Highlands celebrates boys varsity senior soccer players

Highlands boys varsity soccer team recognized its senior athletes after a tough loss to Murphy at home ending with a final of 5-2 on March 8.

Highlands is saying goodbye to seniors Gig Chalker, Ethan Tate, and Lane Tingen.

“These three seniors have been a cornerstone of our team this year,” said highlands Coach Caleb brown. “From working hard on the field to motivating their fellow players they have been instrumental in our success this season. The loss of these three seniors is certainly going to be a blow for next year, but we will come into the next season ready and prepared to take on whatever challenges arise.”

Highlands senior boys varsity soccer players from left are Gig Chalker, Ethan Tate, and Lane Tingen.

The Highlanders ended the season with a 4-4 record and Brown said he thinks Highlands did exceptionally well.

“We were a young team, but that gives us a great deal of room for growth as we move forward next season,” said Brown.

Highlands Coach Caleb Brown in the foreground says a few about each senior on Senior Night.

Brown added that he’s looking forward to next season.

“Next year will certainly be a challenge but we will have two rising seniors and a squad of young guys who are eager to play,” he said. “I am excited to see what the next season brings.”

Seniors

Gig Chalker

Highlands Gig Chalker makes his way down the field against Murphy on Senior Night at home.

Future plans: Attend Western Carolina University

Like to thank: Coaches, family, and friends

Highlands Senior Gig Chalker

Favorite moments: Playing my senior year with only 13 players.

Advice for younger players: Work hard and be proud of what you do.

Gig Chalker presents his mother with flowers and gives her a hug on Senior Night.

Ethan Tate

Highlands Ethan Tate send the ball downfield against Murphy on Senior Night.

Future plans: Attend high Point University as a Presidential Scholar to study Computer Science

Like to thank: Everyone in the Highlands Community for supporting me in my lifetime soccer adventure.

Highlands Senior Ethan Tate

Favorite moments: One of the Swain games my Junio year. The first one where I saved 4 out of 5 pk’s in a shootout to win the game or the 2ns one where Colin tried to assassinate me. (They collided and Ethan was out injured.)

Advice for younger players: Practice hard and never give up.

Ethan Tate presents his mother with flowers and gives her a hug on Senior Night.

Lane Tingen

Highlands Lane Tingen stops and controls the ball against Swain. Behind him is one of the banners made for Senior Night, which took place 2 days later.

Future plans: Attend a 4-year university and get a degree in Civil Engineering.

Like to thank: My Coaches, family, and friends.

Highlands Senior Lane Tingen

Favorite moments: Getting the opportunity to play with my brothers and lifelong friends.

Advice for younger players: Remember that you’re playing with your brothers.

Lane Tingen presents his mother with flowers and gives her a hug on Senior Night.

Highlands forms a wall against Swain during a penalty kick at home on March 6.

Highlands Nathan Keener goes for a slide tackle against Murphy on March 8.

Highlands Lawson Shuler heads the ball against Murphy.

Highlands Brent Sleight keeps the pressure on a Murphy player at home on Senior Night.

Highlands Jefferey Olvera makes his way to the goal against Murphy.

Highlands Inman Ahren sends the ball downfield against Murphy at home.

Highlands JJ Postell chases down a tipped pass against Murphy.

Highlands James Earp throws the ball in against Murphy on Senior Night.

Highlands Win Dyleski keeps the pressure on Murphy on Senior Night.

From left are Highlands seniors from left Ethan Tate, Gig Chalker, and Lane Tingen on Senior Night.

Banners made for Highlands senior soccer players.

Poster made in honor of Highlands boys and girls senior soccer players.

Article and photos by Brian O’Shea
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