SARATOGA SPRINGS — Coach Jeffrey Geller is in the middle of his 17th season of coaching the Saratoga Springs High School (SSHS) varsity boys’ soccer team and has high goals for this years’ team to make it to the sectional’s tournament.
“We are always striving to be playing our best soccer when Sectionals roll around,” said Coach Geller.
This year’s team is fairly young, as there were only eight returning players at tryouts this season, which meant there were positions to fill and a need for players that would develop well together.
“We are looking for players who are tactical which means they know how the game is played and how to play within the team. We are looking for players who have good physical traits like size, speed, quickness, and a high level of fitness,” said Coach Geller. “Lastly, we look for players who are coachable, have a positive attitude, work hard, and are responsible student athletes.”
The Blue Streaks are driving through the season with five wins, and only three losses and a tie.
“We try our best to be demanding as a coach, but not to a point where players are scared to perform. It is important that the players want to play for you and go to war for you,” said Coach Geller. “We try to demand excellence and do not tolerate lack of effort.”
Coach Geller doesn’t just demand 100% on the field, but that his athletes show the same effort in the classroom. The SSHS boys’ varsity team has been a scholar athlete team for all of Coach Geller’s 17 years of coaching the varsity team.
“Sometimes we have to make choices that may not be popular but need to be made to teach a life lesson on and/or off the field.”
Our coaching staff keeps track of our student-athlete attendance, grades, and behavior in the classroom,” said Coach Geller.
Tuesday, October 1 the Blue Streaks took on the number four ranked team in New York state – Christian Boys Academy and ended the teams’ undefeated record.
The boys take on Averill Park High school Saturday, Oct. 5 at Averill Park at 3 p.m.
