Brownsburg Celebrates 30 Years of Boys Soccer In Win Over HSE
Tuesday evening, the 11th ranked boys' varsity soccer team extended its undefeated season by defeating HSE 4-2. Goals were scored by Senior JT Hiquet (2), Junior Troy Hale, and Sophomore Jeff Rhodes.
Annoucement read at last nights game:
Tonight we are celebrating 30 years of boy's soccer tradition at Brownsburg High School.
It is a special evening as we have 4 of our 5 past and current coaches with us. Please welcome current coach Todd Frost (pause). He has held the head coach position since the fall of 2007. Coach Chad Medcalf (pause). Coach Medcalf served as head coach from 2000 – 2006. Not in attendance is Coach Sean Griffith. He led the Bulldogs from 1991-1999. Coach Bob Freije (pause). Coach Freije led the program from 1986 -1990.
And finally, the man who brought soccer to BHS, Coach Steve Bennett.
During the 1980-81 school year, first year teacher and Indiana University graduate, Steve Bennett formed a soccer club. Meetings consisted of covering basic rules of the game and some brief history. During the spring of 1981, "kick-abouts" were held after school with 10 to 15 students participating.
In the spring of 1982 BHS played in a league of similar club teams from the Indianapolis area. No funding was provided by BHS. Students and parents were responsible for all expenses and transportation. The team went 3-6-1, during the inaugural season with the first goal scored by an exchange student from Ecuador.
During the summer of 1982, Coach Bennett and a group of parents worked together with the intent of proposing that soccer be added as a varsity sport to the BHS athletic department. Through their hard work, the School Board approved that addition to take effect for the fall of 1983. At that time, North Central was the only other local school with soccer a varsity sport. A final club season was played in the spring of that year, with the first winning record attained for BHS at 7-3.
The first official match as a varsity team was against a club team from Terre Haute, a 4-0 victory. That team finished 13-2 under Coach Bennett's leadership. An independent organization ran a State Tournament that BHS participated in, reaching the final sixteen, losing to eventual Champion, North Central.
By the end of the 1985 season, there were almost forty players, varsity and junior varsity schedules, and Coach Bennett. Coach Freije stepped in to lead the Bulldogs and was later assisted by new teacher, Sean Griffin. Griffin assumed the head coach role and under his leadership, BHS established itself as one of the premier teams in the State.
Chad Medcalfe took the team in his first year to the final match of the IHSAA state tournament, losing to Ft. Wayne Canterbury, 1-0.
BHS player and alum Todd Frost was named head coach in the fall of 2007 and continues to lead the Bulldogs, 55 players and three teams, along with Coaches Adam Spieth and Bill Schenk. Coach Frost played under Coach Freije.
Steve Bennett introduced his homeland's Futbol tradition to BHS 30 yrs ago. From St John's in Baskingstoke, where he was a trained goalie, to Brownsburg, Coach Bennett continues to support BHS soccer by announcing all home games. He also continues to volunteer with the girls program as he had two daughters who played for Coach Phil Slavens.
As a result of Coach Bennett's tireless efforts, the Brownsburg boy's soccer program has 14 sectional titles (ranked 4th in the state), 5 regional championships, one semi-state crown and one state finals appearance! Additionally, the program has multiple Hoosier Cup championships and Hoosier Crossroads Conference titles.
Thank you Coach Bennett for introducing soccer to BHS. Your passion for the game has allowed over 500 young men to participate since 1981. You are the rock behind 30 years of Brownsburg Boys soccer tradition!
Awards –
State Runner-up (1) - 2001
Semi State Champs (1) – 2001
Regional Champs (5) – 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2004 (5 way tie ranked 10th all time in state with 5 championships)
Sectional Champs (14) – 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 (ranked 4th all time in the state with 14 championships)
Additionally, BHS has multiple Hoosier Cup championships and HCC titles.
