The Franklin High School (FHS) Men’s Soccer Team hosted its annual alumni soccer game recently at Macon Middle School. The event has become a tradition, drawing players from across generations for a spirited match that raises money for the current program.
The two teams this year were led by junior varsity head coach, Juan Morales, and long-time soccer coach, Bill Kimsey.
Before kickoff, parents of JV and varsity players faced off in a lively match of their own, with athletes and alumni cheering from the sidelines.
“To see parents and siblings having fun and building camaraderie within the program was brilliant,” said FHS’s new varsity head coach, Bryan Wilkinson. “Watching our players cheer for their families, sometimes laughing, sometimes celebrating, was fantastic.”
“I loved experiencing the alumni game because of the passion that you see from players who have gone through the program,” he added. “I believe our young, current players can learn so much from the experience of the previous teams.”
Wilkinson was recently hired as the FHS men’s soccer coach, adding to a long list of his soccer accomplishments. With more than 30 years of coaching experience, including four years alongside Coach Sam Vargas at Macon Middle, Wilkinson now leads a squad featuring a strong mix of players of all ages and experience.
After Wilkinson originally moved from England to play Division One soccer at Jacksonville University in Florida, he then coached at the University of North Florida. He started coaching high school teams during his freshman year in college and has now coached for more than 30 years.
FHS team in ‘best position possible’
Describing the team’s potential and the strategy for this upcoming season, Wilkinson said,“Everything we do this season is structured to put us in the best position possible to make playoffs. Taking over a program, it’s essential to create buy-in from players, families, and the community. Success will not just be measured by the results on the field, but also in the growth and development of each individual player and the team. As coaching staff, we attempt to prepare our players for each game and to also instill qualities that will last a lifetime.”
Wilkinson noted that the current squad is made up of a strong mixture of upper and underclassmen, which allows the underclassmen to be mentored by the older players. Rather than highlighting individual stars, Wilkinson emphasizes teamwork.
“We want every player to shine, but the season is only successful if a team mindset is built within the program,” he said.
Wilkinson shared that the most rewarding part of coaching has been watching players shine both on and off the field.
“The true highlights of my coaching career are the hundreds of players I’ve worked with that have reached their potential and are highly successful in life.”
The FHS men’s varsity team opened the season with a 3-3 tie against Enka, followed by a 4-2 win over Highlands. After a 0-3 loss to Asheville on Aug. 22, the Panthers are determined to bounce back as they move deeper into the season.