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By Emily Panter
Springfield Beacon
Thurston Colts girls basketball team knew they would have their hands full for their game against Willamette, last years 5A state champions. The Colts managed to keep a win within reach in the first half, but Willamette’s Aly Bruns let loose in the second half to run away with a victory. Thurston ended up suffering at 33-58 loss. Despite Willamette’s 58 points, coach Michelle Tuma is still pleased with the Colts defensive game.
“I thought we played excellent defense,” she said. “We held Willamette's inside game, especially AJ Smith, to five points which came from a three-pointer and two free throws. Kristen Walters and Whitney Hughes did an excellent job defending her and forcing her to go outside her normal game.”
Thurston’s offense got off to a strong start, going shot-for-shot until the score was tied at six points apiece. From there the Wolverines would pull into the lead, where they would remain the rest of the game. The Colts kept it close, only trailing by six at the end of the first quarter.
Willamette went on a small scoring frenzy to open the second quarter, but the Colts would dig hard at the end of the half to keep it close. Natalie Smith hit a quick three pointer and a field goal, and despite coverage, Whitney Hughes would score to bring the score 21-16 with about a minute to play. But a buzzer shot from Willamette near the half court line would sink, expanding the Wolverine lead 23-16 at the half.
Not too long after the third quarter started, it was clear Willamette was about to run away with the game. Although the Colts managed three quick points, Bruns found her rhythm and would increase the Wolverine lead to 33-19 with a quarter and a half to go. Thurston managed to sink some shots, but would be down by 20 at the end of the third.
“Against a team like Willamette, who are the defending state champions and in my opinion even better than they where last year, you have to pick your poison,” Tuma said. “We decided to focus on stopping their inside game and hope our quickness would allow us to get out on their shooters. Unfortunately, the second half we did not communicate as well on defense and allowed their shooters, Katie Collins and Aly Bruns, get open looks from the three point line.”
Clearly in a scoring rut, the Colts couldn’t find the basket until just over two minutes remained in the game, excluding one free throw. Elise Nelson scoring on a field goal and a three-pointer, and Hughes sinking a last minute shot.
“We had great looks, but did not go up with the confidence or the belief that we could make them…you can only do so much when you shoot so poorly,” Tuma said.
The Colts only managed to sink 23 percent of their shots in the game.
After a loss to Churchill on Friday, Jan. 18, the Colts are tied for Marshfield for fifth place in the Midwestern League.
Thurston’s next game will be at home at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 25. They will play Springfield.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Colts blazing start leads to win
By Emily Panter
Springfield Beacon
Coming off a tough loss in the league opener to North Eugene, the Colts redeemed themselves with a huge win over Willamette on Tuesday, Jan. 15. Thurston got off to a blazing start in the first quarter, outscoring the Wolverines 5-21. From there, they slowed the game down, but would eventually come away with an 18-point victory over the Wolverines.
“I thought we came out with a lot of intensity and focus and really executed well the first quarter,” said Thurston coach Doug Piquette. “We were ok the rest of the game, but did not play particularly well on offense. We were very impatient and did not play as a team.”
Thurston got off to an immediate four point lead, and the Colt defense only allowed one field goal during the first eight minutes. Willamette’s other three points came off free throws. The Colts led 4-19 until the final minute of the quarter, when Willamette sunk one of their free throws and Michael Rondeau reached for the rebound to extend the lead to 21-5.
The second quarter started off quickly as well, but a missed backwards alley-oop from Drew Wiley would send him down to the court floor hard. The end result was an injury that would slow him down for the remainder of the game.
“Drew Wiley was great in the first quarter,” Piquette said. “He sprained his ankle and that seemed to take him out of the air for a while.”
Without Wiley, the Colts leading scorer, they only managed to score eight points in the second, but would still lead 16-29 heading into the locker room for halftime.
Things picked up again for Thurston in the third, with Akins leading the way. He scored the Colts first seven points of the quarter. Joey White also had a strong third quarter.
“(He) played his most complete game of the year,” Piquette said. “He was great on both sides and really played more aggressively on the offensive side of the ball.”
The Colts lead was just too big for the Wolverines, and although they had a strong second half, Thurston’s defense kept them from scoring many points. Despite a steal and a three-pointer by Willamette in the final minute, they would suffer a 36-54 loss.
“Our defense was great,” Piquette said. “I liked how hard we played and how well we executed what we wanted to do defensively.”
Leading the Colts in their defense was Tim Autele.
“He is a warrior. He causes a lot of problems for opposing guards and really spearheaded our defense,” Piquette said.
Following a win over Churchill on Friday, Jan. 18, the Colts are now tied for second place in the league with Churchill. Both teams have a 2-1 record and are one game behind North Eugene.
Next, the Colts will play host to the Millers in their first match-up of the season on Friday, Jan. 25. The game starts at 7 p.m.
Springfield Beacon
Coming off a tough loss in the league opener to North Eugene, the Colts redeemed themselves with a huge win over Willamette on Tuesday, Jan. 15. Thurston got off to a blazing start in the first quarter, outscoring the Wolverines 5-21. From there, they slowed the game down, but would eventually come away with an 18-point victory over the Wolverines.
“I thought we came out with a lot of intensity and focus and really executed well the first quarter,” said Thurston coach Doug Piquette. “We were ok the rest of the game, but did not play particularly well on offense. We were very impatient and did not play as a team.”
Thurston got off to an immediate four point lead, and the Colt defense only allowed one field goal during the first eight minutes. Willamette’s other three points came off free throws. The Colts led 4-19 until the final minute of the quarter, when Willamette sunk one of their free throws and Michael Rondeau reached for the rebound to extend the lead to 21-5.
The second quarter started off quickly as well, but a missed backwards alley-oop from Drew Wiley would send him down to the court floor hard. The end result was an injury that would slow him down for the remainder of the game.
“Drew Wiley was great in the first quarter,” Piquette said. “He sprained his ankle and that seemed to take him out of the air for a while.”
Without Wiley, the Colts leading scorer, they only managed to score eight points in the second, but would still lead 16-29 heading into the locker room for halftime.
Things picked up again for Thurston in the third, with Akins leading the way. He scored the Colts first seven points of the quarter. Joey White also had a strong third quarter.
“(He) played his most complete game of the year,” Piquette said. “He was great on both sides and really played more aggressively on the offensive side of the ball.”
The Colts lead was just too big for the Wolverines, and although they had a strong second half, Thurston’s defense kept them from scoring many points. Despite a steal and a three-pointer by Willamette in the final minute, they would suffer a 36-54 loss.
“Our defense was great,” Piquette said. “I liked how hard we played and how well we executed what we wanted to do defensively.”
Leading the Colts in their defense was Tim Autele.
“He is a warrior. He causes a lot of problems for opposing guards and really spearheaded our defense,” Piquette said.
Following a win over Churchill on Friday, Jan. 18, the Colts are now tied for second place in the league with Churchill. Both teams have a 2-1 record and are one game behind North Eugene.
Next, the Colts will play host to the Millers in their first match-up of the season on Friday, Jan. 25. The game starts at 7 p.m.
Still struggling Miller girls fall to Pirates
By Maren Fawkes
For the Beacon
Closing out the first round of the season the Millers lose their fifth game to the Marshfield Pirates, 29-45. Despite the loss varsity girls coach, Chuck Wenger is confident his team will “get their feet under them.”
Coming into the match-up the girls were hoping to end their four game slide in Midwestern League games. The game started off quick and sloppy for both teams with bad passing that was the cause of careless turnovers. The Miller’s were able to capitalize on the multiple possessions by taking a four point lead following four steals by Samantha Stoner in the first two minutes.
Unable to build momentum, the Millers continued into the second quarter struggling to sink shots. Stoner had numerous steals and rebounds that kept the game from getting out of reach. She had good instinct toward the basket and was able to draw off defenders and get the foul. The Pirates were off to a quick lead as the Miller’s trailed behind.
Thwarting Springfields attempts to catch up, Marshfield’s leading scorer Brianna George had the Miller’s defense on their heels with her ball fakes and smart passing. The Pirates held a four point lead going into half time.
The Miller’s seemed sluggish at the beginning of the second half, while the Pirates came out shooting and moving the ball around. They pushed their lead into the double digits by hitting open high percentage shots.
Once Marshfield had established a comfortable lead towards the end of the third quarter, they moved away from a run-and-gun offensive style to a clock management style. It seemed like the Miller’s felt the pressure of the ticking clock making a few mental mistakes and sending the Pirates to the line too often.
The game was hard fought on both ends of the court, but with the Miller’s struggling to sink shots they were just unable to match the Pirates intensity.
“I’m actually really proud of the girls,” Chuck Wenger said. “I can’t say enough for some of the girls who are working really hard to come together as a team. The big thing is we’ve got to start shooting better. The girls need to have confidence in their shots because just getting the shots to go down can change the whole season.”
Wenger is optimistic about the future. “We know we have two rounds left and we’re just going to take it four minutes at a time.”
The next game for the Miller’s was at home against Willamette on Tuesday Jan. 22. Results of that game were unavailable as of press time.
“Willamette is always a challenge. They haven’t lost a game, at least not in the Midwestern League... The last time we played well against them, but for us it’s about getting the girls’ confidence back.”
For the Beacon
Closing out the first round of the season the Millers lose their fifth game to the Marshfield Pirates, 29-45. Despite the loss varsity girls coach, Chuck Wenger is confident his team will “get their feet under them.”
Coming into the match-up the girls were hoping to end their four game slide in Midwestern League games. The game started off quick and sloppy for both teams with bad passing that was the cause of careless turnovers. The Miller’s were able to capitalize on the multiple possessions by taking a four point lead following four steals by Samantha Stoner in the first two minutes.
Unable to build momentum, the Millers continued into the second quarter struggling to sink shots. Stoner had numerous steals and rebounds that kept the game from getting out of reach. She had good instinct toward the basket and was able to draw off defenders and get the foul. The Pirates were off to a quick lead as the Miller’s trailed behind.
Thwarting Springfields attempts to catch up, Marshfield’s leading scorer Brianna George had the Miller’s defense on their heels with her ball fakes and smart passing. The Pirates held a four point lead going into half time.
The Miller’s seemed sluggish at the beginning of the second half, while the Pirates came out shooting and moving the ball around. They pushed their lead into the double digits by hitting open high percentage shots.
Once Marshfield had established a comfortable lead towards the end of the third quarter, they moved away from a run-and-gun offensive style to a clock management style. It seemed like the Miller’s felt the pressure of the ticking clock making a few mental mistakes and sending the Pirates to the line too often.
The game was hard fought on both ends of the court, but with the Miller’s struggling to sink shots they were just unable to match the Pirates intensity.
“I’m actually really proud of the girls,” Chuck Wenger said. “I can’t say enough for some of the girls who are working really hard to come together as a team. The big thing is we’ve got to start shooting better. The girls need to have confidence in their shots because just getting the shots to go down can change the whole season.”
Wenger is optimistic about the future. “We know we have two rounds left and we’re just going to take it four minutes at a time.”
The next game for the Miller’s was at home against Willamette on Tuesday Jan. 22. Results of that game were unavailable as of press time.
“Willamette is always a challenge. They haven’t lost a game, at least not in the Midwestern League... The last time we played well against them, but for us it’s about getting the girls’ confidence back.”
Millers get first league victory over Marshfield
By Maren Fawkes
For the Beacon
The crowd was on its feet as the Springfield Millers varsity boys used good old fashioned hustle and defense to squeak out a win against the Marshfield Pirates. The game came down to the wire with the deciding points scored in the last 40 seconds.
Marshfield won the opening tip-off and took a quick eight point lead by hitting a few open shots. The Pirates tight zone defense had the Millers off to a shaky start by forcing them to shoot from the perimeter. The Millers reaction to the offensive on-slot of the Pirates was to pressure the ball from the in-bound point with an aggressive full-court press. Through determination and pressure the Millers were able to quash the early first quarter scoring threat put on by the Pirates. Successfully slowing the scoring by the Pirates, the Millers fought back to take the lead by the end of the first half by a single point.
“We missed some easy shots in the first half,” Springfield coach Dusty Auxier said.
Despite the misses the Millers were able to keep the game close and to build momentum going into the break.
Adam Porter came out hot for Marshfield in the second half, dominating on defense and scoring the first three baskets of the third quarter. Marshfield began to pull away at the end of the third quarter, but by switching from a man-on-man to a zone defense the Millers were able to slow them down.
In the fourth quarter, with the help of Cody Pryce who began connecting on high-percentage shots and playing hard-nose defense, Springfield was able to keep the game even for most of the fourth.
“I can’t say enough about him. Cody did a great job defensively and held off against their leading scorer,” Auxier said.
The teams continued to battle back and fourth, going shot for shot at each end.
Finally, with two minutes left the game tied up at 41 each. Springfield’s Trent Davis, who missed a couple of inside shots in the first half, seemed to heat up, scoring seven points and leading the team in rebounding. The Millers brought the ball up court and found Davis, who sunk a mid-range jumper to put the Millers up by two points with 37 seconds left in game. After a Marshfield time out, the Millers buckled down on defense and a driving Pirates guard was blocked by Davis. The energy from the parents and students in the crowd seemed to fuel the Millers. With 20 seconds left to go the final inbound pass was stolen by a Springfield player who was immediately fouled, and the Millers had the game in hand.
“Well it was good to get on the boards, it was our first league win,” Auxier said. “And we played a very tough Marshfield team. The win gives us a chance to get back in the hunt.”
The Millers next contest will be at Thurston on Friday, Jan. 25. Tip-off is at 7 p.m.
For the Beacon
The crowd was on its feet as the Springfield Millers varsity boys used good old fashioned hustle and defense to squeak out a win against the Marshfield Pirates. The game came down to the wire with the deciding points scored in the last 40 seconds.
Marshfield won the opening tip-off and took a quick eight point lead by hitting a few open shots. The Pirates tight zone defense had the Millers off to a shaky start by forcing them to shoot from the perimeter. The Millers reaction to the offensive on-slot of the Pirates was to pressure the ball from the in-bound point with an aggressive full-court press. Through determination and pressure the Millers were able to quash the early first quarter scoring threat put on by the Pirates. Successfully slowing the scoring by the Pirates, the Millers fought back to take the lead by the end of the first half by a single point.
“We missed some easy shots in the first half,” Springfield coach Dusty Auxier said.
Despite the misses the Millers were able to keep the game close and to build momentum going into the break.
Adam Porter came out hot for Marshfield in the second half, dominating on defense and scoring the first three baskets of the third quarter. Marshfield began to pull away at the end of the third quarter, but by switching from a man-on-man to a zone defense the Millers were able to slow them down.
In the fourth quarter, with the help of Cody Pryce who began connecting on high-percentage shots and playing hard-nose defense, Springfield was able to keep the game even for most of the fourth.
“I can’t say enough about him. Cody did a great job defensively and held off against their leading scorer,” Auxier said.
The teams continued to battle back and fourth, going shot for shot at each end.
Finally, with two minutes left the game tied up at 41 each. Springfield’s Trent Davis, who missed a couple of inside shots in the first half, seemed to heat up, scoring seven points and leading the team in rebounding. The Millers brought the ball up court and found Davis, who sunk a mid-range jumper to put the Millers up by two points with 37 seconds left in game. After a Marshfield time out, the Millers buckled down on defense and a driving Pirates guard was blocked by Davis. The energy from the parents and students in the crowd seemed to fuel the Millers. With 20 seconds left to go the final inbound pass was stolen by a Springfield player who was immediately fouled, and the Millers had the game in hand.
“Well it was good to get on the boards, it was our first league win,” Auxier said. “And we played a very tough Marshfield team. The win gives us a chance to get back in the hunt.”
The Millers next contest will be at Thurston on Friday, Jan. 25. Tip-off is at 7 p.m.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Colts fall to 2007 champs in league opener
By Emily Panter
Springfield Beacon
Although it was only the first league game of the season, the matchup between the Thurston Colts and North Eugene Highlanders on Thursday, Jan. 10 felt more like a state playoff game. The standing room only crowd was full of energy, particularly the student sections, and doing everything in their power to distract the other team. It must have worked, at least for the North Eugene fans, as the Colts slow start would eventually lead to a 53-45 loss against the No. 1 team in the state.
Thurston struggled to get momentum in the opening quarter, and only managed to score three points in the first eight minutes – an opening dunk by Drew Wiley and a free throw by Maddie Boehm.
“We came out really nervous and tight at the beginning. We basically wasted the first quarter but after that we did ok,” said coach Doug Piquette. “We had a real slow start but other than that we put ourselves in position to win.”
Things picked up for the Colts in the second quarter, but they still struggled to convert offensively. They also found themselves in foul trouble, eventually having seven fouls to the Highlanders three. With so many chances at the line North managed to score quickly in the second, but Thurston continued to chip away. Thurston brought the score within five after a trip up at half court that would eventually be settled by an incoming Tim Autele that would lead to a Wiley score, as well as a great three-pointer, also by Wiley. But North quickly responded with a three-pointer by Drew Laird to close out the half 19-11.
“I told them all the things that were going wrong were things we could fix,” said Piquette of his halftime speech.
Thurston fought back in the third to bring the score within three, the closest it would get all game. North found themselves in foul trouble, allowing Thurston to score five of their points that quarter off free throws. They also managed to hold North to 14 points that quarter.
“We did enough defensively to win, we just didn’t capitalize on opportunities,” Piquette said.
Fighting to keep the lead they held all game, North came out blazing in the fourth, making two consecutive three-pointers and a free throw to bring the score 42-30. Thurston didn’t manage to score until the 5:40 mark of the quarter, a pass from Wiley to Michael Akins for two. But it was just too late for the Colts. They drew the fouls against North in the final minutes, but the deficit was just too big. North’s Tyler Brown sealed the deal with two on the drive with just 1:27 left on the clock, bringing the score 49-38.
“I thought we had a chance to win but we couldn’t get over the hump,” Piquette said. “We missed a bunch of free throws and a couple easy shots here and there. We’ve got to be real careful making mistakes like that against teams like them. They just feast on turnovers and missed opportunities.”
Thurston’s players of the game were Akins and Wiley, who had 14 and 13 points respectively.
“I thought Michael Akins did a good job on attacking…Drew Wiley the same thing. They did a lot to take him away but he still got some points here and there. Defensively he did a pretty good job on Conklin except for a couple times when they didn’t double team him in time,” Piquette said.
But Thurston still has two more chances to conquer the Highlanders, who are also last year’s 5A State Champions. The two will battle it out at Thurston on Tuesday, Jan. 29 at 7 p.m., and then again at North on Friday, Feb. 15, also at 7 p.m.
Despite the loss, however, Thurston won’t change much on their game plan.
“We’ll take a look at the film, but I’m sure we’ll do a lot of the same,” Piquette said. “We’ll do some different things on offense, but defensively we did (fine). We just need to get better at what we were trying to do.”
Springfield Beacon
Although it was only the first league game of the season, the matchup between the Thurston Colts and North Eugene Highlanders on Thursday, Jan. 10 felt more like a state playoff game. The standing room only crowd was full of energy, particularly the student sections, and doing everything in their power to distract the other team. It must have worked, at least for the North Eugene fans, as the Colts slow start would eventually lead to a 53-45 loss against the No. 1 team in the state.
Thurston struggled to get momentum in the opening quarter, and only managed to score three points in the first eight minutes – an opening dunk by Drew Wiley and a free throw by Maddie Boehm.
“We came out really nervous and tight at the beginning. We basically wasted the first quarter but after that we did ok,” said coach Doug Piquette. “We had a real slow start but other than that we put ourselves in position to win.”
Things picked up for the Colts in the second quarter, but they still struggled to convert offensively. They also found themselves in foul trouble, eventually having seven fouls to the Highlanders three. With so many chances at the line North managed to score quickly in the second, but Thurston continued to chip away. Thurston brought the score within five after a trip up at half court that would eventually be settled by an incoming Tim Autele that would lead to a Wiley score, as well as a great three-pointer, also by Wiley. But North quickly responded with a three-pointer by Drew Laird to close out the half 19-11.
“I told them all the things that were going wrong were things we could fix,” said Piquette of his halftime speech.
Thurston fought back in the third to bring the score within three, the closest it would get all game. North found themselves in foul trouble, allowing Thurston to score five of their points that quarter off free throws. They also managed to hold North to 14 points that quarter.
“We did enough defensively to win, we just didn’t capitalize on opportunities,” Piquette said.
Fighting to keep the lead they held all game, North came out blazing in the fourth, making two consecutive three-pointers and a free throw to bring the score 42-30. Thurston didn’t manage to score until the 5:40 mark of the quarter, a pass from Wiley to Michael Akins for two. But it was just too late for the Colts. They drew the fouls against North in the final minutes, but the deficit was just too big. North’s Tyler Brown sealed the deal with two on the drive with just 1:27 left on the clock, bringing the score 49-38.
“I thought we had a chance to win but we couldn’t get over the hump,” Piquette said. “We missed a bunch of free throws and a couple easy shots here and there. We’ve got to be real careful making mistakes like that against teams like them. They just feast on turnovers and missed opportunities.”
Thurston’s players of the game were Akins and Wiley, who had 14 and 13 points respectively.
“I thought Michael Akins did a good job on attacking…Drew Wiley the same thing. They did a lot to take him away but he still got some points here and there. Defensively he did a pretty good job on Conklin except for a couple times when they didn’t double team him in time,” Piquette said.
But Thurston still has two more chances to conquer the Highlanders, who are also last year’s 5A State Champions. The two will battle it out at Thurston on Tuesday, Jan. 29 at 7 p.m., and then again at North on Friday, Feb. 15, also at 7 p.m.
Despite the loss, however, Thurston won’t change much on their game plan.
“We’ll take a look at the film, but I’m sure we’ll do a lot of the same,” Piquette said. “We’ll do some different things on offense, but defensively we did (fine). We just need to get better at what we were trying to do.”
Humanitarian award given to local youth
By Maren Fawkes
For the Beacon
Playing for the Springfield High School junior varsity indoor soccer team, Liberty Siegle takes the field with just under five minutes left in the first half. Crossing center field, she dribbles past two South Eugene defenders and hooks the ball deep into the low far corner of the net to score the third goal of the game making it 2-3.
Displaying the same quiet confidence and determination off the soccer field, Siegle has spearheaded an effort to raise funds and to enlist volunteers to support TOPSoccer, a program that makes soccer possible for disabled children.
Siegle has been playing soccer since she was five and has learned a lot about the sport from her father, Jonathan, who both referees and coaches soccer. Siegle plays on a club team for the Eugene Metro Futbol Club as well as for the Springfield High School junior varsity indoor team. She is also the youngest United States Soccer Federation certified referee in the state.
“I like soccer because it really is a team sport, where everybody has to work together,” said Siegle.
This 13-year-old home-schooled eighth grader first became involved in the TOPSoccer program last summer as a part of her bat mitzvah. She studied a passage in the Torah that talked about honest weights and measures and applied it to how people view others.
“I view this passage as giving us guidance about the way we judge people,” said Siegle in her d’var last August. “We assume that disabled people can’t do things like soccer and other sports, but we’re wrong and TOPSoccer proves that.”
To that end, Siegle asked how she could make a donation. Instead of having people give her money at her bat mitzvah, she asked them make a donation to TOPSoccer.
“I wanted to make it a community thing so they felt like they contributed and made a difference,” said Siegle.
Combining a family tradition of charity and her passion for soccer, Siegle raised and donated over $550 for TOPSoccer.
Mac Wilson, the coaching director for the Eugene Metro Futbol Club and area TOPSoccer started the program in the Eugene/Springfield area ten years ago. The program is designed to bring the opportunity of learning and playing soccer to any boy or girl between the ages of four and 19 who has a mental or physical disability. People who participate in this program work with buddies who teach them the fundamentals through shooting, passing and dribbling exercises. Wilson nominated Siegle because “it’s impressive for a 13-year-old to not be self-centered and be that giving.”
“Even if I don’t get an award I think that there is a reward in doing TOPSoccer,” said Siegle, who enjoys working with the kids and watching them learn something new. “It gives me that warm feeling.”
Siegle continues working with the organization as co-coordinator of the volunteers. She recruits other members on her soccer team and through the soccer club to volunteer as buddies.
“Liberty is very genuine and good with the kids,” said Wilson “She really enjoys herself on the field and it shows.”
As a result of her efforts she has been awarded the state wide TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year Award. She will receive her award at the Oregon Youth Soccer Association Annual Awards Dinner in Portland on Jan. 26.
For more information on the TOPSoccer program or club soccer please visit the Eugene Metro Futbol Club website at http://www.eugenemetrofc.org.
For the Beacon
Playing for the Springfield High School junior varsity indoor soccer team, Liberty Siegle takes the field with just under five minutes left in the first half. Crossing center field, she dribbles past two South Eugene defenders and hooks the ball deep into the low far corner of the net to score the third goal of the game making it 2-3.
Displaying the same quiet confidence and determination off the soccer field, Siegle has spearheaded an effort to raise funds and to enlist volunteers to support TOPSoccer, a program that makes soccer possible for disabled children.
Siegle has been playing soccer since she was five and has learned a lot about the sport from her father, Jonathan, who both referees and coaches soccer. Siegle plays on a club team for the Eugene Metro Futbol Club as well as for the Springfield High School junior varsity indoor team. She is also the youngest United States Soccer Federation certified referee in the state.
“I like soccer because it really is a team sport, where everybody has to work together,” said Siegle.
This 13-year-old home-schooled eighth grader first became involved in the TOPSoccer program last summer as a part of her bat mitzvah. She studied a passage in the Torah that talked about honest weights and measures and applied it to how people view others.
“I view this passage as giving us guidance about the way we judge people,” said Siegle in her d’var last August. “We assume that disabled people can’t do things like soccer and other sports, but we’re wrong and TOPSoccer proves that.”
To that end, Siegle asked how she could make a donation. Instead of having people give her money at her bat mitzvah, she asked them make a donation to TOPSoccer.
“I wanted to make it a community thing so they felt like they contributed and made a difference,” said Siegle.
Combining a family tradition of charity and her passion for soccer, Siegle raised and donated over $550 for TOPSoccer.
Mac Wilson, the coaching director for the Eugene Metro Futbol Club and area TOPSoccer started the program in the Eugene/Springfield area ten years ago. The program is designed to bring the opportunity of learning and playing soccer to any boy or girl between the ages of four and 19 who has a mental or physical disability. People who participate in this program work with buddies who teach them the fundamentals through shooting, passing and dribbling exercises. Wilson nominated Siegle because “it’s impressive for a 13-year-old to not be self-centered and be that giving.”
“Even if I don’t get an award I think that there is a reward in doing TOPSoccer,” said Siegle, who enjoys working with the kids and watching them learn something new. “It gives me that warm feeling.”
Siegle continues working with the organization as co-coordinator of the volunteers. She recruits other members on her soccer team and through the soccer club to volunteer as buddies.
“Liberty is very genuine and good with the kids,” said Wilson “She really enjoys herself on the field and it shows.”
As a result of her efforts she has been awarded the state wide TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year Award. She will receive her award at the Oregon Youth Soccer Association Annual Awards Dinner in Portland on Jan. 26.
For more information on the TOPSoccer program or club soccer please visit the Eugene Metro Futbol Club website at http://www.eugenemetrofc.org.
Late pressure by Colts leads to Miller Loss
By Emily Panter
Springfield Beacon
The first of three Miller/Colt girls basketball match-ups remained close for the entire game, that is, until the fourth quarter. Springfield led 31-28 at the end of the third, but heavy pressure from the Colts in the fourth would eventually lead to a 42-48 loss for the Millers.
Things got off to a quick start for the Millers, taking a four point lead in the first minute before Thurston got on the board with a basket by Whitney Hughes. A three-pointer by Natalie Smith would tie the game at five just minutes later. The Colts ended up taking the lead halfway through the quarter with a basket by Hughes, but they would only be able to extend their lead by four, and would lead 12-13 at the end of the first.
“Overall I thought we played well until the last quarter,” said Springfield coach Chuck Wenger. “I’m just a little disappointed we didn’t handle their pressure in the fourth quarter.”
The Millers would tie it up with just under six minutes remaining in the half when Samantha Stoner made one of her two free throws, but the Colts responded back with a made free throw of their own. Springfield would take the lead for the rest of the half with a basket by Carly King, followed by a Miller three-pointer to go up 20-19. Two free throws by Kenzie Smith would leave it 22-19 at the half.
Despite heavy pressure in the third, the Millers managed to maintain their lead, eventually taking a 28-23 lead. But offense for the Millers would stall with over half the period remaining as they would only manage three more points, a free throw and a basket by Sabra Lindahl. Thurston put forth a lot of pressure in the quarter to bring it 31-28 at its close.
Springfield managed to hold onto their lead for two minutes, but a basket and a made free throw by Natalie Smith would give the Colts a 34-36 lead. Thurston put forth a lot of pressure in the final minutes of the game, preventing the Millers from any offensive threats, and capitalizing on three throw opportunities to finish the game with a 42-48 win.
“The whole game swung on not handling the pressure in the last five minutes,” Wenger said.
Thurston coach Michelle Tuma was unavailable for comment as of press time.
The next cross town match-up will be Friday, Jan. 25 at Thurston starting at 5:30. The boys teams will play at 7 p.m. that same day.
Springfield Beacon
The first of three Miller/Colt girls basketball match-ups remained close for the entire game, that is, until the fourth quarter. Springfield led 31-28 at the end of the third, but heavy pressure from the Colts in the fourth would eventually lead to a 42-48 loss for the Millers.
Things got off to a quick start for the Millers, taking a four point lead in the first minute before Thurston got on the board with a basket by Whitney Hughes. A three-pointer by Natalie Smith would tie the game at five just minutes later. The Colts ended up taking the lead halfway through the quarter with a basket by Hughes, but they would only be able to extend their lead by four, and would lead 12-13 at the end of the first.
“Overall I thought we played well until the last quarter,” said Springfield coach Chuck Wenger. “I’m just a little disappointed we didn’t handle their pressure in the fourth quarter.”
The Millers would tie it up with just under six minutes remaining in the half when Samantha Stoner made one of her two free throws, but the Colts responded back with a made free throw of their own. Springfield would take the lead for the rest of the half with a basket by Carly King, followed by a Miller three-pointer to go up 20-19. Two free throws by Kenzie Smith would leave it 22-19 at the half.
Despite heavy pressure in the third, the Millers managed to maintain their lead, eventually taking a 28-23 lead. But offense for the Millers would stall with over half the period remaining as they would only manage three more points, a free throw and a basket by Sabra Lindahl. Thurston put forth a lot of pressure in the quarter to bring it 31-28 at its close.
Springfield managed to hold onto their lead for two minutes, but a basket and a made free throw by Natalie Smith would give the Colts a 34-36 lead. Thurston put forth a lot of pressure in the final minutes of the game, preventing the Millers from any offensive threats, and capitalizing on three throw opportunities to finish the game with a 42-48 win.
“The whole game swung on not handling the pressure in the last five minutes,” Wenger said.
Thurston coach Michelle Tuma was unavailable for comment as of press time.
The next cross town match-up will be Friday, Jan. 25 at Thurston starting at 5:30. The boys teams will play at 7 p.m. that same day.
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