From finishing close to last almost every season, to struggling to get even five wins to come in 2nd in the Huron league, to being in contest to win districts and regionals, the Big Reds used to be one of the worst teams in the Huron League.
Jackson Raasch, three-year varsity starter and team captain, stated “our team was a solid 4 or 5 out of 10 during my freshman year” Athletes who competed previously also thought the same and were relatively certain that the upcoming year might be no different.
Much to their surprise, this season, the Big Reds team defeated 2 teams that had beaten us for almost 10 years straight. The only reason the team was able to go from being one of the worst to one of the best, in all of division 3, was due to the grit and tenacity from each of the players and their mindsets.
Gavin Tomecek, another three-year varsity player and captain, had this to say: “our attitude changed this season with most varsity players, and some JV players spending the weekend and other spare time putting in extra work.”
Historically, the Huron League is probably one of the most competitive leagues in the state of Michigan: from New Boston Huron to Grosse Ile, having three or four state-ranked teams. Milan was still able to steal the silver place: coming up short in the Huron League rank to the D2 No. 10 Riverview Pirates.
In the end, the Big Reds fell in the MHSAA District semi-finals to Grosse Ile: losing by 2 very unlucky goals. Although we did not bring home any trophies, we left one of the best runs that, especially Milan High School Soccer, the district has seen in over 20 years.
On a final note, Raasch said “everyone made sure to do their part this season. We really put in all aspects of teamwork and determination when it mattered most. Good luck to future Big Reds.”
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