by Jeanette McKinney
 

When Michael Moore, Andrew Ramirez, Scott Huckabay and Nick Johnson arrived on the Schreiner campus in 2001 as freshman soccer players, they shared the hopes and dreams of all first year student-athletes: to be a part of something special and leave a legacy—to be champions. That year the dream faded as the relatively new NCAA soccer program struggled.

The competitive spark was rekindled under head coach Paul M. Hayes and in 2004 the Mountaineers earned the right to participate in the conference championship tournament for the first time in Schreiner’s NCAA history.

As SCENE goes to press, Coach Hayes was named ASC Coach of the Year for guiding the Mountaineers to their second straight ASC Tournament appearance and first-ever tournament win. Also Moore, along with junior David Ramos and freshman Nick Morrison, was named to the All–ASC First Team.

When asked why they think the soccer program has achieved its current success, the men’s first response is to credit coaching. Then, with a bit of afterthought, come responses such as “good recruiting,” “dedication on the part of the coach and the players” and “good team chemistry.” Hayes’ impact is unmistakable, as is the respect, affection and commitment they feel for him.

Andrew Ramirez commented, “Coach Hayes’ understanding of the game, such as strategies and execution of game plans, is amazing.” When asked what one word each would use to describe Coach Hayes, the men smiled and said, “There isn’t one word good enough!” Nick Johnson said, “He is the ultimate coach. He is our mentor, our friend, our role model, and our coach.” Ramirez laughs and says “He is just a really good guy.” Forward Scott Huckabay points out, “We have good chemistry on our team this year. I think that has made a difference in the success we have experienced as well.”

Now the last second has ticked off the scoreboard, the final whistle has blown, and these seniors’ thoughts will turn to graduation and a life after college. All of the men have different plans upon graduating from Schreiner—most will pursue graduate degrees—but they will forever share a common bond: they have realized their freshman dream of being a part of something special and leaving a legacy. The four helped establish the foundation of a successful, competitive Schreiner University soccer program.

Perhaps one of the greatest compliments these men could give their coach and the University is that each would love to return to the SU soccer fields and watch his son compete for the maroon and white. Truly a success story—win or lose—with a Cinderella ending.