Challenger April

Mike Wilkerson was a former girls varsity soccer coach five years ago. Three seniors Brittany Leach, Shannon Duke, and Megan Hayden had Wilkerson as their coach in previous soccer seasons. This year, for the very first time, Wilkerson was asked to be the new boys varsity soccer coach.

Brittany Leach explains her good memories with Wilkerson, "I had a lot of fun when Mike was a coach. He was a good instructor and knew the game well. I think that sense he is my uncle, he was a little harder on me!" Leach has many good memories with him as a coach. Wilkerson and the girls started the tradition of the new varsity players having to swim across Panther creek park. They also had the opportunity to see the USA Women's National team play. "Mike is always a blast off the field!" Brittany comments.

During the summer they were to practice two times a day and then once school started, they practiced everyday after school. Wilkerson kept a record of all the practices you missed, and you were to run if you missed. "Mike definately knows the game of soccer very well. He used to coach his son, Brad Wilkerson when he played soccer too." Brittany explained that Mike understands all aspects of the game and said he was able to break down the elements and teach them to his players.

Brittany adds,"I definately think that Mike will be a great addition to the boys soccer program. I look forward to big things for the guys in their upcoming season. I even heard they have gotten an "early" start this year! Good luck this year guys!"

Shannon Duke explained that Wilkerson was a great coach, "but very hard." Duke began to explain that Mike does not like slackers, and that he expects respect from every player.

Showing agressive play and being competitive is what many coaches want to notice. Mike looks for these things in players. Shannon says, "he was a very hard coach, but he helped me become a better soccer player." Mike taught Shannon many things. "I learned to always do my best at practice because I can only get better. Practice means everything."

Wilkerson started the boys season early, they are already getting into shape. Lately, they have been running conditionally.

Shannon thinks that Mike will be a great coach for the boys soccer team. She also thinks will help them to improve thier skills and abilities. "He will get the boys in shape and hopefully teach them more about the game."