European vacation pays huge dividends
Trip to England, France leads to impressive start for Hudson Catholic soccer team
The idea was bantered about for a while, before John Cruitt decided to give it a try. The veteran Hudson Catholic soccer coach thought it would be a great idea to take his team on a trip to Europe, to see the sights and play a little soccer against similarly competitive soccer teams while there.
Even though the team had an average 10-8-1 record a year ago, Cruitt didn’t fear facing the unknown European competition.
"Virtually everyone I talked to said the same thing," Cruitt said. "They said, ‘Do you realize what you’re getting into?’ But I thought it was an experience that we could only grow from. I didn’t see any negatives to it. It was a chance to learn as much as possible and play a few games. I thought it was a good idea."
So Cruitt decided to map out the team’s European vacation, only without Chevy Chase and the Griswalds. He contacted high school-age teams in both England and France and booked games. He also decided to make sure the players got to enjoy themselves while there, so he made tourist arrangements as well.
It was going to take a little work to raise the money, so the Hawks put together an advertisement book and held a car wash. They conducted a raffle and sold T-shirts. They sponsored a youth soccer tournament, all with the European trip in mind. All told, the Hawks raised $6,000 in order to pay for the trip.
"They really worked hard to raise the money," Cruitt said.
So when school let out for the summer in June, the Hawks soon after set off on their voyage across the Atlantic.
Little did they know that long after they set foot again on American soil that the journey would still be paying dividends.
That’s because the Hawks didn’t lose a game in Europe – and have yet to lose a game since.
While in England and France, the Hawks surprisingly won three games and played one to a tie. And since the 2000 high school season has begun, the Hawks have won their first 10 games, proving that the positive experience overseas can have positive results at home as well.
"I was only hoping to be successful in Europe," Cruitt said. "I wasn’t focused on wins and losses. No one gave us much of a chance to win over there, but we didn’t lose. It’s one of those rare times in life when everything went exactly as planned. Everyone had a wonderful experience and it started us off with a positive outlook on the season."
Added Cruitt, "We played well against the European teams and I think that gave us a psychological edge coming into the season. It gave the team a sense of confidence that if they could compete over there, then they could certainly compete here. And since we’ve done so well thus far, it really has made the experience that much sweeter. The more confidence they had, the better they played. I know we really grew together as a team."
The Hawks have been brilliant thus far, winning their first 10 games and earning their spot among the Top 20 teams in New Jersey. They begin this week as the No. 18-ranked team in the state.
Leading the way for the Hawks has been junior Victor Kotynski, who has scored eight goals and collected five assists to lead the team.
"Victor is one of the players who finally got the strength needed to come through," Cruitt said. "I knew from the beginning that he was a skilled player and had good game sense, but physically, the game was very difficult for him. But he’s grown up quickly and he’s been very resilient this year. Like the team, Victor’s been a pleasant surprise."
Senior John Goncalves was expected to perform after earning All-State Parochial honors last year. The versatile Goncalves has three goals and one assist and has been playing both midfield and forward for the Hawks.
Senior right fullback Marcos Sarno also has been playing solid soccer for the Hawks. Perhaps one of the big keys to the Hawks’ success has been the play of junior sweeper Erik Dolaghan.
"He’s more mature now and making better decisions," Cruitt said of Dolaghan. "And he loves his position. He’s doing very well."
Junior midfielder Helder Ferriera has been the Hawks’ primary mainstay in the midfield. Ferriera began his career with the Hawks as a sweeper, but has now been moved to control the action in the midfield.
"He’s moving on up," Cruitt said.
Almost like "The Jeffersons."
Junior Eric Nobre played the first six games of the season in goal for the Hawks, even though it wasn’t his primary position. But he played the net well and has since moved to defender, allowing sophomore Bruce Neves to become the keeper.
The move came in the nick of time, because it was Nobre who scored the lone goal in Hudson Catholic’s huge 1-0 victory over rival St. Peter’s Prep last Friday.
Junior forward Eric Strang has also been a fine performer, scoring three goals thus far.
Although the success in Europe gave Cruitt a good idea that he was headed for a solid season, starting off the season 10-0 is a bit of a shock.
"After 25 years of coaching, you realize that expectations mean nothing," Cruitt said. "I looked upon this year and said, ‘Let’s see.’ That was the simple approach I had. I’ve had similar teams in the past who didn’t show me anything. You just never know. But to be honest, I have to say I’m surprised that we’ve done this well."
Although Cruitt doesn’t want to jinx anything by looking too far into the future, he realizes that this team has the makings of a possible championship run.
"It’s always possible," Cruitt said. "But I never look that far ahead."
The Hawks will also travel to the nation’s capital to play a game this weekend. Maybe the trip to Washington will be as successful as the European vacation – which is something that Cruitt will definitely consider again in the future.
"I would say without a doubt," Cruitt said. "We’re not going to be able to do it every year, but maybe every other year. Everything worked out just so well."
Sure it has. Just look at his team’s record. That 10-0 mark says it all.