CCHS soccer players receive District 7 accolades

After a hard fought season, CCHS Girls' Soccer team earned a slot in tournament play, ending the season in 4th place. For a team that had no coach as school began, when potential opponents were already a few weeks into the training, parents, grandparents and coaching staff alike, are very proud of the hard work and improvement they witnessed week after week.

Russ Hackett came to 'help out for a few days,' and found himself in a coaching position for the CC girls, post hast! In speaking with Coach Russ, he expressed how impressed he was to fine the returning players organized, motivated, and in self training sessions, with no coach.

Coach Russ said he would like to thank the girls for putting up with him, especially the captains. An extra special thank you goes out to Jennifer Wilson, from the school teaching staff, without whom, we would not have been able to have a team. Thanks to the AD's for direction. Thank you to Mr. Jones for allowing me to coach the team, and of course, thanks to my wife, and her unwavering support.

"I believe the turning point in our season," said Hackett. "was when we decided to move Hannah Haley to goalie, and shored up the back line to compete in possessive soccer, making passes; owning the middle of the field, taking away their shots. This, added to our offense, lead by Ivy Vinson, and the exceptional play by Allie St. John, who was all over the field, playing many position, with tenacity and determination. Getting to know their position and consistently playing that position, improving every week."

When asked for final words, Coach Russ expressed his happiness, and said, "As I told the girls, this year held many first for me. My first high school coaching experience, and to attain a first District Tournament. My first team by which all future teams will be measured."

The CCHS team fell to Smith County by a score of 3-0, Smith County going on to be District Champions by defeating Jackson County by the same score, 3-0. During the award ceremony, after the championship game, the Cannon County team received accolades, when Hannah Haley and Lily Davis were named 2nd team All District and Ivy Vinson was named 1st team, All District.

PHOTO ON FRONT:

Front row: (L-R) 2nd Team All District, Hannah Haley, 1st Team All District, Ivy Vinson, 2nd Team All District Lily Davis. Back row: Coach Russ Hackett