The Kennedy soccer team was on a mission this year. The drive and determination of the team as a whole led them all the way to State where they placed third. This exceptional group of young men was honored on Tuesday, May 11 with the presentation of their team banner. Below are the remarks of the Varsity Soccer Head Coach, Mr. Tom Rapp: 
"We were ranked 5th in the state in the pre-season coaches poll on the strength of last season's record. We moved up to 4th for the next 2 polls and finished the regular season ranked #1 in the state – a first for Kennedy. The final season poll had us ranked 3rd.
It was an incredible season. Post season they were on a self described Mission.
Ryan "Schwepps" Schweppe – Mr Consistent
Trent Husak - what a game against Trinity
Konner "K – squared" Kloster –what a tremendous job at a new position.
Post Dispatch "Player of the Week" Blake Ficken who had an incredible post season.
Danny Madison probably the team's best all around player Tony "big game" Luedecke Danny "17 goals" McCune WOW what a sophomore year! Jorge "excuse me" Ramos – terrific player on the ball. Were all named to the Missouri All Southeast Region Team.
Tony Luedecke was named Offensive Player of the Year as well as Offensive Player of theYear for the region. Tony shattered a school record for most goals with 27!
Ryan Schweppe was named Goalkeeper of the Year and had a hand in 14 shutouts!
In addition to Ryan and Tony, Danny Madison was named to the All-State First Team.
Blake Ficken was named to the Second Team and Trent Husak was Honorable mention.
While these players received justifiable recognition, it was obviously a Team effort, led by our All –Conference player, emotional leader and Captain John Belgeri.
John "does everything with excellence" Gaal - great two way player!
Roger "I don't need a haircut" Holmes
Adam " A – squared" Antor Spencer "hand ball" Weber Jeff "Griggsy" Griggs
Andrew "fast guy" Thorn
Nick "yes sir" Purcell
Ben "B A" Nord
Charlie "cross-country" Tamborski
Dan "No-Knees" Klevorn
Nick 'theMaytag repairman" Luedecke
Honorable mention to Leo Rodriquies-Vasconcelli! It killed him to not be able to play.
I Want to thank everyone who helped in any way make the season fun and successful.
The administration, Mrs. Bolesta, Mrs. McMullen-Hellwig, and Mrs. Hey for their support.
Mr. Koettker for all his many, many first rate efforts on our behalf, - especially agreeing to host districts and taking on a lot more work that many Athletic Directors simply refuse, because it's not required of them.
Mr. Chio for his colorful announcing and mastery of all the different ethnic pronunciations.
Mr. McCauley and Mr. White for working the gate.
Our trainers Mike and Joel.
Margaret Grasser for keeping Stats.
The Cheerleaders.
The Dance Team.
Everyone who worked the concessions especially Mrs. Scarfino.
Mr. Busken and Mr. Salamone for taking care of the field. Parents for rearranging their families' lives to support their sons.
I'd like to especially thank Steve Grasser for all the many things he does that make my life so much simpler as a coach.
The lads, who allowed themselves to "Dream Bigger" and "Work Harder" to accomplish nearly all their goals. They had fun doing it also. Not everyone enjoys the process that leads to success. They were all a real joy to coach. They really are all nice young men. And that will outlast their soccer careers!!!Lastly, I'd like to thank my wife Monica for all she puts up with so that I may pursue my passion of teaching the beautiful game of soccer.
Chio's right: All the time ….God is GOOD! May our good God continue to shower us with His many blessings and may we continue to cooperate with all the good things he has begun in our lives!"
Congratulations Soccer Celts. It was a season to remember!!!
