News

In dramatic fashion, Evansville Memorial defended their state title by defeating Zionsville 3-2 (5-4 PK) Saturday evening at Kuntz Stadium in Indianapolis.  Memorial had a historic day, becoming the first school to win both the boys and girls soccer championships in the same year.  Earlier in the evening, Memorial defeated Fort Wayne Snider 2-0 to claim the crown on the girls’ side.

The Tigers (23-0-2) were on the scoreboard first in the 32nd minute thanks to an unassisted goal by sophomore forward Max Lachowecki, his 27th of the season.  The Tigers’ next goal came just after the half when junior forward Jeff Stapleton hit a volley off of junior Tyler Vieth’s corner kick to make the score 2-0 in the 42nd minute.

Then the Eagles ignited, scoring quickly after the Memorial goal to make the score 2-1.  The goal came courtesy of junior midfielder Dylan Mares, who buried a shot in the upper 90 from just outside the 18.  Zionsville picked up the attack, outshooting Memorial 10-3 in the second half.  With under ten minutes remaining, junior midfielder A.J. Corrado connected with junior striker Harrison Petts to even the score at 2-2.  It was Petts’ 40th goal of the season.

After a 2-2 tie in regulation and a scoreless overtime period, the 15th annual soccer title was determined in a sudden death shootout.  Still tied after the first round of the shootout, Memorial’s Jeff Stapleton and Zionsville’s Sam Fuller both converted on their attempts.  The final outcome was determined when Memorial senior Travis Latta’s shot found the right side of the net and Zionsville senior Alex Sanchez-Felix’s attempt sailed high, just over the goal.

Coach Bill Vieth’s Tigers advanced to the final match with a 1-0 shutout of Homestead (21-1-2) in Saturday’s semifinal match.  The Tigers finished the season ranked No. 1 in the ISCA (Indiana Soccer Coaches Association) and fifth in the NSCA (National Soccer Coaches Association) poll.  Coach Mike Smith’s Eagles advanced to the final match with a 2-0 victory over Mishawaka Marian (15-7) in the semifinal round.  Zionsville finished the season with a 20-4-1 record and the No. 5 spot in the final ISCA rankings.

Evansville Memorial’s Trev Wilgus received the IHSAA Mental Attitude Award following Saturday’s finale.  

EVANSVILLE MEMORIAL’S TREV WILGUS NAMED MENTAL ATTITUDE WINNER
Trev Wilgus of Evansville Memorial High School was named winner of the 2008 C. Eugene Cato Mental Attitude Award for Boys Soccer by members of the IHSAA Executive Committee.

Wilgus is a member of the National Honor Society and serves as a Tiger Ambassador and Junior Mentor.  Throughout his career at Memorial, Trev has been part of the Student Council, Key Club, and Spanish Club.  He is a three-year varsity letter winner for the Tigers’ basketball team.

Wilgus ranks fifth in his class and carries a 5.95 cumulative grade point average on a 6.0 scale.  He has been a three-time Academic All-City selection in both soccer and basketball.  He has volunteered with the Evansville Soup Kitchen, Souper Supper for Riley Hospital, and several youth soccer and basketball camps.  Trev is undecided on his college choice but plans to study pre-med.

Wilgus is the son of Rick and Tonya Wilgus of Evansville.

Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, the IHSAA’s corporate partner, presented a scholarship check for $1,000.00 to Evansville Memorial High School in the name of Trev Wilgus.  Since 1989, more than $575,000 in college scholarships have been presented by Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance to deserving high school students in Indiana.