The Vikings made a list of goals going into the 2009 season, but they’ll have to make a new list for 2010 after accomplishing so much this year. The key goals from the list? A winning Ozark Conference record and an improved overall record. The Vikings finished #5 of 10 in the conference at 5-4, and improved on last year’s 11-10 record with a 14-10 record in 2009. Parkview played three more games than last season, on what many would say is a much tougher schedule (with the addition of the KHS tournament, among others), and were still able to add three more wins to 2008′s total.
Junior captain Jessica Maerz scored 26 goals on the season, almost doubling her total from her first two years combined. She will have 53 career goals heading into her senior year. Shelby Stewart, also a junior, more than doubled her scoring in 2009, putting 25 in the back of the net, along with 11 assists. Sophomores Mckenzi Payton and Kelsey Loderhose played a huge role, stepping into new roles as starting sweeper and starting striker respectively. Loderhose scored 14 goals on the season, and both of the ladies started every game in 2009 for the Vikings.
Continuing the discussion of impressive numbers, coach Clint Nurnberg tallied his 200 career high school coaching win of the season this year against Waynesville, and closes out the season at 203. Nurnberg has now coached the girls for 6 years, while coaching the boys for 9. Averaging 13+ wins a season is a tough task in the Conferences and Districts that Parkview has been in the last nine years, and Nurnberg has done that while facing the task of helping turn a struggling and underappreciated Viking ladies team into a strong team with a winning record.
Another great accomplishment of the season was the improved play in the West Plains’ Zizzer Classic tournament. The Vikings tied for first place in their division, and had their first two-win showing ever in this tournament. Not only did the team-play improve in West Plains, but Parkview had three ladies selected to the All-Tournament team: Shelby Stewart, Jessica Maerz, and Mckenzi Payton.
The Lady Vikings also had some key wins this year. Wins over Lebanon Joplin, and Waynesville were especially big. Parkview beat a very solid Lebanon team 1-0, knocked Joplin off with a 4-0 final, and got some revenge against Waynesville with a 1-0 win as well. The ladies also took Ozark to PK’s this year, in a very hard fought match.
The Vikings say goodbye to seniors Sydney Nelson and Elyssa Williamson, but should return 10 starters for the 2010 season. The Vikings are projected to have at least 6 seniors and 12 juniors returning to the Varsity squad next year.
It’s also worth noting the Junior Varsity squad’s improvement over the past year. In 2008 the JV was 3-8-4, but in 2009 the girls went 7-8-3. The JV was 4-1-3 in games decided by one goal or less.
Alex Shupert, Molly Robb, and Mary Langebartel had four goals a piece for the JV squad, accounting for about half of the Viking’s goals. Parkview at six shutouts on the season, four by Maddie George and two by Sydney Pilkinton.
Varsity and JV Team MVP, Offensive Player, Defensive Player, and Most Improved Player will be announced by the coaches at the banquet. All-District and other awards will be posted online as soon as they are announced.
The team banquet is scheduled to be held on May 28th, and more details will be posted here as soon as they are available.
(All photos taken by Joe George. Great job Joe, thanks!)
The 5th Annual Southwest All-Stars game returns on Monday June 15th. Featuring graduating seniors from the 30 plus programs that play in the Ozarks, there will be two games.
