The Normal West Boys Soccer had an outstanding season, finishing with a record of 17-5-2.
Although their sectional final game against Washington High School on Nov. 1 ended their season, they played a well-fought game, forcing a double overtime.
Playing in the sectional final is a feat in itself; however, the Wildcats were most excited to get to compete with their best friends all season.
“It was really a cool moment because it’s one of those things where you don’t really get a play in such big games like that every year, so super surreal to be able to do that with my closest friends,” junior forward John Jasker said.
Although he credits his teammates for the help, Jasker led the Wildcats all season, even achieving the Normal West single-season goal record with 35 goals.
In reflection, the Wildcats knew they weren’t going to be “average” this season.
In fact, there was much growth to get to where they ended up, and they exceeded the expectations set for them from past years.
“The team grew in many ways. We grew as a team and as a family, and we also improved as the season continued. From the start of the year, we knew we were gonna’ be good, and as the season went on, we just had to continue proving it…and that came with us winning the regional title,” senior wing Mason Heppe said.
In the end, it was the team chemistry and an early-established work ethic that truly propelled this talented group to go as far as they did this season.
“We made it clear at the beginning of the season to work hard in practices and every game, show up and try our absolute best,” senior Max Lampert noted.
Wildcat boys soccer is used to working hard, as it is a storied program. However, the team knew that this season was different from the start.
“I think it was great to have high expectations for us coming to be any season, being able to live up to them, and just play it as well as we did…I think that this year’s season just sets us up for bigger and better things next year,” Jasker added.
This year’s Wildcat squad graduates only four seniors, leaving those who are returning hungry for next year’s potential.
“A lot of us will be coming back next year, so now we’re all experienced with playing together. Regional and Sectionals, hopefully, will be better, and we should be able to get to conference next year, too,” junior goalie Drake Rumps noted.
And although they’ll graduate in May, this year’s seniors leave the program with guidance for future players.
“Don’t stress too much about records or rankings, just play hard, enjoy the game, and appreciate the time you have with your teammates,” senior center back Jason Nkangu advised.
Below, the 2026 seniors left us with their advice for their younger teammates and fellow Wildcats:
Mason Heppe:
Plans for next year: “My plans after high school are to study youth ministry, and then the plan is to become a youth minister after college, along with continuing photography.”
Do you plan to keep playing soccer after high school?: “I plan to play club with FCCI and then hope to play some sort of college soccer.”
If you could give one message to next year’s team, what would it be? “One Message for next year’s teams: Remember that success isn’t built in one big moment, but it’s built in the small choices you make together every day.”
Jason Nkangu:
Plans for next year: “I plan on graduating in December and attending Heartland Community College in the spring to finish my associate’s degree in science. Until then, I have time to think, but I’ll probably transfer to a university.”
Do you plan to keep playing soccer after high school? “I plan on continuing soccer in college for a club team. I had too much fun to quit now. I’ll see where I end up.”
If you could give one message to next year’s team, what would it be? “Remember that soccer is about having fun. Don’t stress too much about records or rankings. Just play hard, enjoy the game, and appreciate the time you have with your teammates.”
Shane Fish:
Plans for next year: “My plans after high school are to graduate early and join the union as a heavy equipment operator.”
If you could give one message to next year’s team, what would it be? “My message is to keep working hard and striving for success, but most importantly, have fun and keep good relationships with everyone on the team.”
Bryan Rivera Melendez
Plans for next year: “I plan to study something with business and hope to own a business/company.”
Do you plan to keep playing soccer after high school? “I do not plan to play for anything, I just did it for fun and because football is life.”
If you could give one message to next year’s team, what would it be? “Keep working hard.”
Max Lampert:
While his future plans are undecided, he hopes to continue playing club soccer at a University.
If you could give one message to next year’s team, what would it be? “Play every game like it’s your last and hold your teammates accountable.”
