Soccer tryouts were held Nov. 7-12. Many people were surprised to see basketball players, 6’5″ junior Alex Rice and 6’4″ senior Jacob Bladdick, show up to the tryouts.

“People thought I was trying out as a joke, but I promise it’s no joke,” said Bladdick.

Bladdick and Rice both start for the varsity basketball team and plan to continue to focus on basketball for now.That’s what led many to believe that their appearances at tryouts was a hoax. But it wasn’t.

Bladdick and Rice have both recently discovered their love for the game of soccer.

“Some of my friends got me hooked on soccer, and I wanted to try something new,” said Rice

“I became a fan of soccer after the World Cup, then I started playing a lot of FIFA,” said Bladdick.

Both seniors have been participating in “pick-up soccer games” on the weekends, played on a court built by junior Austin Pierce and Rice. Pierce and Rice are also known for designing and building the ‘Trigloo” last winter.

The husky 5’10” 155 lbs. varsity goalie, junior Daniel Hartigan said,”I think it’s great they’re trying out. They’re really talented. I’m very excited for soccer season. We’re gonna have a lot of height.”

When it comes to Wildcat soccer, no one is as estatic as junior Hayden “Gayds” Redmond, who attends many of the games.

“Every home game,” he said.  “The student section goes crazy. I can see this team going deep into the playoffs.”

Bladdick and Rice must wait to re-tryout in late Febuary since they can not attend any of the soccer practices until after basketball season.