After years of prodding by the student body and coaches, Maine West has finally established a soccer team. Under Coach Tom Nystrom, a recent addition to the Physical Education Department, and Coach Ronald Brown, the team practices after school on the fields adjacent to the football stadium.

Many soccer participants are elated over the addition of soccer, even though it hasn't been recognized as a varsity sport. Tom Jackson '71, a thunderbolt center, believes soccer to be "a sport which requires physical conditioning, endurance, and skill." He goes on to say that "I hope soccer continues to grow at Maine West and that the students will come out and support us."

A schedule has been set up placing Maine West against many previously established teams. Such teams as Quigley South and Wheaton Central have been proven to be quite strong. The rivalry between Maine West and Maine South continues as a match has been set up later in the season.

On September 9 the team played at Wheaton Central. The Warriors played a

consistently hard, rough game but came out on the losing end of a 4-1 score. Max Hirsch '72 scored West's only goal after a perfect pass by Tom Jackson.

Dan Hammer '71 was considered the team's most outstanding player. September 12 also resulted in a loss for the team. They bowed to Quigley South 7‑0.

Many of the players pointed out that as a newly established team, they have a lot of hard work ahead of them. Even though they have suffered two losses, the general outlook is for a .500 season. Much is left to be done by the boys as a team, but their spirits are still high. Dan Hammer '71, believes "that if everyone got together and played to the best of their ability, we could become a really tough team to beat."

The season is still young and the team learns more and more about their sport every day. The team needs more depth at almost every position, but they are still experimenting with many of their current players at different positions. The desire is there, so let's hope they can turn the tide and have a successful season.