Boulder High’s Boys soccer team operates by the slogan “La familia” or the family, and they take that saying very seriously. The team found success in the first round of the Colorado 5a boys soccer playoffs and had success in the regular season as well. Many of their accomplishments this year and through the years can be credited to the attitude the boys have towards each other as well as the overall atmosphere at games and practices. James Quesenberry, 26’ says “The team is incredible and everyone loves each other so the environment is great and everyone is always having fun.” James is number 16 on the Boulder High Boys soccer team.
On October 25th, playing under the lights at Recht Field the Panthers secured their win in the first round of the boy’s soccer playoffs, beating Grandview 4-0. Boulder High went into the tournament being ranked 15 and Grandview was ranked 18. Beating Grandview has added another win to the boy’s win streak which is now at 4 games in a row! James says “I think my favorite moment was beating the last team we did [Grandview] in the playoffs and dominating them.”
Boulder High finished the regular season with an 8-4-3 record putting them in a comfortable place going into the state tournament. Boulder’s successful season can be credited to the boy’s work ethic as well as attitudes towards soccer. The boy’s soccer team works hard at practice in order to be as prepared as possible for their games, James says “Everyone always gets after it at practice and works hard.” In terms of their attitude towards the game of soccer, the team keeps it positive and their main goal is being a strong community and embodying the values of “La Familia”. James went on to say that “the best part of being on the team is just going through the journey with the team, struggling and succeeding and working hard to work through it.”
The boy’s soccer community is strong and that is apparent to classmates of the players. They are often seen together off the field as well. The team focuses on building community off the field in order to succeed on the field. The practice of building community has been extremely beneficial to the team over the years, leading them to state championships in 2012 and 2016 as well as leading them to the finals and semi-finals many times.
Sadly, on a cold Halloween night, the Boulder High boys soccer season came to an end after a tough game. They lost 2-1 to a strong Ralston Valley team. Ralston Valley went into the tournament ranked 2 and had not lost a single game all season. Win or lose, this team sticks together and supports each other through it all.
