By Irmina Chrzastek – Staff Reporter

The Jonathan Law boys soccer team had a very successful 2016 season.

The Lawmen finished their season with a record of 6-8-2 and qualified for the state tournament.

Head coach Michael Gruber is very proud of the team for making it to states for the first time since 2014.

“Our main goal was to make it to states this year since it’s only happened one time previous to this year in 16 years,” Gruber said.

The whole team is very happy to make it to states this year as well.

“It feels great,” sophomore Troy Anderson said. “We worked hard to get there.”

While the Lawmen lost first round game in the Class L state tournament, the boys played were very competitive and only gave up one goal against 11th-seeded RHAM.

Not only does the team get along well on the field and play well together, but off the field they are close as well.

“Off the field I consider us a family,” junior Kevin Linn said. “We always hang out and do stuff together.”

Gruber also sees how the boys get along everyday.

“I think the team has showed great unity and a passion to get better in practice and in games,” Gruber said. “The boys realized that our goal of making states was not going to be easy and with hard work and staying together as one team anything can be possible.”

The team also welcomed all of the freshmen and instantly saw them as part of their team.

“As a freshman the team took me in and made me feel as part of their family,” freshman Jon Vitale said. “To play on the field with the team and for them to have trust in me in something that I was not expecting, but I can now say I am really part of the Law boys soccer family.”

Senior captains Anderson, Dennis Sweeney, and Jucar Lopes are also very proud of how far the team has come during their past four years playing soccer at Law. Anderson also had advice for next year’s captains.

“Never be negative,” Anderson said. “Always think towards the future and accomplishing your goals and remember that we’re all part of one team and hard work pays off.”

Regarding next year, Gruber doesn’t have plans yet.

“After the season is over, I’ll reflect and look towards the future,” Gruber said.