The Bruin Boys Soccer team is preparing to outrun their competitors in this upcoming season. 

Conditioning and practices began in early November for winter athletes, and members are still hobbling around the campus. As being one of the sports that focuses mainly on running, the soccer players are already feeling the burn even though they are only a couple of weeks into the season. Some chalk up the limps and muscle pains to the two-hour practices which happen almost every night after school.

Christopher Roberts, their Assistant Soccer Coach, explained why the practices last for so long.

“I’m a firm believer that you practice like you play,” Coach Roberts said. “Practices are crucial to preparing for the season and upcoming games.”

He continued on to reveal the contents of their practices and what his favorite activities are.

“Everything with a ball at their feet, well, as much as possible,” said Coach Roberts. “Each practice we try to structure [with] 10-15 minutes of conditioning/stretching, 20-30 minutes of foot skills, and then the rest of the time [is] dedicated to… the ball activity.” 

Sophomore William Phillips, gave insight on how the practices have been going so far.  

“It’s pretty good,” Phillips said. “There’s a good group of kids.”

Grant Murchinson, a junior, provided a similar account when he was asked the same question. 

“I think that practice and conditioning has been going well so far this year, the team is playing well,” said Murchinson. 

Since this is Phillips’s first year playing the sport on Bear River’s team, he shed light on whether or not the more experienced players work with and give advice to the newer members.

“They definitely help kids understand what’s going on,” Phillips said. 

However, Murchinson has played on this team in the past and he was quick to share how this years’ team compares to those of previous seasons. 

“I have played soccer in the past, and this season seems to be the best team we have had in a while,” said Murchinson. “I would say that the season is going to go pretty well…” 

Sophomore Brydon Hopkins, who has also played the sport in past seasons, disclosed an upcoming change for the team.

“Later on, the boys go to the turf field at Magnolia,” Brydon said.

Coach Roberts added on his own pride for the group of Bruins that are involved in the sport. 

“The players have a great attitude about the season and are genuinely excited about it,” Coach Roberts said. “We are all optimistic about the season and feel that we have a real chance to be in a position to play some meaningful games.” 

Phillips agreed with what Coach Roberts had to say, concerning the outcome of their season.

“I’m hoping that we have a successful season because it looks like we have a lot of good kids that are coming out,” said Phillips. 

Coach Roberts shared a message that he hopes the boys on the team will get the chance to read.

“I just want the players to know how excited I am for this season and how much I value high school sports, specifically soccer,” he said. “It’s an opportunity for our student-athletes to be a part of something bigger than themselves.”