Golden season for GlenOak boys soccer team: Dockus and company deliver district championship
CANTON, Ohio — By the end of this year’s soccer season, the GlenOak Boys Soccer Team had kicked their way into history, reaching the program’s highest achievements since 2008. With an impressive 13-5-3 varsity record, Head Coach Noah Dockus and his dedicated coaching team—Nate Rininger, Tyler McCllelan, Nick Deering, John Mueller, and Zach Shea—guided GlenOak’s Varsity, JVA, and JVB squads to remarkable records. From tight matches to memorable wins, each team proved themselves on and off the field, making this season one for the books.
“Our program as a whole had a terrific season,” Coach Dockus said. “All three of our teams competed at a high level and saw success both on and off the field. Our JVB team went undefeated with a record of 9-0-3, our JVA finished at 11-2-3, and our Varsity team brought home our first District Championship since 2008.” That success was especially sweet for Dockus and his squad, as the program had not seen such heights in over a decade.
The highlight of the Varsity team’s run was a thrilling playoff journey that included a 2-1 victory over Strongsville in the Sectional Final, a gritty 1-0 District Semi-Final win over Medina, and an unforgettable overtime battle against Brunswick that ended in a 1-0 victory. This year, GlenOak even defeated Brunswick twice—an impressive feat, marking the first time the Eagles bested them in the regular season and playoffs. Although their season ended in a narrow 0-1 Regional Semi-Final loss to Jackson, the team had already shattered expectations.
“Our goals were to earn 10 or more wins and reach the District Final,” Dockus explained. “By winning the District Championship, we not only met those goals but also pushed beyond what many thought possible.” This year’s team saw contributions from all four grade levels, including two freshmen who were regular starters. Veterans like Senior Captains Drew Haymaker and Nick Walls, along with Junior Captain Nico Codispoti, provided the backbone of leadership through their work ethic, helping make this season unforgettable. Their dedication to improvement and commitment to pushing teammates to excel helped drive the squad’s success.
There may not have been any major comeback stories this season, but GlenOak’s players proved they could handle the pressure. Two game-winning goals came in the final moments of critical games: Freshman Ethan Gupta clinched a 1-0 victory against Lake, and Senior Anthony Kelly fired in the winning goal with just 52 seconds left against Medina in the District Semi-Final. These clutch plays highlighted the team’s ability to keep their cool when the stakes were high.
Of course, the team knows how to celebrate their victories. After each win, players gather for a team chant that spells out “GlenOak,” a tradition that’s become as much a part of their identity as their game jerseys. It’s a powerful show of unity, and for the boys, it’s the perfect cap to every hard-fought victory.
The GlenOak Boys Soccer Team now stands proudly among the program’s greats. With young talent, seasoned leaders, and coaches who know how to bring out the best in every player, this season was a golden one indeed. Looking ahead, Coach Dockus and his players are ready to build on their historic achievements, aiming even higher as they prepare for next year.
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