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All State
These Woodstock Academy students were named Connecticut High School Coaches Association class L All-State soccer players. Left to right: Grace Gelhaus, Huck Gelhaus and Richard Hickson. Photos courtesy of Brooke Gelhaus.
Three members of the soccer community at The Woodstock Academy were recognized by the Connecticut High School Coaches Association recently as All-State performers.
Senior midfielders Huck Gelhaus and Rich Hickson of the boys’ soccer team and forward Grace Gelhaus from the girls’ team were named to the Class L All-State teams.
Huck Gelhaus finished with eight goals and five assists and was a key ingredient in the Centaurs perfect 11-0 season that also saw them win an ECC regional title. Gelhaus was also named the top player in the region by the ECC coaches.
“Apart from his undoubted technical ability with the ball, it was his drive and determination - which helped him dominate almost every game of the season – that separated him from the rest,” said Woodstock Academy coach Paul Rearden.
Rearden was appreciative of Huck Gelhaus’ ability to be creative with the ball and “destructive” without it.
But he was also happy with the other qualities that Huck Gelhaus provided for the team.
“What the opposition didn’t see is that same drive in practice, not only to improve himself, but be a true captain to those around him,” Rearden said.
Hickson finished with seven goals and seven assists this season and was voted one of the top three players in the region by the ECC coaches.
Hickson’s ascension to All-State status was a thrill, not only for the senior, but for his coach.
“This season saw Richie grow in confidence and responsibility to become the creative heart of the team. He has tremendous skill with the ball and not only a great eye for the killer pass but he also knows when to keep it simple,” Rearden said.
For Rearden, the two will be missed both on and off the pitch.
“It’s been an honor to see them grow over the past four years from talented young boys trying to establish themselves on the squad into true leaders,” Rearden said. “With the experience they gained from the high of the ECC championship season (in 2018) to the low of last season (1 win), they were shining examples to the rest of the squad as to what was needed and they expected to finish the season on a high.
That mission was accomplished.
Fortunately for Woodstock Academy girls’ coach Dennis Snelling, Grace Gelhaus will be around for another two years.
The sophomore striker was second on the team in goals scored with 16 to senior Peyton Saracina (17) and led the Centaurs in assists (10) and points (26).
“She is one of the top players in the area and consistently pushed our team and made everyone better, every day, whether in a practice or in a match,” Snelling said.
The Centaurs prospered.
Woodstock Academy posted an 8-2-1 record and finished runner-up in the area to Killingly which handed the Centaurs the only blemishes on their record.
“Her attitude and skill level combined to allow her to stand out as one of the best players The Academy has had in years,” Snelling said.
In addition, Woodstock Academy boys’ senior cross-country runner, Ethan Aspiras, was named honorable mention All-State by GameTime CT.
Marc Allard
Director of Sports Information
The Woodstock Academy
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