Christian Lewis Journal No. 12- The End Of The Road
11/14/2000 7:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Nov. 14, 2000
Christian Lewis Journal #12
I am writing this from a perspective that I wish was different. I wanted to be writing about what a great weekend it was for Maryland Soccer. I wanted to talk about how important it is that we prepare for the NCAA Tournament next weekend. Unfortunately, we didn't leave Wake Forest the way we wanted to.
Our game against Duke was one of the best games I have been a part of in my four year career. It had a little of everything-lots of chances to score, great saves, two great team efforts, overtime -- what else could one ask for at the ACC Tournament. If you could have seen every player's face after the game you could tell we put everything we had into this game. But when all is said and done we once again came out on the losing end. Where as before I could write about how we have to bounce back and regroup for our next game, this probably was the last game. For many of the players this is the end of a season, but for several of us it is the end of our college soccer careers. For those players who will be back next year, I think they should take away as many positives from the season as possible. Our young guys were forced to step up their play and role on this team much earlier than expected. Although they had some growing pains, I can't say enough about how crucial and important their contributions were to this team. Because of this, they will be veterans and leaders on next year's team.
After the game was finished, I really didn't know how to react. At first I was shocked that we lost because we showed every indication that we were going to leave that field with a victory. Next thing I did was cry. I can't remember the last time I cried. But I stood on the field and cried along with my classmates. Our goalkeeper coach John Pascarella came up to me and told me that I wouldn't be crying unless it didn't mean so much. He was definitely right. I always wondered how I would end my career. While this was the not the way I wanted to leave, I can say that I left everything I had in me on that field.
I would like to take the time to thank some people who have meant a lot to me over the past four years. First, my teammates who are one of the best groups of people I have ever known. Throughout this year, we have different people step it up at different times. Each person dedicated countless hours of hard work and determination over the past 3 months. Next, I would like to thank my fellow seniors. We have been through just about everything you could imagine both on and off the field. When it is all said and done, I can consider all of you my friends for life. I also want to thank my coaches-Sasho, Jeff, and John. Each one of them has helped me in so many ways both as a player and a person. I would also like to point out the efforts of our support staff. This includes all of our trainers, media relations, and administrators. They do not often get pointed out for their efforts, but they play some of the most important roles for our team.
A special thanks goes out to my parents and all of the parents. They support us no matter how far away we are our how well our team is doing. I know in many ways our career coming to an end is harder on our parents than it is for us. They have been soccer parents for years. It has been part of their lifestyle. I am sure my parents will still keep coming to games. Just because I am not playing won't keep them away. They love the game and the players too much and that is what makes them such great people. About 30 of the players and parents went out for a final dinner after the game. It was truly a memorable evening and a great way to end things.
I guess now I look ahead to the future. I have one more semester of classes left before I graduate. I am starting to interview with some companies. I don't think my body is going to hold up for me to keep playing but you never know. I am sad to end my soccer career, but when I look back on things I don't think I would have done it any other way.
