Soccer coach thanks hardy crowd

October 27, 2012 will forever live in my memory for more than one reason.  Our Whitefish Boy’s Soccer team capped an undefeated season with a 4-1 victory over the Billings Central Rams in the state championship game on this day.  This marked the end of the high school careers for our seniors:  Thomas Clark, Addison Clark, Curran Edland, Sean Janni, Sam Donaldson, Iaian Cameron, Brandon Fuehrer, Chance Ling, and Mike Reimer.

This day also was memorable because it decided to dump several inches onto our beloved game field. Boom! Our community responded with force.

Ron Maxwell was out at the field at 6 a.m. plowing the majority off. Tim Olson and Paul

Johannsen provided a greens sweeper from Whitefish Lake Golf Course and swept off any remainder snow to make the surface playable. Brian Murphy and Barb Janni assembled a crew with shovels and also decorated the field in preparation for the biggest game of the season.

Lastly, but probably the most impressive was the turnout in our fans section. The snow kept coming with a relentless downfall, but people poured into cheer on our boys. Not only were the numbers mind blowing, but it was a chaotic concert of green, gold, and spirited chanting! With more than 1,000 fans, our boys got to end their amazing year with the trophy held high and the knowledge that they are loved and belong to one of the best communities in our beloved state of Montana.

This old coach thanks this community from the bottom of his heart. We will return this favor with a program that will continue to make you proud. You guys rock.

— O’Brien Byrd is the Whitefish boys soccer coach