team did play and win the state title. To my knowledge, there is no placard or board signifying this accomplishment hanging in the gym. The only board hanging in the gym that recognizes the soccer program success is the 1973 City Champions. Regardless, the team traveled to St. Louis and challenged St. Phillip Neri for the Midwest Junior Cup semifinals, losing 7 - 0. Miquel Giacaman became the first player to have played on three varsity soccer teams while at Holy Cross. The team was moderated by Brother Walter Griffin and Brother Vincent Hoffert. Goalie Miquel Giacoman was recognized for his efforts from that game in the St. Louis newspaper.
1969 - Holy Cross joined the Interscholastic Junior Soccer League. It was noted there were only 3 seniors on the team that finished 2nd in a league of 8 teams divided into 2 divisions. This was the only soccer league for high schools at this time. The first reference to a coach, versus moderator, was mentioned in the team photo and he was Brother Phillip Babineaux.
The 1960s laid a strong foundation for soccer at Holy Cross. However, Holy Cross was an example of the attitudes in the United States and soccer was not to followed nor supported far into the 1970s. However, it is obvious that those opinions and support are changing and for the better. Unfortunately, this was the highlight period of Holy Cross soccer in terms of team accomplishments.
1970 - Playing ten games in the regular season and finishing that campaign with an 8 - 2 - 0 record, this team finished third in state. There is no mention of their record in the post-season but the two semi-finalists were Olympia and Fortier. These two teams are identified as the only ones to defeat the Tigers in 1970. This team was coached by Brother Ralph Sloan in the fall semester and Brother Richard Velasek during the spring. Team captains were Carlos Wong and Sam McTyre.
1971 - Another successful season as the Tigers finished as the state runner-up. The team had a regular season record of 6 - 2 - 1. They played in the Greater New Orleans Interscholastic Soccer Football League. Teams in the league included a team that is still a participant in what is known today as the Catholic League. That team was Archbishop Rummel. Other teams in the league were: Country Day, St. Martin, Holy Redeemer of Lacombe, East Jefferson, St. Paul of Covington, Fortier and the eventual state champion, Redemptorist. Redemptorist defeated the Tigers 4-1, which was the identical score during the regular season. These were the only two loses of the season for Holy Cross. The team was led by Brother Louis Coe.
1972 - This team was unique in that the Tigers had a student coach. He was Mario Narranjo who had lettered the two previous years and he was not a player on this years squad. The team finished 4 - 3 - 2 in the same league as the previous year. The moderator was once again Brother Louis Coe and the team captain was Jose Sagel.
1973 - Holy Cross returned to the top of the league, winning the New Orleans Interscholastic Soccer League. There is no mention of there being any state playoff competition. It was noted that the team finished 8 - 0 - 3, including a 3 - 0 victory over Archbishop Shaw. Once again, Rummel was a member of the league and for the second year of the last three, Rummel lost to the Fighting Tigers. The previous year had resulted in a tie. Unfortunately, this year also marked the beginning of an absence of the sport at Holy Cross. There was no mention of a coach for this year. This team is recognized by the only placard in the gym referring to soccer. Identified as the high scorer and all-star team member was Raul Ramirez.
1974 to 1984 - The school was not represented on the soccer field during this time period. There is no indication of the reason for the absence.
1985 - Soccer is reborn at Holy Cross with predictable results. After a 10 year absence, the Tigers return under Coach Mike Traina and go winless. However, it is a start for a once rich, proud program and a building block for the future. Team captains were Louis Cheramie, Ron Guilott, Steve Sturges and William Broussard. The future looked bright as the junior varsity advanced to the state JV Championship, losing to arch rival Jesuit. This is the first reference to Jesuit in the yearbooks as it concerns the soccer team.
1986 - Once again there was little mention of the team in the yearbook. What was noted was that the coach was Mike Traina, back for a second year. The team record improved by one game to 1 - 8 - 1. The only other items mentioned were captions under the pictures of Jay Stiller and Robert Leaber and the fact that the JV went 7 -4 - 0.
1987 - Things began to look up in 1987. The Tigers finished third in district. What was most notable was the fact that new coach, Georges Lesperance, held a summer mini-camp for the players to have longer to work in building team unity. This strategy worked as the Tigers went 11 - 4 - 2 overall and 8 - 4 - 0 in district. Of note, there was mention of Rummel and Shaw in the district. Also of note was the start of awarding individual performances on a regular basis. There is also mention, for the first time, of a Tiger player gaining post-season awards. Team captains were Larry Hand and Scott Foster. Individual award winners were Larry Hand (MVP), Scott Foster (All-Metro), Pat Hymel (Most Improved)
1988 - Continued success was realized in the second year under Coach George Lesperance. This years team closed with a 7 - 6 - 3 overall led by the efforts of 9 returning lettermen. However, the team was hampered by student ineligibility for academic reasons. There is no mention of how the Tigers fared in district play.
1989 - A new coach was at the helm in Sean Conway. The team record is not mentioned but all home games were played at University of New Orleans and practice was at Carolyn Park. The team played in District 11-AAAA and the year was termed a building year as mid-season injuries took their toll on the overall record. Individual honors were bestowed on Sean Guillory (MVP) and Chris Haydu (Most Improved).
1990 - Once again there is no mention of how the team fared, record wise. The coach was Ron Watson and the team had injuries to key players and hence they were forced to rebuild. Coach Watson was to build a strong program over the course of the coming years. This also marked the first year that the "Spirit of the Tiger Award" was presented and it went to Corey Ledet. The 1990 captains were Carlos Flores, Sean Guillory, and Sean Ocmond. Sean Ocmond was the MVP and Anthony Mejia was Most Improved. There was no team picture in the yearbook. However, there was two pages of action photos and recognition of lettermen and awardees. Team members were: Sean Guillory, Sean Ocmond, Graham Hemelt, Kyle McHugh, Chad Donaldson, Scott Morrison, Carlos Flores, Chris Haydu, Mac Danos, Chris Conlon, Anthony Mejia, Corey Ledet, Michael Byrd, Beau Fourmet, Scott Thomas, Matthew Jurik, Wade Verges and Jerry Jacob.
1991 - Coach Ron Watson continued the building process and produced a 6 -11 - 4 record. The Tigers were regaining some of the lost prestige that the late 1960s and early 1970s had brought. The team consisted of many young players (10 underclass starters) and the rebuilding process was well underway. The team captain was Carlos Flores and individual award winners were: Carlos Flores (MVP), Dustin LeMaster (Spirit of the Tiger) and Matthew Jurik (Most Improved).
1992 - Although not identified who was in the district prior to this year, the 1991-92 season brought about re-districting. In the district was Holy Cross, Andrew Jackson, Nichols, Ben Franklin, Abramson and mentioned for the first time, Brother Martin. Coach Ron Watson led the team to a third place finish. Team captains were Beau Fourmet and Scott Morrison. Individual awardees were: Beau Fourmet (Spirit of the Tiger, All-District), Jerry Jacob (MVP, All-District), Tyson Schmidt (Most Improved, All-District), Scott Morrison (All-District), and Billy Hoffman (All-District). There was not a team picture in the yearbook, however, there is a photo of the team ringing the school's bell after a victory. This was an activity that I had previously thought to be reserved for football victories only!
1993 - The most notable item in the yearbook concerning the soccer program was that the team participated in a preseason tournament that was to be the roots for what is known today as the Catholic League. Also, the headlines read, "Best Record In Twenty Years." Of particular note was this is the first time arch rival Jesuit is mentioned on the varsity level. In the regular season, the Tigers were still in the same district as the previous season and qualified for the state playoffs. Coached by Ron Watson, the team went 10 - 5 - 1 overall and 9 - 3 - 0 in district competition. This is also the season that for the first time, there is a team manager was mentioned. There was no mention of captains but individual award winners were: Peter D'Ambrosia (MVP), Billy Hoffman (MVP), Mike Mereaux (Most Improved), Jason Schock (Manager) and Erik Noble ("Spirit of the Tiger"). No team picture was in the yearbook.
1994 - Coach Ron Watson completed his 4th year as head coach, the longest tenure of any soccer coach to date with a 7 - 2 - 1 record, finishing third in district. This was also the first time mentioned that more than one Tiger was named to the All-District team. Special note that the pictures in the yearbook show that some, if not all, the home games were played at Holy Cross. Team captains were Antonio Barrios, Clarence Barrios and Troy Cooper. Team manager was Johann Wong. Individual award winners were Chris Baucom (All-District), Adam Briscoe (All-District), Jonathan Watson (All-District), Rene Hymel (Most Improved) and Mike Caruso (Spirit of the Tiger).
1995 - New coach, Jay Beatman and his Holy Cross Tiger played their first games in the Catholic League district and it was a rebuilding year. In the new league was archrival, Jesuit and defending state champions, De la Salle, Rummel, Shaw and Brother Martin. The team played their home games at Holy Cross and struggled finishing its season 3 - 11 - 3 overall and 1 - 6 - 0 in district play. However, the team once again had multiple All-District players in Collins Bourg and Jonathan Watson. A Leadership Award was presented for the first time and it went to Adam Briscoe. Collins Bourg was named MVP and Kenny Mahar was named most improved. There was no team picture but there were many action photos.
1996 - In what is the district that has produced the most Division I state champions, the Tigers competed in the Catholic League again. Unfortunately, there are three teams in the district that have not won a state title since 1995. They are Holy Cross, Rummel and Shaw. However, Holy Cross can claim one title in its history whereas the other two cannot. The 1996 team had the most recognized player in school history and four other players who made All-District three years in a row. This is also the most decorated team in school history. A record of 10 - 8 - 2 overall and 4 - 6 - 0 in district was the results of the teams efforts . Honorees included Lonnie Arroyo (Captain), Chris Baucom (Captain, All-District), Collins Bourg (Captain, All-District) Tim Chan (All-District), Chad McCrossen (Most Improved), Rory Tauzin (All-District), Jonathan (Captain, MVP, All-District, All-Metro, All-State), Jason Schock (Leadership). There is a team photo but no caption. The balance of the team was composed of the following lettermen: Charles Catonese, Joseph Fertitta, Andrew Finnan, Paul Fisher, Alex Gaudet, Carl Hebert, Joey Mall, Grant Poskey, David Roberts, Ryan Stansbury and Richard Stevens.
1997-There is not a mention of the team record. The only items found in the yearbook is there were two coaches, Serge Coquillas and Allain Muregancura and that this was a year of change. There was also mention of the inception of a new award, the Coaches Award. The other known item was the team played in Hahnville's Thanksgiving Tournament. Team awardees included: Cody Heitmeir (Captain, Most Improved, All-District), Paul Fisher (Captain, MVP), and Sobukwe Odinga (Coaches Award).
1998 - Since the yearbook was published a couple of years after the season, much of the information came from the Winter Sports Program which included a team photograph and schedule. In the fall of 2000, the yearbook arrived and additional information was gathered. The team was coached by Alvin Muregancuro and was mostly made up of underclassmen. Although young, the team claimed 7 district wins.
1999 - Coached by Ed Lazo and led by All-District performers Brian Watson and Thomas Peed. There is even less known about this year than in 1998. It is known that the team record did improve and many of the team was made up of underclassmen. Hopefully, with the publication of the yearbook, this year (and the previous one) can be added.
2000 - A young, improving team finished 8 - 12 - 2 and competed in the district that featured 3 teams in the national top 20. Coached by Ed Lazo, the team had several players gain post season honors. The team also played in the preseason Piney Woods Tournament. Notable team members included: Steven Chapotel (Captain, All-District), Gabe Fertitta (Captain), Spencer Farmer (All-District, Leadership), Robert Gwinn (Most Improved), Jared Lazo (MVP, All-District), Chris Meece (All-District), Shea Maheia "Spirit of the Tiger"), Thomas Peed (All-District), and Brian Watson (All-District). Lettermen included: Les Barrois, Mark Dwyer, Todd Geary, Gary Hendricks John Hoskin, Alex Lew, Kyle Shuford, Eric Standbury, and CharlesChildress (Manager).
The Future... In the summer of 2000, Holy Cross announced a change n the soccer program. It was with great enthusiasm that Brian WARNING VIRUS was welcomed on as the new head coach. The administration has shown the commitment to the program and with 12 returning lettermen, the future looks bright. The competition will be stiff once again as the district still has two or three teams rated as some of the best in the nation. However, it is believed that Holy Cross Tiger Soccer is BACK! Hopefully, we will be able to have a pep rally and an opportunity to "ring the bell."
2001 - The new coach, Brian WARNING VIRUS brought something back to the program and that was respect. Respect from other teams, for each other and for the program in total and in a district that featured the state champion and other highly rated teams. Although the district results were not there, the fact that the Tigers were in every game, which was a decided change from the past few years. The Tigers won the Piney Woods Tournament to start the season and finished the year at 11 - 11 - 2. Of note is that the team was honored in a pep rally but have yet to be granted the honor of ringing the bell. Two of the main goals were for the program to gain respect and the team have fun! Both of these were accomplished beyond expectations! Notable team members were: Thomas Peed (co-Captain, MVP, All-District), Chris Meece (co-Captain), Rene Marroquin (All-District), Kyle Shuford (All-District), Les Barrios (All-District), Patrick Finnan (Leadership) and Jeremy Lane (Most Improved) Lettermen included: Les Barrios, Earl Dauterive, Mark Dwyer, Spencer Farmer, Patrick Finnan, Robert Gwinn, John Hoskin, Jeremy Lane, Alex Lew, Rene Marroquin, Chris Meece, Thomas Peed, Dario Scott and Kyle Shuford.
Accomplishments: 1964 - 3rd in New Orleans League 1967 - undefeated and City Champ 1968 - State Champions and Midwest Junior Cup Finalist 1969 - State Runner-up 1970 - 3rd in state 1971 - State Runner-up 1973 - Champions New Orleans Interscholastic Soccer League and unbeaten 1993 - State Playoff Participant
CAPTAINS MOST VALUABLE PLAYERS Marco Calderon (1963-64) Raul Ramirez (1972-73) William Lind (1963-64) Larry Hand (1986-87) Adrian Haces (1968-69) Sean Guillory (1988-89) Carlos Wong (1968-69, 1969-70) Sean Ocmond (1989-90) Sam McTyre (1969-70) Carlos Flores (1989-90) Jose Sagel (1971-72) Carlos Flores (1990-91) Louis Cheramie (1984-85) Jerry Jacob (1991-92) William Broussard (1984-85) Peter Ambrosia (1992-93) Scott Foster (1986-87) Billy Hoffman (1992-93) Larry Hand (1986-87) Collins Bourg (1994-95) Sean Guillory (1989-90) Jonathan Watson (1995-96) Sean Ocmond (1989-90) Paul Fisher (1996-97) Carlos Flores (1989-90) Jared Lazo (1999-2000) Beau Fourmet (1991-92) Thomas Peed (2000-01) Scott Morrison (1991-92) Antonio Barrios (1993-94)
ALL DISTRICT Troy Cooper (1993-94) Scott Foster (1986-87) Lonnie Arroyo (1995-96) Beau Fourmat (1991-92) Chris Baucom (1995-96) Billy Hoffman (1991-92) Collins Bourg (1995-96) Jerry Jacob (1991-92) Jonathan Watson (1995-96) Chris Baucom (1993-94, 1995-96) Cody Heitmeir (1996-97) Adam Briscoe (1993-94) Paul Fisher (1996-97) Jonathan Watson (1993-94, 94-95, 95-96) Jason Vick (1997-98) Collins Bourg (1994-95, 1995-96) Steven Chapotel (1999-2000) Tim Chan (1995-96) Gabe Fertitta (1999-2000) Rory Tauzin (1995-96) Chris Meece (2000-01) Cody Heitmeir (1996-97) Thomas Peed (2000-01) Thomas Peed (1998-99, 1999-2000, 2000-2001 Brian Watson (1998-99, 1999-2000) Steven Chapotel (1999-2000) Spencer Farmer (1999-2000) Jared Lazo (1999-2000) Chris Meece (1999-2000) Les Barrois (2000-01) Rene Marroquin (2000-01) Kyle Shuford (2000-01)
All-Metro Jonathan Watson (1995-96)
All-State Jonathan Watson (1995-96)
Leadership Adam Briscoe (1994-95) Jason Schock (1995-96) Sobukwe Odinga (1996-97) Spencer Farmer (1999-2000) Patrick Finnan (2000-01)
Spirit of the Tiger Cory Ledet (1989-90) Dustin LeMaster (1990-91) Beau Fourmet (1991-92) Erik Noble (1992-93) Mike Caruso (1993-94) Shea Maheia (1999-2000)
Most Improved Pat Hymel (1986-87) Chris Haydu (1988-89) Anthony Mejia (1989-90) Matthew Jurik (1990-91) Tyson Schmidt (1991-92) Mike Moreau (1992-93) Rene Hymel (1993-94) Kenny Mahar (1994-95) Chad McCrossen (1995-96) Cody Heitmeir (1996-97) Robert Gwinn (1999-2000) Jeremy Lane (2000-01)
2 Year Lettermen George Asch, Ken Bauersfeld, Collins Bourg Michael Byrd, Richard Buttress, Charles Catonese Tim Chan, Mac Danos, Luis Diaz Mark Dwyer, Miquel Estephan, Marc Faucheaux Spencer Farmer, Gabe Fertitta, Joseph Feritta Patrick Finnan, Paul Fisher, Oscar Gomez Eric Guillory, Paul Guillory, Sean Guillory Mario Guitierrez, Robert Gwinn, Adrian Haces Tim Hattier, Cody Heitmeir, Graham Hemelt Fransisco Hernandez, Billy Hoffman, John Hoskin Eddie LeBlanc, Michael Luija, Dennis McCray Chad McCrossen, John Meza, Peter Meza Scott Morrison, Mario Narranjo, Sean Ocmond Sobukwe Odinga, Clifford Osner, Frank Pennebaker Brian Piazza, Mario Pineda, Richard Seifert Kyle Shuford, Richie Stevens, Rory Tauzin Michael Tewes, Robert Tewes, Kenny Ussery Thomas vanGeffen, Carlos Wong, Thomas Ybarra
3 Year Letterman Steve Chapotel, Troy Cooper, Gabe Fertitta Andrew Finnan, Beau Fourmet, Miquel Giacaman Chris Haydu, Carl Hebert, Pat Hymel Jerry Jacob, Alex Jaramillo, Matthew Jurik Jared Lazo, Alex Lew, Rene Marroquin Chris Meece, Raymond Mejara, Mike Mereaux John McTyre, Thomas Peed, Grant Poskey Raul Ramirez, Craig Risberg, Ryan Stansbury Scott Thomas, Wade Verges
4 Year Letterman Lonnie Arroyo, Ronald Asch, Antonio Barrios Clarence Barrios, Les Barrios, Chris Baucom Adam Briscoe, Carlos Flores, James Franklin David Roberts, Jason Schock (1 as manager and three as a player) Brian Watson, Jonathan Watson
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