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Summer soccer camps for Republic elementary, middle, and high school students have been scheduled. Camps for children as young as incoming kindergarteners will be held at the high school. Cost is $30 for K-3rd grades and $50 for 4th-12th grades.
Download a schedule and registration form.
The three-year-old Republic soccer program had a big day Wednesday, and neither the boys team nor the girls team even had a game. Instead, the two programs came together to celebrate the college signings of Hugo Donjuan and Mikayla Jester. Donjuan will attend Missouri Valley College, and Jester will attend Colorado Christian University.
“It’s very unique to have two such wonderful kids on the same day sign to continue their careers,” says coach Mike Hines. “I’m very pleased because three years ago, this was something we weren’t ready for yet.”
Hines says both players share some common traits.
“They’re excellent in the classroom, their attitudes are wonderful, and the best thing you’ll probably hear from their teammates is that they are good teammates. They stay after practice. And they continuously ask ‘What can I do to get better?’”
“A Big Honor”
From the beginning of the boys soccer program at Republic three years ago, Donjuan has been a key component. That’s because he was one of the few players with extensive soccer experience as the program began.
“Hugo came in, had a good background, a good work ethic from his parents,” says Hines.
Donjuan says he knew how to play the game, but still learned a lot during his time in the program.
“They pushed me into becoming a better player and becoming a leader,” he says. “I’ve been playing since I was little, but I think they pushed me into becoming a great leader and becoming that person that controls the game.
Donjuan says he hopes his earning a college scholarship in such a new program can be an example for other players. “It’s a big honor. The program just started three years ago, and from me playing there, it proves to everyone it’s possible.”
For Donjuan, the strength of Missouri Valley’s program played a big role in his decision to go there.
“Their program is just incredible. They’re ranked in the nation, and I would like to become a better player there.”
“Best Work Ethic I’ve Ever Been Around”
In contrast to Donjuan’s on-field experience, Jester came to high school soccer with very little background in the sport. And that’s what makes her success such a great story, according to Hines.
“Mikayla showed up on day one and had never really played. And to see her transform into the young lady that she is on the field and off the field, you can’t say enough good things about her,” Hines says.
“This is my 24th season, and she’s worked the hardest of any athlete I’ve ever coached. I’ve coached kids that are All-Americans, that have played Division One, and she has the best work ethic that I’ve ever been around.”
Jester says three years ago, she never dreamed she’d have a shot to play soccer beyond this year.
“I never really thought of that until club season, then I was like, ‘Oh, maybe I could do it,’” Jester says. “Everyone kept telling me that it was possible, and I never thought it was possible for me (until then).”
The Republic boys soccer team had its best season ever in 2012, and the results showed in the postseason awards handed out by area coaches. Several Tigers claimed all-conference and all-district honors.
Senior Hugo Donjuan was named to the All-Central Ozark Conference 1st team. Junior Jacob Goetz and Sophomore Mitchell Heinzler were both named to the All-COC 2nd team.
Six players from Republic earned all-district honors. Donjuan, Goetz and Heinzler were named to the 1st team, along with senior goalkeeper Joel Adams. Seniors Paul Adams and Bishop Davidson earned 2nd-team honors.
Juniors Nathan Pool and Cooper Kelley, and senior Riley Norris won all-district honorable mention.
The Republic Tigers soccer team overcame a rough first half to force overtime, before losing to Rogersville 2-1 in the district semifinals at Republic Monday. For much of first half, Republic didn’t play as aggressively as Rogersville, and the Wildcats capitalized to take a 1-0 lead at the 17:53 mark. Rogersville’s Tucker Brown took an errant pass in front of the goal and put it home for the first score of the night.
After the break, Republic stepped up its intensity, and it paid off with 25:36 remaining. Riley Norris got loose ten yards in front of the goal, lost his footing, but banged a sidewheel kick into the right side of the net for the equalizer.
Republic kept up the pressure, outshooting Rogersville 12-6 for the game, but couldn’t get on the board again.
“It’s another example of how frustrating soccer can be, when you have chances and can’t get the ball in the back of the net,” says coach Mike Hines. “Welcome to soccer.”
The game ended when Nick Hirschman scored about eight minutes into the first 10-minute overtime period, giving Rogersville the win and advancing them to the district finals Wednesday.
Hines says he’s proud of how far the team has come from its two-win inaugural season two years ago.
“Our progress has been just excellent,” says Hines. “It’s kind of a hollow feeling for these guys to walk out of here and feel good about the progress they’ve made, with a loss. But I’m just really proud of their effort.”
The Republic soccer team opens post-season play Monday with a district semifinal match against Rogersville. The Tigers are seeded 3rd in the five-team district, with a record of 9-10. Rogersville is seeded 2nd, and enter district play with a 15-8 record. The game kicks off at 6 p.m. at Republic.
The other semifinal, scheduled for 4 p.m., matches top-seeded Willard (12-9) with #4 West Plains (5-19). The Zizzers played their way into the semifinals by beating Hillcrest 1-0 Saturday.
The district championship game is scheduled for Wednesday at 5 p.m. in Republic.
Senior Night was a little extra special for the Republic Tigers soccer team, even after the 1-0 victory over Webb City. The Tigers held their annual fundraiser, with a silent auction and other activities to benefit the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks. The team raised more than $4,000.
“The fundraiser is just another step in their careers, in turning into adults,” says head coach Mike Hines. “We’ve made it a priority.”
On the field, the Tigers controlled the ball most of the night, playing much of the game in front of the Cardinals’ goal. After a scoreless first half, Mitchell Heinzler put the Tigers ahead seven minutes after the break. Heinzler took a free kick, slicking the ball from left to right, out of reach of Webb City’s goalkeeper to make the score 1-0.
Late in the half, Webb City mounted a couple of scoring threats, but the Tigers turned them away to preserve the victory. Hines says patience by the offense played a big role in Republic’s ability to control the ball.
“We’re moving the ball laterally. When we take our time and we’re patient, we drop the ball and we swing around, we’re going to find lanes that we can then go on the opposite side, because the ball can transition from one side to the other faster than their defense can,” Hines says. “That’s a maturity thing for our team, and we’re getting better at it as we’ve focused on it.”
Before the game, Republic honored seniors Tanner Willis, Riley Norris, Riley Close, Hugo Donjuan, Paul Adams, Joel Adams, and Adam Peavler.
The Republic boys soccer program is holding its annual fundraiser event at the home game tonight against Webb City.
The JV match will begin at 4:30, and the varsity will follow, around 6:15. Besides the games, the night will include a silent auction, T-shirt sales, kids’ games, a 50/50 cash drawing, and other activities. Game balls autographed by the players will be auctioned, too.
All proceeds will be donated to the Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation.
The Republic Tigers soccer team had lots of close calls Monday in their overtime loss to Greenwood. Here are some highlights from the game.
Republic’s growing soccer program turned in a record-breaking performance against Fair Grove Friday. The Tigers beat Fair Grove 10-0, setting a record for goals in a game.
That wasn’t the only record. Eight different players had goals in the game, setting a new mark in that category, too.
The varsity team is back in action this evening at 5 p.m., when they host Greenwood.
Republic controlled the ball during a scoreless first half, then scored two goals in the second half to beat Hillcrest 2-0.
After failing to capitalize on their first-half opportunities, the Tigers came out with more intensity to start the second half. Their first score came when Adam Peavler took the ball inside the 18 and fed Riley Norris for the go-ahead goal.
The second goal came late in the game. Nathan Pool got fouled in the box for a penalty kick. Cooper Kelley took the shot for the PK, and that made the score 2-0.
The victory was significant because Hillcrest competes in Republic’s district.
