By CHRIS WITEOF

Record Herald Writer

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BETHEL TOWNSHIP - The boys of the Bethel High School soccer team wrapped up a winning season last Saturday with 17 wins and two losses (only one in the regular season). Although their hopes of a district title were cut short by Springfield Catholic Central, the Bees did clinch a Cross County Conference title - their fourth one in a row.

What makes their season even more impressive is that the team is mostly younger players. The team’s 16 players include three freshmen, six sophomores, six seniors, and a junior. There are many reasons for the team’s success, but the underclassmen point to the seniors and their leadership.

“Our seniors are leading us very well,” says freshman Nicholas Wanamaker. “They try to work us harder, so we can achieve more.”

The seniors this year are Kyle Hamlin, Joe Zimmerman, Will Gresham, Dustin Elsass, Ben McIntosh and Jordan Watson. Throughout the season the team was led by Zimmerman with 45 goals and 25 assists, Hamlin with 34 goals and 20 assists, Gresham with four goals and seven assists, Watson with one goal and two assists, McIntosh with one goal, and Elsass with one goal.

According to the Ohio Scholastic Soccer Coaches Association, Zimmerman is the second highest goal scorer in the entire state. Hamlin ranks 24th in number of goals statewide. For assists, Zimmerman comes in at number four, and Hamlin ranks 22nd.

However, all the seniors give credit for their accomplishments to be a result of the whole team.

Elsass, captain and keeper, said, “Everybody has a heart for the team, everybody plays for the team.”

McIntosh, captain and sweeper, shared this feeling.

“Everyone wants to go in the same direction. We have our quarrels, but it works as a unit,” he said.

Watson, midfielder, also credits teamwork, but brings up the importance of their coach, Bob Hamlin, as well. Not only is Hamlin the coach, he’s also the father of two of the players: Kyle and Kurt Hamlin.

Kyle, a senior, is a team captain and starting forward. His brother, Kurt, is a freshmen midfielder. Both of them actually enjoy being coached by their dad.

Kyle said, “I love having my dad as a coach.”

Also, Kurt enjoys the perks of the situation because he “gets the inside scoops at home.”

Bob Hamlin, aside from being the coach, teaches math and is the Athletic Director at Bethel High School. The game against Catholic Central completes Hamlin’s 28th year of coaching. He enjoys being able to see his sons not only at home, but on the field as well.

“We all get to share in what we’ve accomplished as a family,” he said.

Bob believes much of the team’s sucess this season came from their pre-season work, where the team focused hard on conditioning. Soccer requires a great deal of endurance, so by getting in shape beforehand, the team was able to concentrate on more technical aspects, such as specific shooting areas, during the season.

A typical practice begins with stretching and exercises designed to get the “muscles warm and loose,” Bob said, then some running or aerobics before moving on to the next part of practice. Bob said this varies depending on the competition, but it usually involves shooting drills and how best to play the field. They also spend time on certain team items such as corner kicks, free kicks, and unique themes based on their opponents.

The end of a good season is always bittersweet.

McIntosh said, “It’s always sad seeing the last game go by. I’m going to miss this team.”

The rest of the players share in this sentiment. But although they must wave goodbye to their seniors, the Bees are already looking forward to their next chance on the field.

- Elle Reese contributed to this story.