After the boys varsity soccer took home the Class 4 District championship title, head coach Chris Kenny said he was thrilled at the accomplishment. 

“It was great,” Kenny said. “It speaks to the character of the team, so I was really excited for the boys and excited for the program.”

Seniors Alex Hohlen and Michael Quinn sealed the 2-1 victory against Christian Brothers College (CBC) Thursday, Nov. 4, after coming from behind to score the goals. 

Kenny said the varsity team has a solid group of boys this year, and there is a wide-range of talent between the group.

“It’s a very cohesive team,” Kenny said. “And, we have a really good Senior Class, full of good leaders, good players and good people.”

Most of the senior class has been playing on the varsity team for at least three years, and Kenny said this has allowed for familiarity with the program and the coaches. The team consisted of 14 seniors this season, and Kenny said this group is very experienced. 

Senior Michael Quinn, who has played varsity since his sophomore year, said that becoming a district champion with his team was an adrenaline rush. 

“When the whistle went off, it felt like everything we worked for this season was worth it,” Quinn said.

This season, Quinn said he wanted MHS soccer to not be overlooked as a public school, and he knew that having the right mindset would result in success. This team had the talent, Quinn said, and they wanted to showcase that to all of their opponents. 

 Many of the athletes play in the National League or State Cup, which are top leagues for boys club soccer. Quinn said this has benefitted the team tremendously, and that experience has helped them do well in their school season. 

“Having a lot of seniors also helps because we want it,” Quinn said. “For many, each game could be the last, and we want to play as many games as possible.”

Senior Alex Hohlen has been playing on the varsity team since his freshman year, and he said he credits this season’s success to the way the team was able to bond and grow close off the field. 

The team had a pool party at their teammate Will Bratton’s house during the beginning of the season, and they got to know each other which created a strong connection between teammates. Also, the team had three dinners throughout the season that allowed them to hang out and get to know each other off the field. 

 The boys travelled to Jefferson City, Mo., where they were able to spend time in their hotel rooms and spend a lot of time together, and they also travelled to Jackson, MO at the end of their season. 

“I think the way we have bonded and trained has really allowed us to play at the next level,” Hohlen said.

Karen Hohlen, Alex’s mom, said the team made magic happen this season, and she is so proud of their success. She said as the season progressed, it was easy to see the bonding carry over into the field. 

Karen said winning districts was the peak of their season, and watching her son, Alex, give everything he had made her so proud and excited. 

“It’s a night I’ll never forget,” Karen said.  

Last year, due to COVID-19, the season for boys soccer did not start until late October, so they were only able to play for half of a normal season. Karen said it was nice to have a somewhat normal season for the players and spectators. 

“It was such an exciting season for all the players, team managers, coaches and parents,” Karen said. “I will truly miss being part of the MHS soccer family.”

The boys finished the season with a record of 15-6-1. In the State Quarterfinal game, MHS lost 1-0 to Jackson High School in overtime.