Mike Howell has been everywhere on the soccer field this season. As the leading scorer for the Union Springs boys soccer team for the third consecutive season, the junior standout switched to defense in early October to help out.
The Citizen file photo
Union Springs' Mike Howell switched positions - from offense to defense - to help his team wherever it needed it.
Union Springs' Mike Howell switched positions - from offense to defense - to help his team wherever it needed it.
Howell had two hat tricks this season - against Newfield and Moravia early on in the year - but when Wolves coach Jim Hodges needed a spark on the defensive side of the field, Howell volunteered. Despite not getting any shots on goal or even passing for any, Howell never regretted his unselfish decision.
“It's definitely different,” Howell said in October. “I can help out on both sides now. I can help the defense and guide the offense on which runs to make.”
Hodges still allowed Howell to play at midfielder and take some shots to the net after the conversion to defense and Howell finished the season with 15 goals and three assists, including the only Wolves score in their last regular season game. But his contributions to the defense were immeasurable down the stretch.
He was worried abut the change at first, but quickly became acclimated to his new surroundings and played well in the new spot.
“The kid goes hard at everything he does,” Hodges said in October. “It doesn't matter if it's against Southern Cayuga or just shooting at the nets. He plays the full 90 minutes and then some. He's just relentless; it doesn't matter if you mark him with two or three guys. Even to non-soccer fans, Mike stands out.”
In his third year starting for the Wolves, Howell bridged the gap between standout player and leader. When watching a Wolves' boys soccer game this year, most eyes were on No. 3 and not just because of his speed and athleticism. He is usually the most vocal player on the field, no matter the opponent. His drive, determination and dedication to soccer have helped him earn another first team All-IAC honor this season.
“Mike is Mike,” Hodges said on Sept. 29 after a 5-0 loss to Southern Cayuga. “He comes every day ready to play, whether it's in practice, scrimmage or a game. He is always out there ready to go.”
“It's definitely different,” Howell said in October. “I can help out on both sides now. I can help the defense and guide the offense on which runs to make.”
Hodges still allowed Howell to play at midfielder and take some shots to the net after the conversion to defense and Howell finished the season with 15 goals and three assists, including the only Wolves score in their last regular season game. But his contributions to the defense were immeasurable down the stretch.
He was worried abut the change at first, but quickly became acclimated to his new surroundings and played well in the new spot.
“The kid goes hard at everything he does,” Hodges said in October. “It doesn't matter if it's against Southern Cayuga or just shooting at the nets. He plays the full 90 minutes and then some. He's just relentless; it doesn't matter if you mark him with two or three guys. Even to non-soccer fans, Mike stands out.”
In his third year starting for the Wolves, Howell bridged the gap between standout player and leader. When watching a Wolves' boys soccer game this year, most eyes were on No. 3 and not just because of his speed and athleticism. He is usually the most vocal player on the field, no matter the opponent. His drive, determination and dedication to soccer have helped him earn another first team All-IAC honor this season.
“Mike is Mike,” Hodges said on Sept. 29 after a 5-0 loss to Southern Cayuga. “He comes every day ready to play, whether it's in practice, scrimmage or a game. He is always out there ready to go.”
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