Soccer victories total 300 for Kearney’s Forman

Bill Forman’s 300th career victory didn’t come easily.

Forman, who is in his 19th season as Kearney’s boys soccer coach, reached the mark when his team rallied from a two-goal deficit to defeat Platte County 3-2 in overtime last Thursday.

However, Forman said when the Bulldogs scored the game-winning goal, the number 300 was the last thing on his mind.

“Actually, my first thought was that we’re still alive in the conference race,” he said. The Bulldogs are the defending champions in the Suburban Conference Small Six.

The Bulldogs improved to 6-8 with the win, but they have only one defeat (a 2-0 loss to Staley) in the conference. Staley and Platte County, the other top teams in the conference, have a league loss as well.

Forman said Kearney still has six league games to play, including rematches with Staley and Platte County.

“We pretty much have to win out to win the conference,” he said.

As for number 300, Forman said it was more of a testament to his longevity than anything else.

But he admits he got it in style.

“It will be one I always remember,” he said.

CROSS COUNTRYThe Staley boys cross country team finished sixth with a score of 210 in a field of 26 last Saturday at the KC Metro Championships at the Raymore-Peculiar course. The Falcons were led by sophomore Michael McCullough, who finished 10th in 16 minutes, 46 seconds, and senior Huns Pitia, who was 16th in 16:57.

Coach Todd Warner was particularly impressed with McCullough’s performance, considering McCullough also plays for the Falcons’ soccer team.

“For him to do two sports right now and be able to run at that level and run in the top with that kind of competition speaks a lot to his ability,” Warner said. “He just improves every week. He’s a low-maintenance runner.”

The Staley girls finished 13th out of 24 teams with a score of 315 and were led by junior Kristen Brosnan, who finished 10th in 19:35.

“She’s really been as solid and consistent as anybody on our team, boys or girls,” Warner said. “She’s always right around the 20-minute mark, or the mid-19s or sub-19s.”

BOYS SWIMMINGPark Hill South boys swimming coach Steve De La Piedra isn’t about to let his team’s 115-75 dual loss to Rockhurst on Sept. 29 ruin his outlook about the Panthers’ chances to do well at the state meet.

Considering the Hawklets have won five consecutive team state titles, that’s probably a good idea.

“Rockhurst is going to run away with it again this year, that’s no secret,” De La Piedra said. “But from second on down, it’s kind of a tossup.”

Last season the Panthers finished fourth at state with 127 points, only nine short of third-place Blue Springs. De La Piedra is hoping for another top-four finish.

For that to happen, however, he said the Panthers will need seniors Austin Cade, Grant Libra and Kyle Gourley to continue their strong performances. “Each of them has qualified for this year’s state meet in at least two events,” De La Piedra said. “We’d also like to qualify a few more.”

VOLLEYBALLConsidering it was homecoming weekend, Smithville volleyball coach Leah Wahl admits she didn’t know what to expect from her team entering the eight-team Northland Classic last Saturday.

Turns out she had nothing to fear. The Warriors went on to win their home tournament, defeating Kansas City East Christian 25-15, 25-11 in the championship match. Smithville got there by defeating St. Joseph LeBlond 26-24, 25-17 in the semifinals.

Add that to a 25-10, 25-7 victory over East Buchanan on Monday, and Wahl couldn’t have been happier heading into their match Tuesday against North Platte.

“They came out on Saturday and played as a team,” said Wahl, whose team improved to 11-5-2. “I was very proud of them. They worked together, played aggressively and got the job done.”

submitted by CANDACE BUCKNER - 2009-10-06 14:13:01

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