Lady Raiders Soccer Team honored
Run to the State Championships unparalleled

   The annual Girls Soccer banquet, of late, has been a celebration of the great success that has been enjoyed by the program. This year, the banquet took on an even greater significance, as the 2007 squad has raised the program’s bar of excellence to a new level. Coach Chad Schalk spoke glowingly about what this past year has brought to Cal-Mum soccer program. After two years of near misses, if you want to call Sectional Championships near misses, the Lady Raider finally broke through and rode the wave of success all the way to the State Class "C" Championship game. The Lady Raiders’ effort in the game was remarkably and though they did not return home winners, it was obvious that the best team on the field, that day, was the Cal-Mum Lady Raiders! This feat has served notice that the girls’ soccer program at Cal-Mum now enjoys status among the elite in Section V. The Raiders’ name will be mentioned as, "One of those programs" when the best of the best are being discussed. Though the Lady Raider now bask in the glow of a great season, in the near future, the bulls-eye will be on their back. Coach Schalk issued this challenge to the returning team members, "You must work even harder, because everyone you play, will be looking to beat the State Finalist."

   Modified Soccer Coach Christi Williams started off the evening’s ceremonies with the introduction of her team. The Modified Lady Raiders enjoyed much success with a 10-1-2 record. The following awards were issued by Ms. Williams: the 7th Grade Future Lady Raider Award was given to Rachael Mooney and the 8th Grade Future Lady Raider Award went to Kaitlyn Cappotelli.

   Lisa Wasson was next up at the podium as she introduced this years Lady Raider JV squad. Coach Wasson introduced her team individually, taking time to say positive/sometime humorous things about each of her players. Ms. Wasson also expressed thanks to all the parents and fans of her team, it made the season so much more enjoyable for everyone. The award winners for the JV squad include: Most Improved Player – Christine Mooney, Coaches Award – Rachel Casaceli, Offensive Player of the Year – Dana Sass, Defensive Player of the Year - Geena Gratton and Lady Raider – Kelly Jo Stein.

   Coach Chad Schalk was the final speaker and he brought up his 2007 Varsity Lady Raiders Soccer Team up onto the stage at the Middle School Auditorium. Coach Schalk talked to his team and the audience about the mix of emotions that this team had taken him through, over the 2007 season. Starting out with frustration over lack of team play, which culminated in an early season loss to their chief rival, York. He took time following the game to speak to the team as a unit and also in separate groups, the upperclass members, then the underclass members. The team slowly began to make progress, moving forward from this low point. The team began to come together, just in time for the Sectionals. The run had just begun. Capturing their third consecutive Class crown would leave Coach Schalk with a fulfilled feeling. Following the Sectional Championship came an emotionally charged overtime victory against York, in the sectional qualifier. This victory elicited a truly satisfied feeling for the coach. Then came the unexpected blow out of Maple Grove team in the Western Regional, which Coach Schalk could only describe as dominate! The Maple Grove victory opened the door for the Lady Raider to participate in the New York State Championships, in Cortland. The Friday semi-final game was to be against the State’s #1 ranked team, Hoosick Falls at Tompkins-Cortland Community College. The game was held in what only could be described as ridiculous weather, snow and 20 degree temperatures. The Raiders were the lowest seed and were not expected to win. The game was a back and forth affair and was a tie at two apiece, at the end of regulation. The game went through two overtimes and ultimately the game came down to penalty kicks, Cal-Mum 4, Hoosick Falls 1. The Lady Raider victory matched them against SS Seward in the finals. The Raiders had the better scoring opportunities in the game but regulation ended in a 0-0 stalemate. SS Seward would slip a goal in early in the first overtime and the Raider could not get the equalizer. The greatest season in Cal-Mum soccer history was over. State Runner-up would have to do.

   Just think for a minute, if anyone were to tell Coach Chad Schalk this past August that his 2007 team would be playing in the final game of the soccer season, he might have told them that they were crazy. After all, the Lady Raiders had lost a ton of talent to graduation from the 2006 squad. Gone was the school’s all time scoring leader, Erica Conte, gone was 5-year starter, Sarah Backus, gone was the force in the middle, Emily Oltmann. Gone were all the seniors who had brought home the Section V Class "CCC" trophy for the previous two years. Though the cupboard was far from bare, Coach Schalk had to find a way to fill in the gaps and develop the winning chemistry in order to contend for a 3rd consecutive Sectional Title. All season long the team showed flashes of greatness followed by mysterious lapses of cohesiveness. Give Coach Schalk credit, he stayed at it, working with the team to find the right formula and when he found it, oh what results!

   Many of the 2007 Lady Raiders seniors have spent years waiting for their turn, to take leadership roles. Stepanie Aurand, Sarah Rath, Jessica Jones, Ava Oberer, Ashley White, Liz Elliot and Jordan Pringle have literally grown up together, playing on the same soccer teams throughout those many years. Dr. Phil would have been so proud of what you have accomplished this season. Their dedication to the sport of soccer paid off with dividends, as this was the core of seniors who forged the championship run and along with fellow classmates, Rhyan Schicker, Sara Spezzano, Jen Baker, Stephanie Bleir and Suzie Gies they made it an incredible ride.

   2007 Award winners include: Most Improved – Sara Spezzano, Coaches Award – Kelly Cornwell, Co-Offensive Player of the Year – Ashley White & Jordan Pringle, Defensive player of the Year – Jessica Jones and Lady Raider – Ava Oberer

   Congratulation to all the seniors, when it came time, for your time in the sun, how bright that sun did shine! Once a Lady Raider …Always a Lady Raider …Go Raiders!

For viewing pictures of the State Championship finals:

Lady Raiders 3-0 on the week

   Last week the Cal-Mum Girls Soccer team went 3-0. On Monday the girls opened up the season at home vs. Letchworth. Jane Schweichler had the only goal of the game with an assist from Kristen Hume.

   On Wednesday the girls traveled to Mt. Morris and won 4-0. Jane Schweichler recorded 2 goals for Cal-Mum with both assists coming from Kristen Hume. Jordan Pringle also got a goal with an assist from Ashley White. The two then reversed roles for the last goal, with Ashley White scoring with an assist from Jordan Pringle.

   And of Friday the girls traveled to Pavilion and won a hard fought game.  Ashley White scored the only goal of the game with an assist from Sarah Rath, as Cal-Mum beat Pavilion 1-0.

   The Raiders now stand at 4-1 overall for the season and 2-0 in league play.