By Satina Tolman
For The New Era
The Sweet Home High School boys soccer team closed its season Nov. 10 with an awards banquet that celebrated progress, perseverance, and character after a challenging year in one of Oregon’s toughest leagues.
Head coach Eric Stutzer reflected on the season, noting that competing in a conference that includes both North Marion and Stayton – teams that played for the 4A state championship, with Stayton winning 1-0 – tested the Huskies’ resilience.
Despite the difficulty, he said, the team responded admirably, earning a tie against Cascade, picking up a few wins, and showing steady improvement with a roster that was more than half first-year lettermen.
Many players began the season with little or no soccer experience, yet several earned starting varsity positions by year’s end. Stutzer said the team’s growth was evident in the way it battled opponents such as Newport, holding that playoff team to a close 4–1 match at home. “From beginning to end,” he said, “they came a long way.”
Sweet Home’s 23-player roster was composed largely of underclassmen, and Stutzer believes there’s a strong foundation for the future. The program is expected to move to the 3A classification next season, with a 90% likelihood, according to Stutzer.
Leadership and Dedication
The Huskies will graduate six seniors this year: Cannon Klumph, Elisha Scofield, Keeghan Gittins, Ben Perry, Kyle Petrait, and Daniel Sullivan.
Klumph, a four-year letterman and team captain, was named Most Valuable Player.
Stutzer said the team struggled whenever Klumph was sidelined with an injury, crediting his organization and communication as essential to the Huskies’ on-field cohesion. Because multiple players were strong MVP contenders, Stutzer opened the vote to the team, and the players overwhelmingly agreed that Klumph was their most indispensable teammate.
Scofield and Petrait shared the Coach’s Award. Scofield, also a team captain and four-year letterman, was recognized for his initiative beyond the field – he led student-run soccer programs in local elementary schools, coordinating directly with principals and bringing younger students into the sport. Petrait earned his first-year letter after a year of remarkable growth.
Stutzer said Petrait approached him before the season, promising he would earn a starting spot, and through tireless off-season practice, he did just that. His work ethic and determination, Stutzer said, made him “an inspiration to me as a coach.”
The Mr. Husky Award, given to the player who best represents Sweet Home pride and character, went to Memphis Gay, a three-year letterman known for his positivity and team spirit.
Stutzer described Gay as the kind of teammate “you’re proud to call your own,” noting that he often led cheers at junior varsity games and embodied the heart of the program.
Noah Valdez, who joined the team without prior soccer experience, was named Most Improved Player after advancing to varsity within his first eight days of practice. Stutzer credited Valdez’s defensive instincts—carried over from his basketball background—for making him a key factor in several matches, especially against Cascade.
Senior Keeghan Gittins received the “Slow Feet, Don’t Eat!” Award, which honors relentless effort and dedication. Gittins, who also played football, scored four goals and added an assist this season. He earned respect across the league, even drawing a first-team vote from the Stayton coach — an uncommon recognition.
New Leadership
Gittins joined sophomores Felix Lopez and Kace Stevens in receiving All-League Honorable Mention recognition. Lopez contributed four goals and two assists, impressing coaches with his understanding of the game and leadership potential. Stevens anchored the defense, consistently shutting down strong attacks, especially during the match against Newport.
Captains Klumph and Scofield passed the leadership role to Logan Andersen, a three-year letterman selected through a formal interview process that mirrors professional job interviews.
Stutzer said the process helps players develop communication and leadership skills, emphasizing that the captaincy is “not a popularity contest, but a responsibility.”
Coaching Beyond Competition
Stutzer, who has been part of the Sweet Home soccer program since 1998 and head coach for the past decade, said his coaching philosophy has evolved from focusing solely on wins and losses to prioritizing player development and personal growth.
He recalled a moment after a game against North Marion when the opposing head coach stopped the Sweet Home bus to commend the team for its sportsmanship and positive attitude.
For Stutzer, that gesture reflected the true goal of the program: building young men who can face adversity, support one another, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Stutzer explained, “It’s not just a job for me, and it’s not just about winning or losing; it’s about making a difference in society and getting students and young men through a program who are going to be meaningful contributors in society and understand what it means to live life well. It’s about developing men who will be successful in life, who understand what it means to work hard, lead, and make a difference.”