The 2009 St. Thomas Tigers soccer season has come to an end. It's success was dependent on a number of people. The Tigers soccer team would like the thank the following people for making this season successful:

• The players themselves. They took the time to commit themselves to their school team. We play as a team with pride representing the best school in Southington, St. Thomas.
• Thank you to the parents of the players. Thank you for allowing your child to play soccer for St. Thomas. The players attitudes, sportsmanship, desire to learn, and desire to get better can be coached and guided. However, it has to start somewhere. That somewhere is at home and handed down from you, the parents. A big thanks to all of you!
• Thank you to Father Nick, Jean, Mrs. Wirkus, and Mr. Hergott for their continued support of the St. Thomas soccer program. The work behind the scenes doesn't get recognized too often. We would like to let you know that we appreciate what you have done to help make this program successful!
• Mr. Condren, thank you for all you do with making sure the field is ready to play each season. Mr. C can be found a couple times a week outside after school lining the field. Recognizing that Mr. C does this for the kids and the school...we once again want to thank him for this! Oh, and we can't forget to thank him for being our guest juggler this year for the juggling contest! He got "22"!
• Thank you Ceil Morelli! Ceil has done so much for this program that goes unrecognized. She has been chaperoning the gym for home games while Coach Shea and the 8th graders set up the field (putting up the nets and flags). She has coordinated the orange slice list among parents. She got some of the cheerleaders to come out for Tiger Pride game. She has chaperoned the juggling contest, when we walked over for ice cream. She has put together a picture board of the soccer program in the hallway. She has taken the team picture. We're sure we are leaving something unsaid....she has done so much. Thank you Mrs. Morelli!
• Thank you Mrs. Morrisey for being there at the right time on the juggling contest day.  When we found the local ice cream establishment closed for the season, Mrs. Morrisey arrived just in time.  She took the orders down and drove over to another establishment to get the ice cream.  PHEW!!!!  Thank you Mrs. Morrisey!
• To all of our fans who have come out to watch us play! So many teachers, along with Father Nick and Mrs. Wirkus have come out to support us. So many parents, getting out of work early (when possible) to watch the team play! We really appreciate all of your support!
• Our team captain, Laurel. The players respected and followed the path led by Laurel. She helped the younger players when they needed it and led the team on and off the field for each practice and game.
• Our senior class of 8th graders. Thank you to Zachary, Charlie, Laurel, Thomas, Adrian H., Nick and Sarah. Most of these players have been with this team for four years. They have progressed and improved over these years. Their time with the team has created many memories for St. Thomas Soccer. They will all be missed! We thank them for their time and hard work put into this program.  We wish them the best of luck as they enter the next phase of their lives.  The future is bright with these seven students on their way to make a positive impact!

Well, that's it for now.  Please be sure to check out some of the pictures taken during the season.  The website will update photo's from this season within the next couple weeks. We wish you a Happy Holiday season.  Until next season......GO TIGERS!

On the banks of Long Island Sound with the city of New Haven as a backdrop, the St. Thomas Tigers took on St. Francis.  This was the last game of the season for the Tigers.  The most unfortunate part was the loss of several players to the flu and other "bugs" going around town.  Several players stepped up today for the Tigers.  Michael led the pace for the Tigers and set up the first goal, scored by Garrett.  Zachary played a big part in taking all the corner kicks today for the Tigers and made several crosses from the right side of the field.  Michael again found an open player and this time Anthony scored his first goal for St. Thomas.  There was solid play on defense in the first half led by Max, Kim, Chris and Sarah.  Alyssa started in goal.   Anthony and Cynthia played well together up top, several give and goes completed the next two goals.  Cynthia scored from the left side and then set up Anthony for his second goal of the game.  Nick, just getting over being sick and nursing an injury took on the goalkeeping duties for the second half.  St. Francis battled back and capitalized on a mistake back on defense.  But the Tigers battled back. Kate played a personal best game of the season. At one point, she hustled from the right side all the way over to the left as a St. Francis attacker was about to take a shot.  She got in his way and made a nice tackle.  Adrian S. got some more playing time today and really made some good plays.  Garrett was not done and made a nice move on a defender and then pounded the ball into th back of the net for the fifth goal of the game.  The whistle blew and the St. Thomas season came to a conclusion.  The team gathered by the bench with the lights of New Haven at their backs as the coach thanked them for a great and memorable season.   Stay tuned tomorrow for the thank you's of the season.

St. Thomas was victorious over St. Stanislaus of Meriden today.  The home game went well for the Tigers.  Joey was able to strike on a penalty kick early in the first half.  Zach and Sarah both stepped up their game to help back on defense.  Kim and Nick both continued to play solidly too.  Alyssa made some key saves for the Tigers.  Joey knocked in a couple more for a hat trick.  But that wouldn't be it as Owen recorded a goal also.  Bryan and Garrett continued to play strong in the midfield.