Growing pains is an apt description of the Winona boys and girls soccer teams as the young and largely inexperienced teams have struggled. The girls have two wins this season, while the boys are looking for their first victory.
But both coaches have seen improvements.
“We have improved drastically,” said boys coach Mark Austin. “Our numbers are up and I have a lot of guys who are really getting after it which pushes everybody to get better.”
Austin has been disappointed by the team's inability to win any games, but not with the effort. “Our guys are busting their tails. They're playing hard.”
He said lack of ball control has been a problem. “That goes to experience,” Austin said. “Most of these guys don't grow up playing soccer. They basically do it two months out of the year.”
There are only three seniors on the team.
One of the bright spots is sophomore goalie Griffin Faulkner, who is playing the sport for the first time this year. “He stepped up and has been really good for us back there,” Austin said.
In a loss to Cleveland Central Faulkner made a save on a penalty kick.
Girls coach Michael Cox also noted improvement, but added, “We still have a long way to go. We played a bunch of young girls last year who are growing up before our eyes. I'm really proud of them.”
The Lady Tigers have three seniors and two juniors on the roster. “I feel that in two years we will be a pretty solid team.”
One of the young players is freshman Bailey Holly, who scored both Winona goals in a 4-2 loss to Greenville. “I love my teammates and I know they are going to be there for me,” she said. “I love how we have to work together.”
Senior defender Elisa Guzman is one of the veterans, on the team for the fourth year. “I like being able to work as a team, helping each other,” she said.
