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History of Holy Cross Tiger Soccer
A Perspective
by Allan Shuford, 2001
As I begin this historical perspective, allow me to state that this is done with
some thoughts in mind. My first objective is to bring attention to a program
that is not and appears not to have ever been, highlighted at Holy Cross. I
might add that there has been a recent up swing of attention shown toward the
program. My hope is that this perspective will in some small way, bring
attention and remedy some of that. Secondly I wish to dispel some myths
concerning soccer at a school my family has come to love and be a part of.
Needless to say this is a result of both my sons being interested in the sport
of soccer.
My hope is that this can be used to gather support and interest in soccer and in
particular the Holy Cross community. I am more than aware that there is an
abundance of talent presently at the school and only needs to be nurtured into
something that could bring honor, pride and positive recognition to a school
rich in these already. It appears that the foundation and tradition of Holy
Cross Tiger soccer has strong roots.
For the record, the Holy Cross Tiger Soccer team has won the state title once,
finished as the runner-up twice, and was third one time. I was able to identify
289 letterman, of which 54 were 2-year letterman, 26 were three year letterman
and 13 lettered all 4 years of their high school career. There has been 27
all-District award winners, of which that includes two players named 3 times and
four double awardees. Also, there has been 1 All-Metro and 1 All-State player to
grace the soccer field for the Tigers.
I must thank Brother Stephen Walsh, Grayson Harris, Susie McLaughlin, Darlene
Sixkiller, Terry McGaha, Richard Neider, Brian Kitchen and Ray Charboneau for
allowing me access to any information that might have existed. This would
not be possible without them.
Most of the current information in this perspective is from the yearbooks.
The accuracy of them is where I have relied most upon. Any omissions and
incorrect information is unintended. Here is what I leaned:
The soccer program began as a sport played without much recognition to a source
pride and some fame in the 1960s. Then the program all but disappears and
returns some 10 years later in the mid-1980s. The sport is still trying to
recover from that disappearance but finally appears to be gaining some momentum.
Most recently it was noted that opponents may not fear us but they have a new
found respect for Holy Cross soccer.
The earliest documentation of a soccer program is from the Chalmette. This
is a publication that was published for Holy Cross and is the predecessor to
what we know as the yearbook. In the 1926 edition, under Athletics, there is a
picture of 12 young men and what appears to be a brother. Although there is
extensive write ups concerning individual games for football, basketball, track
and baseball, all
that is noted of the soccer team is the picture. There is no names, no mention
of the efforts, nothing save the photograph.
Starting with the 1960s, I will address each year individually.
1963 - In the 1967 yearbook, it was mentioned that this year (1963) was the
inception of soccer at Holy Cross. That was obviously unfounded based on the
photo of the 1926 team. There was no mention in the 1963 yearbook about the
team. It is assumed that the 1963 team fielded a team but who and where they
played is still a mystery. The 1964 team took credit for competing in the New
Orleans area.
1964 - It was reported that this was the first year that Holy Cross fielded a
team that competed in the New Orleans area and were known as the Latin Tigers of
Holy Cross. The team finished third in the city and were the only Catholic team
playing in the league. No other New Orleans Catholic high school had a soccer
team at this time. There was not mention of a coach but rather Moderators. They
were Brother Mary Joseph who led the team in the first semester and Brother
Alfred who took over for the spring term. The team played 22 games although
there is not a season record. All of the players were residents (boarders), and
were from South America, Central America or Cuba. Special mention was awarded to
Captains Marco Calderon and William Lind for leadership. The only senior was
leading scorer, Vincente Maroquin and the top defender was identified as, Fouad
Canahuati and goalkeeper Arnald Palma.
1965 - There was nothing found in the archives. The yearbook was not located in
the archives nor the alumni office. It is assumed that the flood of that year
had something to do with this but that is purely speculation.
1966 - Again, there was nothing written in the yearbook regarding the efforts
and results of the Holy Cross Soccer Tigers. There was, however, a team picture
with the players being identified and the words, "team gives good showing in
tough league", along with two photos.
1967 - The team of 1967 played only 6 games. They were unbeaten and won 5 of
these games, tying one. The quote from the yearbook that supports soccer
starting at Holy Cross in 1963 was, "... this year had its first undefeated
season since its birth five years ago." The team scored 30 goals and gave up
only 7. It also marked the first year that the team had players not of Hispanic
origins.
1968 - The 1968 Tiger Soccer team was identified as the only interscholastic
team in the local area. Most of their games were played against university or
post-university teams. However, the team did play and win the state title. To my
knowledge, there is no placard or board signifying this accomplishment hanging
in the gym. The only board hanging in the gym that recognizes the soccer program
success is the 1973 City Champions. Regardless, the team traveled to St.
Louis and challenged St. Phillip Neri for the Midwest Junior Cup semifinals,
losing 7 - 0. Miquel Giacaman became the first player to have played on three
varsity soccer teams while at Holy Cross. The team was moderated by Brother
Walter Griffin and Brother Vincent Hoffert. Goalie Miquel Giacoman was
recognized for his efforts from that game in the St. Louis newspaper.
1969 - Holy Cross joined the Interscholastic Junior Soccer League. It was noted
there were only 3 seniors on the team that finished 2nd in a league of 8 teams
divided into 2 divisions. This was the only soccer league for high schools at
this time. The first reference to a coach, versus moderator, was mentioned in
the team photo and he was Brother Phillip Babineaux.
The 1960s laid a strong foundation for soccer at Holy Cross. However, Holy Cross
was an example of the attitudes in the United States and soccer was not to
followed nor supported far into the 1970s. However, it is obvious that those
opinions and support are changing and for the better. Unfortunately, this
was the highlight period of Holy Cross soccer in terms of team accomplishments.
1970 - Playing ten games in the regular season and finishing that campaign with
an 8 - 2 - 0 record, this team finished third in state. There is no mention of
their record in the post-season but the two semi-finalists were Olympia and
Fortier. These two teams are identified as the only ones to defeat the Tigers in
1970. This team was coached by Brother Ralph Sloan in the fall semester and
Brother Richard Velasek during the spring. Team captains were Carlos Wong and
Sam McTyre.
1971 - Another successful season as the Tigers finished as the state runner-up.
The team had a regular season record of 6 - 2 - 1. They played in the Greater
New Orleans Interscholastic Soccer Football League. Teams in the league included
a team that is still a participant in what is known today as the "Catholic
League." That team was Archbishop Rummel. Other teams in the league
were: Country Day, St. Martin, Holy Redeemer of Lacombe, East Jefferson, St.
Paul of Covington, Fortier and the eventual state champion, Redemptorist.
Redemptorist defeated the Tigers 4-1, which was the identical score during the
regular season. These were the only two loses of the season for Holy Cross. The
team was led by Brother Louis Coe.
1972 - This team was unique in that the Tigers had a student coach. He was Mario
Narranjo who had lettered the two previous years and he was not a player on this
years squad. The team finished 4 - 3 - 2 in the same league as the previous
year. The moderator was once again Brother Louis Coe and the team captain was
Jose Sagel.
1973 - Holy Cross returned to the top of the league, winning the New Orleans
Interscholastic Soccer League. There is no mention of there being any state
playoff competition. It was noted that the team finished 8 - 0 - 3,
including a 3 - 0 victory over Archbishop Shaw. Once again, Rummel was a member
of
the league and for the second year of the last three, they (Rummel) lost
to the Fighting Tigers. The previous year had resulted in a tie.
Unfortunately, this year also marked the beginning of an absence of the sport at
Holy Cross. There was no mention of a coach for this year. This team is
recognized by the only placard in the gym referring to soccer. Identified as the
high scorer and all-star team member was Raul Ramirez.
1974 to 1984 - The school was not represented on the soccer field during this
time period. There is no indication of the reason for the absence.
1985 - Soccer is reborn at Holy Cross with predictable results. After a 10 year
absence, the Tigers return under Coach Mike Traina and go winless.
However, it is a start for a once rich, proud program and a building block for
the future. Team captains were Louis Cheramie, Ron Guilott, Steve Sturges and
William Broussard. The future looked bright as the junior varsity advanced to
the "state JV Championship." Losing to arch rival Jesuit. This is
the first reference to Jesuit in the yearbooks as it concerns the soccer team.
1986 - Once again there was little mention of the team in the yearbook.
What was noted was that the coach was Mike Traina, back for a second year. The
team record improved by one game to 1 - 8 - 1. The only other items mentioned
were captions under the pictures of Jay Stiller and Robert Leaber and the fact
that the JV went 7 -4 - 0.
1987 - Things began to look up in 1987. The Tigers finished third in district.
What was most notable was the fact that new coach, Georges Lesperance, held a
summer mini-camp for the players to have longer to work in building team unity.
This strategy worked as the Tigers went 11 - 4 - 2 overall and 8 - 4 - 0 in
district. Of note, there was mention of Rummel and Shaw in the district.
Also of note was the start of awarding individual performances on a regular
basis. There is also mention, for the first time, of a Tiger player gaining
post-season awards. Team captains were Larry Hand and Scott Foster.
Individual award winners were Larry Hand (MVP), Scott Foster (All-Metro), Pat
Hymel (Most Improved)
1988 - Continued success was realized in the second year under Coach George
Lesperance. This years team closed with a 7 - 6 - 3 overall led by the efforts
of 9 returning lettermen. However, the team was hampered by student
ineligibility for academic reasons. There is no mention of how the Tigers
fared in district play.
1989 - A new coach was at the helm in Sean Conway. The team record is not
mentioned but all home games were played at University of New Orleans and
practice was at Carolyn Park. The team played in District 11-AAAA and the year
was termed “a building year� as mid-season injuries took their toll on the
overall record. Individual honors were bestowed on Sean Guillory (MVP) and Chris
Haydu (Most Improved).
1990 - Once again there is no mention of how the team fared, record wise. The
coach was Ron Watson and the team had injuries to key players and hence they
were forced to rebuild. Coach Watson was to build a strong program over the
course of the coming years. This also marked the first year that the "Spirit of
the Tiger Award" was presented and it went to Corey Ledet. The 1990
captains were Carlos Flores, Sean Guillory, and Sean Ocmond. Sean Ocmond was the
MVP and Anthony Mejia was "Most Improved". There was no team picture in
the yearbook. However, there was two pages of action photos and recognition of
lettermen and awardees. Team members were: Sean Guillory, Sean Ocmond, Graham
Hemelt, Kyle McHugh, Chad Donaldson, Scott Morrison, Carlos Flores, Chris Haydu,
Mac Danos, Chris Conlon, Anthony Mejia, Corey Ledet, Michael Byrd, Beau Fourmet,
Scott Thomas, Matthew Jurik, Wade Verges and Jerry Jacob.
1991 - Coach Ron Watson continued the building process and produced a 6 -11 - 4
record. The Tigers were regaining some of the lost prestige that the late 1960s
and early 1970s had brought. The team consisted of many young players (10
underclass starters) and the rebuilding process was well underway. The team
captain was Carlos Flores and individual award winners were: Carlos Flores
(MVP), Dustin LeMaster ("Spirit of the Tiger") and Matthew Jurik (Most
Improved).
1992 - Although not identified who was in the district prior to this year, the
1991-92 season brought about re-districting. In the district was Holy Cross,
Andrew Jackson, Nichols, Ben Franklin, Abramson and mentioned for the first
time, Brother Martin. Coach Ron Watson led the team to a third place
finish. Team captains were Beau Fourmet and Scott Morrison. Individual awardees
were: Beau Fourmet (“Spirit of the Tiger�, All-District), Jerry Jacob (MVP,
All-District), Tyson Schmidt (Most Improved, All-District), Scott Morrison
(All-District), and Billy Hoffman (All-District). There was not a team picture
in the yearbook, however, there is a photo of the team ringing the school's bell
after a victory. This was an activity that I had previously thought to be
reserved for football victories only!
1993 - The most notable item in the yearbook concerning the soccer program was
that the team participated in a preseason tournament that was to be the roots
for what is known today as the "Catholic League". Also, the
headlines read, "Best Record In Twenty Years" Of particular note was
this is the
first time arch rival Jesuit is mentioned on the varsity level. In the regular
season, the Tigers were still in the same district as the previous season and
qualified for the state playoffs. Coached by Ron Watson, the team went 10 - 5 -
1 overall and 9 - 3 - 0 in district competition. This is also the season that
for the first time, there is a team manager was mentioned. There was no mention
of captains but individual award winners were: Peter D'Ambrosia (MVP), Billy
Hoffman (MVP), Mike Mereaux (Most Improved), Jason Schock (Manager) and Erik
Noble ("Spirit of the Tiger"). No team picture was in the yearbook.
1994 - Coach Ron Watson completed his 4th year as head coach, the longest tenure
of any soccer coach to date with a 7 - 2 - 1 record, finishing third in
district. This was also the first time mentioned that more than one Tiger was
named to the All-District team. Special note that the pictures in the yearbook
show that some, if not all, the home games were played at Holy Cross. Team
captains were Antonio Barrios, Clarence Barrios and Troy Cooper. Team manager
was Johann Wong. Individual award winners were Chris Baucom (All-District), Adam
Briscoe (All-District), Jonathan Watson (All-District), Rene Hymel (Most
Improved) and Mike Caruso ("Spirit of the Tiger").
1995 - New coach, Jay Beatman and his Holy Cross Tiger played their first games
in the "Catholic League" district and it was a rebuilding year. In the new
league was archrival, Jesuit and defending state champions, de la Salle, Rummel,
Shaw and Brother Martin. The team played their home games at
Holy Cross and struggled finishing its season 3 - 11 - 3 overall and 1 - 6 - 0
in district play. However, the team once again had multiple All-District players
in Collins Bourg and Jonathan Watson. A "Leadership" award was presented for the
first time and it went to Adam Briscoe. Collins Bourg was named MVP and Kenny
Mahar was named most improved. There was no team picture but there were many
action photos.
1996 - In what is the district that has produced the most Division I state
champions, the Tigers competed in "the Catholic League" again. Unfortunately,
there are three teams in the district that have not won a state title since
1995. They are Holy Cross, Rummel and Shaw. However, Holy Cross can claim one
title in its history whereas the other two cannot. The 1996 team had the most
recognized player in school history and four other players who made All-District
three years in a row. This is also the most “decorated “ team in school
history. A record of 10 - 8 - 2 overall and 4 - 6 - 0 in district was the
results of the teams efforts . Honorees included Lonnie Arroyo (Captain), Chris
Baucom (Captain, All-District), Collins Bourg (Captain, All-District) Tim Chan
(All-District), Chad McCrossen (Most Improved), Rory Tauzin (All-District),
Jonathan (Captain, MVP, All-District, All-Metro, All-State), Jason Schock
(Leadership). There is a team photo but no caption. The balance of the team was
composed of the following lettermen: Charles Catonese, Joseph Fertitta, Andrew
Finnan, Paul Fisher, Alex Gaudet, Carl Hebert, Joey Mall, Grant Poskey, David
Roberts, Ryan Stansbury and Richard Stevens.
1997-There is not a mention of the team record. The only items found in the
yearbook is there were two coaches, Serge Coquillas and Allain Muregancura and
that this was a year of change. There was also mention of the inception of a new
award, the "Coaches Award". The other known item was the team played in
Hahnvilleâ's Thanksgiving Tournament. Team awardees included: Cody Heitmeir
(Captain, Most Improved, All-District), Paul Fisher (Captain, MVP), and Sobukwe
Odinga (Coaches Award).
1998 - Since the yearbook was published a couple of years after the season, much
of the information came from the Winter Sports Program which included a team
photograph and schedule. In the fall of 2000, the yearbook arrived and
additional information was gathered. The team was coached by Alvin
Muregancuro and was mostly made up of underclassmen. Although young, the team
claimed 7 district wins.
1999 - Coached by Ed Lazo and led by All-District performers Brian Watson and
Thomas Peed. There is even less known about this year than in 1998. It is known
that the team record did improve and many of the team was made up of
underclassmen. Hopefully, with the publication of the yearbook, this year (and
the previous one) can be added.
2000 - A young, improving team finished 8 - 12 - 2 and competed in the district
that featured 3 teams in the national top 20. Coached by Ed Lazo, the team had
several players gain post season honors. The team also played in the preseason
Piney Woods Tournament. Notable team members included: Steven Chapotel (Captain,
All-District), Gabe Fertitta (Captain), Spencer Farmer (All-District,
Leadership), Robert Gwinn (Most Improved), Jared Lazo (MVP, All-District), Chris
Meece (All-District), Shea Maheia "Spirit of the Tiger"), Thomas Peed
(All-District), and Brian Watson (All-District). Lettermen included: Les
Barrois, Mark Dwyer, Todd Geary, Gary Hendricks John Hoskin, Alex Lew, Kyle
Shuford, Eric Standbury, and CharlesChildress (Manager).
The Future...
In the summer of 2000, Holy Cross announced a change n the soccer program. It
was with great enthusiasm that Brian Kitchen was welcomed on as the new head
coach. The administration has shown the commitment to the program and with 12
returning lettermen, the future looks bright. The competition will be stiff once
again as the district still has two or three teams rated as some of the best in
the nation. However, it is believed that Holy Cross Tiger Soccer is BACK!
Hopefully, we will be able to have a pep rally and an opportunity to "ring the
bell."
2001 - The new coach, Brian Kitchen brought something back to the program and
that was respect. Respect from other teams, for each other and for the program
in total and in a district that featured the state champion and other highly
rated teams. Although the district results were not there, the fact that the
Tigers were in every game, which was a decided change from the past few years.
The Tigers won the Piney Woods Tournament to start the season and finished the
year at 11 - 11 - 2. Of note is that the team was honored in a pep rally but
have yet to be granted the honor of "ringing the bell." Two ofthe main goals
were for the program to gain respect and the team have fun! Both of these were
accomplished beyond expectations! Notable team members were: Thomas Peed
(co-Captain, MVP, All-District), Chris Meece
(co-Captain), Rene Marroquin (All-District), Kyle Shuford (All-District), Les
Barrios (All-District), Patrick Finnan (Leadership) and Jeremy Lane (Most
Improved) Lettermen included: Les Barrios, Earl Dauterive, Mark Dwyer, Spencer
Farmer, Patrick Finnan, Robert Gwinn, John Hoskin, Jeremy Lane, Alex Lew, Rene
Marroquin, Chris Meece, Thomas Peed, Dario Scott and Kyle Shuford.
Accomplishments:
1964 - 3rd in New Orleans League
1967 - undefeated and City Champ
1968 - State Champions and Midwest Junior Cup Finalist
1969 - State Runner-up
1970 - 3rd in state
1971 - State Runner-up
1973 - Champions New Orleans Interscholastic Soccer League and unbeaten
1993 - State Playoff Participant
CAPTAINS MOST VALUABLE PLAYERS
Marco Calderon (1963-64) Raul Ramirez (1972-73)
William Lind (1963-64) Larry Hand (1986-87)
Adrian Haces (1968-69) Sean Guillory (1988-89)
Carlos Wong (1968-69, 1969-70) Sean Ocmond (1989-90)
Sam McTyre (1969-70) Carlos Flores (1989-90)
Jose Sagel (1971-72) Carlos Flores (1990-91)
Louis Cheramie (1984-85) Jerry Jacob (1991-92)
William Broussard (1984-85) Peter Ambrosia (1992-93)
Scott Foster (1986-87) Billy Hoffman (1992-93)
Larry Hand (1986-87) Collins Bourg (1994-95)
Sean Guillory (1989-90) Jonathan Watson (1995-96)
Sean Ocmond (1989-90) Paul Fisher (1996-97)
Carlos Flores (1989-90) Jared Lazo (1999-2000)
Beau Fourmet (1991-92) Thomas Peed (2000-01)
Scott Morrison (1991-92)
Antonio Barrios (1993-94) ALL DISTRICT
Troy Cooper (1993-94) Scott Foster (1986-87)
Lonnie Arroyo (1995-96) Beau Fourmat (1991-92)
Chris Baucom (1995-96) Billy Hoffman (1991-92)
Collins Bourg (1995-96) Jerry Jacob (1991-92)
Jonathan Watson (1995-96) Chris Baucom (1993-94, 1995-96)
Cody Heitmeir (1996-97) Adam Briscoe (1993-94)
Paul Fisher (1996-97) Jonathan Watson (1993-94, 94-95, 95-96)
Jason Vick (1997-98) Collins Bourg (1994-95, 1995-96)
Steven Chapotel (1999-2000) Tim Chan (1995-96)
Gabe Fertitta (1999-2000) Rory Tauzin (1995-96)
Chris Meece (2000-01) Cody Heitmeir (1996-97)
Thomas Peed (2000-01) Thomas Peed (1998-99, 1999-2000, 2000-2001
Brian Watson (1998-99, 1999-2000)
Steven Chapotel (1999-2000)
Spencer Farmer (1999-2000)
Jared Lazo (1999-2000)
Chris Meece (1999-2000)
Les Barrois (2000-01)
Rene Marroquin (2000-01)
Kyle Shuford (2000-01)
All-Metro
Jonathan Watson (1995-96)
All-State
Jonathan Watson (1995-96)
Leadership
Adam Briscoe (1994-95)
Jason Schock (1995-96)
Sobukwe Odinga (1996-97)
Spencer Farmer (1999-2000)
Patrick Finnan (2000-01)
Spirit of the Tiger
Cory Ledet (1989-90)
Dustin LeMaster (1990-91)
Beau Fourmet (1991-92)
Erik Noble (1992-93)
Mike Caruso (1993-94)
Shea Maheia (1999-2000)
Most Improved
Pat Hymel (1986-87)
Chris Haydu (1988-89)
Anthony Mejia (1989-90)
Matthew Jurik (1990-91)
Tyson Schmidt (1991-92)
Mike Moreau (1992-93)
Rene Hymel (1993-94)
Kenny Mahar (1994-95)
Chad McCrossen (1995-96)
Cody Heitmeir (1996-97)
Robert Gwinn (1999-2000)
Jeremy Lane (2000-01)
2 Year Lettermen
George Asch, Ken Bauersfeld, Collins Bourg
Michael Byrd, Richard Buttress, Charles Catonese
Tim Chan, Mac Danos, Luis Diaz
Mark Dwyer, Miquel Estephan, Marc Faucheaux
Spencer Farmer, Gabe Fertitta, Joseph Feritta
Patrick Finnan, Paul Fisher, Oscar Gomez
Eric Guillory, Paul Guillory, Sean Guillory
Mario Guitierrez, Robert Gwinn, Adrian Haces
Tim Hattier, Cody Heitmeir, Graham Hemelt
Fransisco Hernandez, Billy Hoffman, John Hoskin
Eddie LeBlanc, Michael Luija, Dennis McCray
Chad McCrossen, John Meza, Peter Meza
Scott Morrison, Mario Narranjo, Sean Ocmond
Sobukwe Odinga, Clifford Osner, Frank Pennebaker
Brian Piazza, Mario Pineda, Richard Seifert
Kyle Shuford, Richie Stevens, Rory Tauzin
Michael Tewes, Robert Tewes, Kenny Ussery
Thomas vanGeffen, Carlos Wong, Thomas Ybarra
3 Year Letterman
Steve Chapotel, Troy Cooper, Gabe Fertitta
Andrew Finnan, Beau Fourmet, Miquel Giacaman
Chris Haydu, Carl Hebert, Pat Hymel
Jerry Jacob, Alex Jaramillo, Matthew Jurik
Jared Lazo, Alex Lew, Rene Marroquin
Chris Meece, Raymond Mejara, Mike Mereaux
John McTyre, Thomas Peed, Grant Poskey
Raul Ramirez, Craig Risberg, Ryan Stansbury
Scott Thomas, Wade Verges
4 Year Letterman
Lonnie Arroyo, Ronald Asch, Antonio Barrios
Clarence Barrios, Les Barrios, Chris Baucom
Adam Briscoe, Carlos Flores, James Franklin
David Roberts, Jason Schock (1 as manager and three as a player)
Brian Watson, Jonathan Watson
Holy Cross Soccer
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