RO’s second soccer season nixed

Red Oak High School had its first season of soccer last year with a co-ed JV team that had success. Head coach Mark Kells had the first soccer practice scheduled for the Monday of spring break, March 16, with 12 girls and 15 boys signed up for the sport.
“I told the kids if they were in town to come out,” Coach Kells said. “However, on Monday, I heard they were going to have a press conference that Tuesday, so I canceled practice for the safety of our student-ahtletes at that time.”
The press conference closed schools through the end of March, and put a hold on all spring activities, including soccer. Coaches and players were not allowed face-to-face contact during that time period, and athletes were expected to train on their own.
“Kyndal was extremely disappointed that she wouldn’t get to enjoy one last season doing what she loved before heading to college,” Coach Kells said of his senior daughter, Kyndal.
Kyndal has committed to Loras College to continue her education and play soccer for the DuHawks.
“I committed to Loras College in December,” Kyndal said. “I looked at Central and Simpson, but I felt at home with Loras. The season starts late August and runs through early November. I’ve been anxious to play since I committed. I’m ready to start my college career as a Duhawk.”
Coach Kells and Kyndal agree that there is a passion for soccer in the Red Oak community.
“There is a passion for soccer here in Red Oak,” Kyndal said. “We will have some incoming freshmen who play on the Red Oak Soccer Club during fall and spring,” Kyndal said.
“I think with social distancing, kids will stay encouraged and motivated on their own,” Coach Kells said. “As a parent, I believe you have to keep kids active in whatever they do, and your kids will strive to be the best if you keep on them and show them support.”
 Although the disappointment is felt by many athletes, the Kells family is remaining positive.
“All I can do from here on out is look ahead and focus on college,” Kyndal said. “I have made great memories these past four years. I think the support I received from the community, friends, and family in my decision to play football, is one I will cherish forever.”
Kyndal played football for the Red Oak Tigers her junior and senior years as a kicker.
Kyndal’s stats her junior year were as follows: 19/19 PAT; one field goal; 31 kickoffs for 1,162 yards; and .5 tackles.
Senior year stats for football were: four of six PAT; 18 kickoffs for 789 years; 24 punts for 715 yards, the longest 43 yards; and two solo tackles.
Soccer stats are not available on quikstats because Red Oak was a JV team last season.
“I have played soccer since kindergarten,” Kyndal said. “It may be a male-dominated sport, but that didn’t stop me. I felt the same way about football. I’ve always wanted to put my skills to the test as an athlete. My determination and drive stems from my passion for sports. I have learned that it doesn’t matter how much you practice, but how much heart you put into the things you love. [For anyone thinking about playing a sport in high school] trying a new sport can be scary. You may not know much about it, but you will learn as you go. Playing a male-dominated sport is intimidating at first, however, the more you play, the more comfortable you become.”
Coach Kells said to have a complete team, it is good to have a roster of 16. Red Oak’s numbers were close this year for having a girls and a boys team, but not enough for safety reasons.
“I hope the pandemic doesn’t affect participation,” Coach Kells said. “Of course, we will gain a few kids from the youth organization as they will be our incoming freshmen next season.
“I would like to congratulate and wish nothing but the best for the class of 2020 on their future endeavors. The Red Oak soccer seniors at the start of the season would have been: Johnathon Erp, Hunter Graham, Zac Guerra, Dawson Hernandez, Kyndal Kells, Andrew Shipley, Sandro Vera, Austin Wilkins, and Darryan Wright.”