Ivan Ogden was named the Most Valuable Player at the boys soccer awards banquet on Tuesday, Nov. 5 at Sweet Home High School. The MVP award goes to the player essential to the team’s success. “Ivan’s versatile skills made him indispensable, allowing him to excel in every position,” said head coach Eric Stutzer. He contributed three goals and three assists in a challenging league, proving to be an asset throughout the season.
Cannon Klumph was named team captain for the 25/26 school year.
“This year we implemented a process of qualifications,” Stutzer said. “Our goal is to implement skills that prepare student athletes for the job force.”
A list of what is expected was given to the interested parties and they had to write a resume highlighting their qualifications to be a team captain. Candidates had to have a student nominee, and go through an interview process with coaching staff and current captains.
“Cannon Klumph has shown a good knowledge of the sport, and with his servant leadership and mentorship model over the years with his service to the program and community of Sweet Home,” Stutzer said. “He will do great things leading the team.”
Other awards and their winners were Klumph and Memphis Gay, who received the Coaches Award, which recognizes players who go above and beyond in their contributions.
They “have shown exceptional dedication and servant leadership, supporting the team wholeheartedly, despite injuries that kept them from playing,” Stutzer said.
The Mr. Husky award honors the athlete who best embodies the school’s Husky Pride spirit. It went to Jack Simmons, who Stutzer says connected with younger students and shared his passion for the game, helping to foster a growing soccer culture and leaving a lasting legacy in the community.
Most Improved was Sam Ramsey, a player who showed the most growth individually and as a team player, Stutzer said, adding that this season Ramsey “established himself as a defensive anchor.”
The Slow Feet Don’t Eat award goes to the player with an unwavering motor and commitment, giving 100% in every practice and game. This season Logan Anderson earned it, “through his heart, relentless drive to improve, and dedication to supporting his teammates in every role he took on.”
Fourthyear letter winners were Jack Simmons and Gavin Gardner
Third-Year letters went to Cannon Klumph and Elisha Scofield
Second-Year letter recipients were Memphis Gay, Hayden Smith, Logan Anderson, Conner Stevens, Ivan Ogden and Keeghan Gittins
First-Year letters went to Josh Aker, Benjamin Perry, Thomas Culbertson, Levi Ayala, Felix Lopez, Kace Stevens, Eli Cruz and Sam Ramsey
Junior varsity players were a “welcomed” addition to the season this year, Stutzer said. Their season ended well with their last game a 2-2 tie with Cascade.
Stutzer, and assistant coaches, Joseph Hiemenz and Rowland J. Lupoli, highlighted the program’s progress and continued initiatives during the banquet.They expressed pride in the growth of the players and said they are looking forward to seeing the program’s culture continue to build strength and unity in the seasons to come.
Hiemenz and Lupoli have awarded Ben Ramsey the JV MVP Award, their Coaches Award to Thomas Culbertson, Mr. Husky to Ben Perry and Daniel Sullivan, Most Improved to Nic McKenzie, and Xander Haggard received the Slow Feet, Don’t Eat Award.
The JVcoaches were proud of their team and thanked each individually: Logan Anderson, Xander Blom, Culbertson, Steven Farrell, Haggard, Christian Justham, McKenzie, Josh Meglen, Perry, Kyle Petrait, Ramsey, Isaiah Scofield, Sullivan and Gabe Wilson.
Our soccer culture is growing immensely,” Stutzer said. Just a few short years ago the program almost didn’t have enough players to make a team due to lack of interest and this year they were able to have varsity and JV teams with depth.
“We are a young team with players still learning the technical sides of how the game is played, especially when compared to other teams we play, who have players that have been together since grade school.”
Through the programs initiated in the elementary schools and their off season opportunities, the soccer program has a goal to change that, he said.
Stutzer encouraged the boys to take advantage of several of these opportunities in the next year.
“Off-season skills building will make a huge impact with tactical and technical skills in the coming season.” he said.
Of these, the Portland Timbers have plans to return and host soccer camps for Sweet Home during the summer, “an exciting development for the program.” Stutzer said.
He mentioned a list of several other opportunities such as skills clinics in February and again in the spring. There will be a Sweet Home High School team camp this summer, as well as the Nike camp that parents can send players to. AYSO continues to build traction as it has introduced a U19 team this past spring. He also extended an invite from the Junction City coach who runs tournaments and clinics all summer.
Stutzer’s short-term goals in the coming season are to “continue to increase tactical and technical skills, team building unity and communication, on and off the field, mentor one another and continue to drive the program forward.”