TYLER — Although Jacksonville head boy’s soccer coach, Randy Hammontree, only has to bid adieu to six graduating seniors this spring — a far cry from the dozen final-year players that received their sheepskin last year, saying farewell, nevertheless is one of the most difficult parts of the coaching profession according to Hammontree, who is in his second season at the helm of the Tribe soccer program.
“It has been a real pleasure to work with this particular group of seniors,” he said late last week. “To me one of the most difficult parts of coaching is graduation time. Although I am very happy for the kids, I get selfish because I will miss them a lot.”
When the Indians trot out onto the home pitch — also known as the Tomato Bowl — tonight at 7 p.m. (against Nacogdoches) it will be the final match for senior captains, Michael Green, Jeff Landrum and Elias Silva.
Green, in his first year of varsity competition improved his game so much over the summer by playing indoor soccer that he is a starter on defense for the Tribe this year.
Landrum, in his second season as a team captain, is also a defenseman and will be missed not only for his on-the-field skills, but his leadership traits as well says Hammontree.
“I appointed Jeff a captain last year because of his on field leadership and his undying effort to succeed,” Hammontree said. “He has been a great defender for our team and I anticipate Jeff becoming a great teacher and coach (in the future).”
Silva moved over to center midfielder this year and has handled the new position well and has become a key figure in the Indians’ offensive attack.
Other JHS seniors include, Rolando Alvarez, Daniel Posada and Kevin Quiroz.
Alvarez has also successfully mastered a new role on this season’s Indian squad, playing right-outside midfielder.
“Rolando has been instrumental in winning the midfield battles and launching a successful attack from the right side,” Hammontree commented.
Posada, in his first year as starting goalkeeper at the varsity level, continues to amaze Indian fans with his skills in goal.
“Daniel stepped up from the junior varsity team last year to varsity this year and he has been doing a fantastic job, allowing only two goals in district, thus far, (and) has racked up five district shutouts,” Hammontree said.
Quiroz, also in his first year with the varsity Indians, worked hard over the summer to sharpen his skill set and then continued to better himself by running cross country in the fall as a means of staying in optimal physical condition in preparation for the soccer season.
Following tonight’s match, the Tribe (12-7-1, 7-0-1 in District 35-4A) will close out the regular season at Diboll (7 p.m.) on Friday evening before opening the state playoffs early next week against an opponent and at a location and time to be determined.
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Related Photos
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Jeff Landrum right, pictured working the ball around a defender, is one of six Jacksonville Indian soccer players that will be playing in the Tomato Bowl for the final time tonight when the Indians host Nacogdoches at 7 p.m. Other seniors suiting up for the Blue and White include, Kevin Quiroz, Michael Green, Elias Silva, Rolando Alvarez and Daniel Posada. Progress photo by Wolf Whitaker/www.wolfphotos.net
Discussion
Six Indians to play final soccer match in Tomato Bowl tonight
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