Update, Feb. 12: Senior captain Coleton Hutchins was selected to the Second Team All-League team.

Not many players go against senior co-captain, varsity soccer player, Coleton Hutchins and come out on top; but for those who feel lucky, Hutchins will be more than glad to put them to the test.

With over 96 games under his belt throughout his high school career, Hutchins’ tenacity to always score high, both on the field and in the classroom, makes him into the potent powerhouse he is today.

“I do not remember why I actually started playing soccer other than my parents just signed me up,” Hutchins said. “My first year playing was madness; no one understood how to play outside of kick ball through cones.”

Far from the ignorance of elementary style soccer, Hutchins’ passion for the sport spawns from its fast pace and the opportunity to learn on multiple fronts.

“I love everything about it, from the speed to the blend of team and individual work,” Hutchins said. “Even though it is an extremely slow game, there are so many mental battles you have to battle in the quiet times. It’s also helped me learn how to deal with failure because it is impossible to be perfect.”

Varsity head coach Matt Markarian considers Hutchins’ will to persevere an integral characteristic for the growth of the team.

“Coleton’s biggest asset is his athletic ability and the leadership he brings to our team,” Markarian said. “His positive attitude keeps things together when they’re going hard.”

Hutchins returned to the field this year after spending most of the last season on crutches recovering from a broken leg.

Now in his fourth year on the varsity soccer team, Hutchins realizes the commemorative moments made all the running on the field worthwhile.

“There are so many memories from both soccer games and practices, and most of them are inside jokes,” Hutchins said. “This year’s favorite memory came during our home game against Fowler. I was dribbling near half-field and I ‘cut’ their player so bad he fell; it was a great feeling.”

Coach Markarian reflects on Hutchins’ four years of dedication to the team.

“He’s been a starter on the team for four years and has proven to be one of the hardest practicing players on the team,” Markarian said. “We’ll miss him when he leaves at the end of his senior year.”

While some athletes play sports to stay in shape or to seek out recognition, Hutchins plays for the camaraderie.

“If you asked anyone on the team what they love about the soccer team, they would all answer camaraderie,” Hutchins said. “We have good relationships with everyone on the team and we all trust one another.”

With a 4.2 cumulative grade-point average, Hutchins’ devotion to his position is only rivaled by his grades, which remain unaffected by the demands of the soccer field.

“During the soccer season I have a lot of time to do homework; it’s not as time consuming as most sports,” Hutchins said. “I’d have to say that the physical demands of soccer make it difficult to focus on homework, but my grades are still decent.”

Senior Stephen Willems admires the intensity Hutchins brings to the game.

“He’s really an intense player on the field whose passion during play helps us overcome a lot of obstacles,” Willems said. “Sometimes he’ll even call out the players he’s going after before he ever steps onto the field.”

After graduating, Hutchins plans to stay within the confines of the California college system, but remains unsure as to his final decision.

“I have been accepted to CBU, but currently am waiting on UCLA, UCSD, UCI, and Cal Poly San Luis,” Hutchins said. “I like the locations of all these schools, but they are all different and in many ways non-comparable.”

Hutchins has yet to decide on a career, but considers accounting the best place to start.

“Right now I am considering becoming an Accountant or Orthodontist,” Hutchins said. “I will probably get an accounting degree first because it is a valuable skill to have in whatever future I eventually choose.”

For more information on boys’ soccer, visit Boys’ soccer sport shorts, 07-08 and Athlete adds soccer to resume.