November 15, 2019 at 11:18 a.m.
Ostermann, Wiese named RHS boys' soccer MVPs
Ostermann, Wiese named RHS boys' soccer MVPs
The players' ballots were split when it came time to choose a most valuable player. Sophomore goalkeeper Gavin Ostermann and junior midfield Hugh Wiese ended up with nine votes each and shared the award, which was presented Wednesday night during the team's banquet at the Cedric A. Vig Outdoor Classroom in Rhinelander.
Both Ostermann and Wiese were leaders in different statistical categories. Ostermann went 3-8-6 in the Hodags' goal this fall with a .806 save percentage and a 2.12 goals against average. Wiese had a team-high seven goals during the season and was also voted the team's offensive MVP.
"Both of them deserve it," coach Nathan Bates said following the banquet. "Gavin kept us in a lot of games this year, so did Hugh this season. They both 100 percent earned that (award) and they're both top-notch players. I think the kids voted correctly on that."
In all, the team handed out nine awards on Wednesday, seven of which were voted on by the players. Senior Harrison Shinners won the team's defensive MVP award. Freshman Charlie Heck was voted rookie of the year, sophomore Alexx Huff was named the team's most improved player, senior Breckin Younker won both the team's sportsmanship and academic excellence awards, junior Joseph Heck was voted most dedicated player and senior Taylor Plouff won the coaches' award.
"You are by far one of the hardest-working guys I've ever met," Bates said, addressing Plouff during the banquet. "You were the first one on the field every time and the last one off, helping clean up. I cannot thank you enough for everything you've done for the team."
Shinners anchored a Hodags' defensive unit that allowed 1.2 goals per game in Great Northern Conference play as he earned second-team all-conference honors.
"Harri, he'll be missed back there next year big time," Bates said. "He deserved that award and, in my opinion, should have been first-team (all-conference). Harri's one of the best defenders, I think, in the conference and I'm going to miss that kid a lot - his speed, his aggressiveness with the ball."
Bates said he hopes that Huff, who possesses similar abilities as Shinners, will fill that role next year. Huff received honorable mention in the Great Northern Conference this season.
"He's still a little green, but his speed and how aggressive he is going for the ball, he's going to be a great player if he sticks with it," he said.
Charlie Heck was one of a number of freshmen who were counted on to fill varsity roles right away. The highlight of his season was an 84th-minute goal that helped the Hodags secure a 2-2 draw with Three Lakes/Phelps Sept. 30.
"Charlie was solid from day one until the end of the season," Bates said. "He was one of the most consistent players on the team. He was just solid all the time. You ask him to do it and he's going to do and give 100 percent no matter what."
The team was able to chuckle about the unusually high number of draws it had during the season - including a string of four ties in five games at one point. The captains' gift to the coaches at the end of the banquet was, appropriately enough, a necktie emblazoned with the Hodag logo.
"We had a great season and I'm extremely proud of all of you," Bates said addressing the team. "I had a lot of fun with you guys this year and I'm proud of you. We didn't have a lot of wins, but we didn't have a lot of losses either."
In addition to the awards, the team announced its captains for the 2020 season - Joseph Heck and Wiese will return to the captain's role and will be joined by Tucker Frederickson and Charlie Heck.
Jeremy Mayo may be reached at [email protected].
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