And That's A Wrap: The Curse No More

 Breaking the Curse: A Mom’s Reflections on Stayton High School’s Unforgettable Season

I stood on the edge of the field on Friday night, with my Stayton scarf, my #0 Eagle Trucker Hat, a blue lit cowboy hat, and my phone in hand, watching the final seconds dissolve from the scoreboard. The usual late-fall chill settled over Stayton, but it couldn’t touch the warmth swelling in my chest. Not tonight. Not after this season.

When the final whistle blew, it wasn’t just the end of a game.
It was the end of the game—Stayton High School’s last match of an undefeated, unforgettable season. A finish this town has been hoping for, dreaming of, and fighting toward since 2010.  And for the Seniors a wonderful way to complete their final season!

And right at the center of that celebration—arms thrown around his teammates, cheers echoing across the field—was my son, Ty.

His love for soccer has always run deep, but his love for this team… that was different. This group of boys became his brothers, his family. Every ride home, every dinner table conversation, every late-night reflection circled back to them. The trust, the jokes, the grit, the belief—they carried each other every step.

And make no mistake… this community carried them too.

The Epic Send-Off

Before that final match, our boys didn’t just leave town—they were escorted out. The Stayton Police Department and the Fire District showed up in full lights-and-sirens glory, leading the team buses through town like heroes heading to battle. Neighbors lined the streets, kids waved homemade signs, grandparents clapped with proud tears in their eyes.

It wasn’t just a team on those buses.

It was the heart of Stayton rolling toward destiny.

The Power of “Da Mom Crew”

And behind the scenes—fierce, tired, determined, laughing, organizing at all hours—was our beloved Da Mom Crew.

We cooked breakfasts.
We hosted dinners.
We packed snacks.
We decorated signs, put posters up and glammed out each game.
If there was a way to fuel a teenage boy or lift his morale, trust me, we did it.

Those gatherings weren’t just meals—they were mom-made momentum. They built the camaraderie this team became known for. The boys might have done the running, the scoring, the sweating… but Da Mom Crew? We kept them fed, loved, supported, and feeling like champions long before the scoreboard said so.

And I’ll always treasure the laughter in Coach Shields classroom, the chaos of feeding a roomful of soccer players, the endless grocery runs, and the joy of watching these boys bond over french toast dishes, pasta, and way too many Gatorades.

A Community United

Stayton didn’t just watch this season happen.
Stayton lived this season.

The stands were full at every match—parents, teachers, alumni, little kids wearing eagle fan gear, families who’d never watched a soccer game before but came because these boys deserved to feel the weight of the town behind them. 

At school, the boys were celebrated like the champions they were becoming.
In town, people asked for scores before asking about the weather. Busses of students filled the stands and outcheered other teams.

The entire community felt invested in breaking the curse one game at a time.

Breaking the Curse

If you know Stayton soccer, you know the story since 2010: the almosts, the heartbreaks, the near-misses. A quiet “curse” hanging over the program, season after season.

But this year was different.
This year, the boys chipped away at it match by match, goal by goal, moment by moment.

They built something no curse could withstand.

They built belief.

Ty felt it. He carried it. He lived it.
And as a mom, I saw how deeply this team shaped him—not just as a player, but as a young man who understands commitment, heart, and brotherhood.

A Moment We’ll Never Forget

When I hugged Ty after the final whistle—sweaty, exhausted, overflowing with pride—I knew this moment would live with him forever. With all of us, really.

                                            Photo Cred Statesman Journal

This undefeated season wasn’t just a championship run.
It was redemption.
It was healing.
It was community.
It was history.
It was proof that when a small town rallies behind its young men, magic can happen.

Congratulations, Eagles.

Thank you for a season that reminded us what heart, unity, and belief can do.

And from one very proud soccer mom:

Ty, your love for this sport, your team, and this town made this journey unforgettable. You boys didn’t just win games. You broke a curse. And you did it together.

 

Letting Go, One Game at a Time: A Soccer Mom’s Reflection on the Final Stretch

It’s hard to believe we’re here—one final league game left before playoffs. One last time to watch these boys, our boys, take the field as the Stayton Eagles Varsity Boys Soccer Team—undefeated and unstoppable, their cleats carving out history one pass, one goal, one victory at a time.

For months now, Tuesday and Thursday nights and chilly evenings under the lights have been our rhythm. The sideline chatter, the clatter of folding chairs, concession stand food and drink, the game swag and social media posts to help cheer on the young men in our lives, and the occasional tear wiped away behind sunglasses—they’ve all been part of this journey. But as we prepare for Senior Night and the playoffs beyond, I can’t help but feel that this isn’t just about soccer anymore. It’s about letting go.

Five Weeks of Pride

It’s been such a special season. For five consecutive weeks, different players from Stayton were nominated—and voted—as the “Athlete of the Week” by MAPS Credit Union (as covered by the Statesman Journal). One article even notes: “Stayton soccer player wins Maps Credit Union boys Athlete of the Week.” (see link) BVM Sports

Week after week, our community rallied to celebrate not just the wins, but the heart, grit, and teamwork that this group of young men embodies. It wasn’t about one star; it was about the whole team. That’s who they are. That’s who they’ve become.

Each nomination felt like a collective victory—a nod to the work ethic and unity that has made this season something extraordinary. These boys have built something that goes beyond stats or standings. They’ve built legacy.

From the Stands: The Mom Crew

There’s something sacred about the friendships that form in the stands. We call ourselves the “ da mom crew,” though we laugh that we’re really more of a family now. We’ve weathered more than just rain and cold this season—we’ve weathered the emotions of watching our sons grow up right before our eyes.

We’ve shared team meals and heartache, cheers and tears. We’ve learned to read each other’s faces—the nervous smiles before kickoff, the proud grins after a perfect goal, the deep breaths during penalty kicks. We’ve hugged through the wins and the close calls, knowing that every game could be the one we’ll never forget.

And as Senior Night approaches, we’re all a little quieter in our group chats. The jokes are still there, but beneath them lies that shared ache—the realization that this is the last season we’ll do this together.

For the Seniors

Ten seniors. Ten stories. Ten boys who have grown into young men before our eyes.

We’ve watched them since they were little—chasing soccer balls down muddy fields, jerseys too big, dreams even bigger. We’ve driven them to early practices, packed post-game snacks, and sat through endless tournaments, rain or shine. We’ve watched them build confidence, learn leadership, and show resilience.

And now, as they take the field for the final league game of their high school careers, we see not just players—but the culmination of years of dedication, friendship, and heart.

Undefeated, Unbreakable, Unforgettable

An undefeated season is something to celebrate. According to an article on the Oregon School Activities Association site, the Stayton boys soccer team “are 12-0-1 overall and 8-0-1 in the tough Oregon West Conference… and are No. 1 in the OSAA power rankings and co-No.1 in the OSAAtoday 4A coaches poll.” OSAA 

But what makes this team truly special isn’t the record—it’s the way they play for each other. The unspoken trust. The shared laughter during warm-ups. The way the younger players look up to the seniors. #wegotogether is the hashtag used throughout the season because this team is truly family. Statesman Journal also identified that in their article titled, "Stayton boys soccer 'family' marching forward toward a 4th straight conference title." SJournal

As a mom, I know I’ll be cheering louder than ever in these last few games. Not just for the goals scored or the wins earned, but for the moments—the high fives, the hugs, the memories being sealed forever in their hearts and ours.

Because when the final whistle blows and the season ends, what remains is love—for the game, for the teammates, and for the journey that’s brought us here.

So here’s to the boys of Stayton High School Varsity Soccer. Here’s to the undefeated season. Here’s to the moms in the stands who’ve cheered every step of the way. And here’s to letting go—with full hearts, tearful smiles, and endless pride.

Links & Resources

1. OSAA Team page for Stayton Boys Soccer: OSAA – Stayton Boys Soccer OSAA
2. OSAA “Soccer notebook: Once again Stayton a Force in 4A” article: OSAA Today 
3. Stayton High School athletics history: Stayton High School Athletics History Stayton High School
4. Article mentioning Maps Credit Union Athlete of the Week nomination: Stayton Eagles Athletics (BVM Sports) BVM Sports+1
5. Statesman Journal "Stayton boys soccer 'family' marching forward towards 4th straight conference" SJournal

The Last High School Year: A Tighter Grasp

 A Mom's Heartfelt Journey Through Her Son's Senior Year of High School

Part II

Yesterday my HS Senior and I fit into both of our work schedules attending his Eagle Day!  This is the day you check in, make sure you are registered, pay your fees associated with yearbook, student body card, get your locker (if you want one) and of course receive your academic schedule.  In addition to that we had the pleasure of meeting the new High School Principal.

This is the first step to the academic side of things-- his senior year of high school.  For him it is a mix bag of excitement to be done with high school and anxiety as he navigates applications for the next step and balancing getting good marks while also realizing change is ahead.  It is a year of saying goodbyes.  Goodbye to his teachers, schedule as he knows it, his classmates, and an environment that he has lived at for the past several years.  On the exterior there is a toughness and a desire to do something different and "blow this popsicle joint" as they say. But I can imagine the inside is different.

From my side, it is tug-of-war. On the one hand, I am ready to let go of the stress of last minute checks for homework, missing assignments, reminding him about studying for his exams, packing lunch after lunch (can we talk about the last lunch I'll pack for him?!), and keeping him on target.  For this I think I am ready for him to take the reins and be independent.  On the other hand, I realize how much I have loved these moments of being so involved in his everyday life.  There is comfort in being the one who asks, "Did you study for that test?" or " Do you need help with....?" The thought of losing that small but significant role tugs at my heart in ways I didn't anticipate.  

So while we haven't started school quite yet, we have his final school year schedule in hand.  His final electives and few remaining core required classes and in two weeks he will enter the school to begin his senior academic year.  I am sure there will be struggles and "senioritis" and we will power through.  And we will begin our goodbyes.  

Last Soccer Season: The End of an Era

The Last Year: A Mom's Heartfelt Journey Through Her Son's Senior Year of High School

Part III

My son has been playing soccer since he was 7 years old, so this last season feels like a punctuation mark on a long chapter of his life.  I've spent countless hours sitting on the sidelines, in recreational, competitive club, adult league, and high school soccer.  Countless hours have been spent cheering him on, trying to contain my "Mom" emotions while watching him on the field and in the past several years in goal as keeper (which brings a who different level of anxiety). Now as I watch him as he enters his final games, I am both proud and heartbroken.  Every play is a reminder that these moments- these final games- are fleeting.

It is funny how something like a soccer ball/soccer goal  or even just the site of the pitch in the fall evenings with a sunset falling behind it can trigger so much emotion.  It's not just the sport; it's the end of growing up, learning, and yes, making mistakes along the way.  He has grown so much in confidence, learning to be part of a team, enduring physical blows as goal keeper, increasing his mental toughness when players blame him for a missed goal (though he is the last line of defense of an 11 man team) and learning how to be coachable and how to lead and follow.  

He has been coached by some phenomenal coaches and quite frankly some crappy ones.  Both types however have taught him lots of things.  The phenomenal coaches, Coach Shields, Coach Miguel, Coach Guessly, Coach Carty, Coach Ryan (just to name a few) along with GK specific coaches not part of clubs like Rolando, GK Coach Chris from Rose City GK, all provided learning opportunities, repetition, mental toughness, and instilled a love of the game in him.  He has learned perseverance, leadership and having a voice.  As a keeper you are the eyes and voice of the team.  You see the game in real time and guide players with your voice.  Some of these coaches offered the notion to "work hard, dream big" something that served him well over the years. We are forever grateful for our experiences with these men.  Their impact does not go unnoticed.  

However, not all of the soccer teams and coaches have been so positive, but that doesn't mean that there were lessons learned there.  Our son has learned what is right and wrong, what a team truly means despite coaches who only play favorites, or play politics. There were lessons in humility, when to speak up and out about the things and when to make a decision that best suits your needs and what you are willing to endure.   All of these lessons are life's lessons and have helped to build up strength and independence that our son displays today.

As he has already transitioned from competitive club soccer to his final year of high school Soccer. I am already missing the weekend morning games (loving that I can sleep in), the crisp air and windy days, convo's with other soccer moms and dads on the sidelines and the car rides home.  AND now our final season is here for high school

Each game feels like a metaphor for his life: trying, failing, learning and succeeding.  And even as he blocks his final goals, I know I will miss the cold fall evenings, the sunsets on the pitch during a game, the whistles blown at half time and the after game hugs.  The moments are small but deeply meaningful.

*Photo Credit last photo JcMcDonald

The Last Year: A Mom's Heartfelt Journey Through Her Son's Senior Year of High School

 Part 1

There is something uniquely bittersweet about the "lasts" that come with a child's senior year of high school.  I have been warned by many. I have read many posts from other mom's who have been there, and made it through.  But it isn't until you are actually in the thick of it that you begin to realize how much you'll miss certain moments and how fast they will slip through your fingers.  This year I am prepping myself that it is all about saying goodbye to the little things - the ones that don't seem like much until you're facing your final moments of them.

For me, it all began when I scheduled Senior Photo shoot.  Thought I didn't quite know it yet.  It wasn't until the actual day surfaced and I was watching the photographer Eric of Eric John Photography interact, set up poses and helped to capture my son's maturity.  I realize he was stepping into his senior year, but that also meant that every moment after this would be the last of its kind.  

Next week will be the "last" Eagle Day where he will get his "last" ASB card, and schedule to begin the school year.  Though I have the familiar excitement and anxiety about a new school year for him, I realize it will be filled with mix emotions of both pride and sadness.  

This is my first born son. The one that first made me a mom. This would be the last year of school clothes shopping, getting the school supplies set and making sure he is set with everything he needs to succeed - academically, socially and emotionally.  AND the last year I will see him walk out that door everyone morning, as my little boy who is now an almost adult.  

A Journey Forward

I hope that the relationship our son has with "Snorty" (the horse) builds and grows. Learning to care for a large animal  is more than a hobby- it's a way of life.  The "cowboy" way of life.  This includes early mornings, feeding, bathing, working the horse, teaching and learning each other, cleaning stalls and so much more.  All the while learning the value of patience, resilience, and empathy.  Horses don't judge.  They respond to how we show up.  The are a mirror.  Reflecting back what you bring to the table.  And when you are honest, they meet you there with strength and grace.  

My hope for our son is that he can look back from these experiences with "Snorty"  and realize that learning to ride was never just about horses.  It is about discovering who he is -- and who he is becoming.  

For Anyone Starting Out

If you are a teen (or a parent of one) thinking about horseback riding, know this:  it's not about being fearless.  It is about learning to trust yourself, one ride at a time.  You will learning to fall without giving up, to lead with quiet strength , and to feel proud  -- not because someone told you to be but because you earned it.  

So grab the reigns!  Your journey is waiting.  

Reins of Confidence: How Learning to Ride Horses Helps Growth

 When my son first walked into the stables, you could see he was a nervous teenager with more self doubt than belief.  The horse, "Snorty" seemed huge, the old warn modest stable intimidating, and the idea of controlling a half-ton animal with just reins and his voice seemed impossible.  Not knowing really how my son would do, I stood there calm and in awe of this beautiful horse and watched the interaction with my son, the horse and trainer (a related family member).  

What my son doesn't realize is that learning to ride horses would do more than teach him balance, and posture.  It would be more than just learning to be a cowboy, riding, it would reshape his confidence, self worth, and how he views himself.

Stepping into  the Unknown

At 13 (almost 14) years old, everything can feel uncertain, especially this past year for our son.  Friendships changes, school pressures mounted resulting in change of schools and settings, and for our son his inner voice was being stifled by his inner critic voice.  Riding lessons were not about proving anything to anyone else - they were just supposed to be a way to try something new.  It seemed the first time he groomed the horse, carefully walked around the horse, began to build a relationship with the horse, he sensed a deeper experience was about to unfold.                                                                                                                              

The First Couple Lessons

I think our son thought he would just get up on the horse and ride, being told how to do something; that it would be easy. Turns out learning to ride takes time, patience and relationship.  It certainly isn't easy.  There were moments of awkwardness, off-balance, fear and embarrassment.  He fell.  He got back up and he learned to listen and trust his intuition, to Snorty the horse, and eventually I believe he will learn to listen and trust himself. 

Riding is  a partnership, not a performance. This is something that our son is learning.  He doesn't have to be perfect; he has to be present.  He also has to remember that horses deeply reflect they way humans feel, act etc.  If you are unsure the horse will sense that, you are angry, the horse will sense that it truly is a partnership. 

Confidence in Motion

Our son is growing more comfortable each lesson with the horse.  He is demonstrating confidence more and more; leading the horse, learning the horse, communicating with the horse while demonstrating humility and vulnerability.  After his second lesson which did not include getting on the horse this time but rather working the horse, building the communication skills, putting the bridle and reins on the horse, our son's confidence was building. 

Through these lessons, he is learning that fear doesn't mean stop.  It means pay attention.  Breathe. Keep going.