Dear Barbarians:
It is always seemingly easy to begin something with great enthusiasm, grand hopes, and even bigger ideas, and even easier to be consumed by the like especially when you lose the vision that first inspired your undertaking. Throughout the course of moving forward you learn of obstacles either physical or self imposed that keep you occupied while the task at hand slips slowly away, and what may seem in the blinking of an eye no matter the time that has transpired it has slipped away. You may become discouraged by, or even vexed with, the mundane and not recognize that even in shambles there is something with which to work. If you see them as building blocks rather than shambles what may emerge is something totally different than what you had hoped but in the end you may have something far greater than you could ever have imagined and without a doubt all matter evolves. Will you?
Over the time that I have been involved with the Barbarians I have always attempted to put forth opportunities for our members. My effort is to always remain positive to which I can elaborate but suffice it to say that the more times you open the door to opportunity the more able you are to recognize it before it knocks. Where others only see what is wrong and walk away, we remain and try to rectify not to the code that those who would leave but rather to our standard the one by which many of you found your way here. Attrition is a natural phenomenon of being and of course in our last discourse we discovered that the best part of being is being human. We accept you for who you are and hope that you do the same in kind. However, I have said on more than one occasion we will move forward respectfully, with or without you.
This year brought several back into our fold that were major players in our being who we are. I was happy to have Faras Sayles return to our ranks as part of our coaching staff. In case you are not aware of our history we would not be here today but for a series of events and one you should be made aware of is that he is an original member of the Barbarians and precedes me! In terms of current players though and in keeping with our annual acknowledgements we recognize the following:
Comeback Player of the Year: Carly Seneca
Barbarian of the Year: Coach James ”Jay” Swonick
Most Dedicated Player: Nikki Grzebyk
Newcomer of the Year: Abbey Tarosky
Best All Around: Taylor Crupie
Most Improved Player: Gianna Griffin
Most Valuable Player: Lexie Kolano
Offensive Player of the Year: Krystyna Rytel
Defensive Player of the Year: Kiley Dugan
Most Skilled Player: Steven Sieber
Extra Effort Award: Jeremy Marshall
Coaches Award: Krystyna Rytel
Smooth Operator: Aedan Marty
Best Team: U12G
Futsaler of the Year: Nicholas Branthoover
While we may have operated in a precarious position by entering the fewest number of teams into competition during the 2012-2013 season since our expansion, we appreciate the efforts and acknowledge those players who remained dedicated to their development and this club. Even though they were unable to play with some they had played with and found success on the highest level futsal has to offer in our region they remained; despite their entire team having walked away before attaining that pinnacle that must now elude all, perhaps. Many of you were adversely affected in this manner but there are three players in particular for whom we would like to express our gratitude.
The Barbarian FC graciously acknowledges, Kirstie Branthoover, Kaitlyn Kolano, and Brianna Guy for choosing to stay in hopes that their choice is well founded and that they can achieve the highest level of play possible, at all times. In closing we would also like to acknowledge the graduating seniors in attaining their diplomas. We wish them every success that waits. We will hopefully have more to say about them collectively as well as individually.
The Class of 2013; Lucas Johnson, Xaver Kandler, Aedan Marty, Jordan Potter, Shane Rings, Carly Seneca, Steven Sieber, and Dion Thomas. Thank you for being who you are!
As usual, I will see you on the pitch!
dws