Troy High soccer accomplished first goal, winning OAA Red title By Mike Moore TROY — If you think winning a division title isn’t a big deal, just ask the Troy High soccer team. In 2003, when the Colts won a Division 1 state championship, they finished fourth in the Oakland Activities Association Division I. Needless to say, finishing at the top of the division isn’t anything to scoff at. “It’s absolutely huge,” third-year coach Dave Hicklin said. “When the season began, this was one of the first goals the guys set. To go out and actually do it is just incredible.” Troy, which began district play in the Division 1 playoffs against Royal Oak High Oct. 20, after press time, finished the 2009 regular season 15-1-2. More importantly, the Colts were an astounding 10-0-1 in the OAA Red. “To be honest, I’m a little surprised we did as well as we did,” said Hicklin, whose team clinched the division title with a 3-0 win over Birmingham Lahser Oct. 6. “You have to consider the fact we graduated 13 guys from last year’s team. We’re playing in one of, if not the best, divisions in the state, and we still found a way to be the top team.” So what was the reason? “There’s probably a few different things,” senior Steve Daws said. “A lot of it had to do with our defense and the fact we hardly allowed any goals. At the same time, though, we’re a team that really doesn’t have a major weakness. “We’re very well-rounded. On top of that, we went into every league game very seriously. You add all that up, and I guess this is what we get.” Hicklin, who wasn’t sure when Troy last won a division title, summed up his reason for this year’s first-place finish a little more simply. “We obviously had a lot of talent,” he said, “but the key thing for us was how hard these guys worked. Day in and day out, their work ethic was outstanding.” You can reach Sports Writer Mike Moore at mmoore@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1038. 
|
