Bay City Christian School senior and soccer player Steven Burroughs has been named to the 2015 All State Team along with All Tournament Team recognition at the recent WACS State Tournament. He was a driving force in helping bring the Bay City Bobcats to the final state championship game, where the team narrowly lost the game after double overtime and a shootout. During the 2015 soccer season, Steven scored a record-breaking 58 goals in our 22 scheduled games, eclipsing the school record and the mark he set last year.

Steven says, “I worked really hard over this season, and it’s just [nice] being able to get an award, that shows that. It’s nice to have!”

“On a voluntary Saturday practice attended by Steve, four 8th graders and a 6th grader, some older players would have considered the day a write-off. He helped to make it one of the best practices of the fall by encouraging the others, taking an active interest in the session and balancing the teams.  This, to me, demonstrates growth as a player and as a leader.”  – Coach Hangen

Coach Rob Hangen believes Steven is worthy of the award. “Through hard work, he became the best offensive player in WACS (Wisconsin Association of Christian Schools)… in addition to his game day work, he seeks to make many of his teammates better on the training ground. Before practice, on off days and at practice, he would offer encouragement and technical help to anyone who wanted to improve on a skill, whether shooting, ball control, receiving, [or] whatever.”

Helping his teammates is something Steven always enjoyed. At Bay City, the team is made up of boys between 6th and 12th grade, and Steven says he likes being “a good mentor for the younger kids and [it’s] neat and fun to see them learn and grow and develop.”

Steven’s dedicated many years to improving his soccer skills. He began playing for the city league when he was only four years old. He started playing for the Bobcats as soon as he could, when he was in 6th grade, and he’s played 2 seasons of soccer every year since then. Steven explains that playing in the city league gave him more opportunity then just honing his soccer skills. “I get to know a lot of unsaved kids, and they ask me a lot of questions about why I make the choices that I make, and I get to tell them, and I’m able to be a testimony to those on those leagues.”

Coach Hangen has enjoyed watching Steven develop and also help others improve their skills over the last six years. He recalls many times where Steven went the extra mile to make a difference. “On a voluntary Saturday practice attended by Steve, four 8th graders and a 6th grader, some older players would have considered the day a write-off. He helped to make it one of the best practices of the fall by encouraging the others, taking an active interest in the session and balancing the teams.  This, to me, demonstrates growth as a player and as a leader.”

Steven hopes to continue playing soccer in college for UWGB next year. Coach Hangen says the Bobcats will miss Steven on the field, in games and in practices. “While we will miss the goal scoring and the attention he drew from our opponents defense, the biggest thing we need to replace is the individual work effort outside of practice, with no one watching, often alone – just grinding away.  That’s what makes it look easy in the big games.”

Congratulations Steven! We appreciate your amazing example of hard work and teamwork, on and off the soccer field. You will be greatly missed next year!