Fenwick boys soccer off to strong start in 2021

The Fenwick boys soccer team, like all high school athletic teams, has had to adjust to a different season and schedule, but they have proven that they can hold their own.

After starting the season with a 3-1 record, the Friars notched their first draw of the season, a 1-1 result at Riverside-Brookfield High School on April 2. 

Fenwick’s equalizer came from junior defenseman Will Jancewicz, who positioned himself in front of the net on the left on and tapped in a loose ball from junior Ryan Bero’s free kick with 18:15 to go in the second half.

“I just lined up to run and we called the play to the back post, and I was the one to get to the back post,” Jancewicz said. “Luckily the goalie couldn’t handle it and I was there to rebound and get it in. We had good ball movement today and the defense played really well overall.”

The Friars are off to a solid start on the season, with victories against some of their toughest conference opponents. 

Along with Jancewicz and Bero, the team has gotten major contributions from junior midfielder Jack Powers, senior forward Ari Velliotis (who was honorable mention for the all-sectional and all-Catholic League); senior defenders Anders Luthringshausen, Brent Bergnach and Joey Karris; senior midfielder Narayan Sharma; and senior defender Dylan Kupiec. The senior leadership on the team has been a huge factor in the team’s growth.

“I think we’ve matured a lot from last season,” Jancewicz said. “We’ve had some quality wins against St. Pat’s and St. Ignatius. It’s been a really solid season so far.”

With the uncertainty over whether there would be a season this year, Jancewicz and his teammates are thrilled to be taking the field in 2021.

“I was very excited [when the IHSA announced there would be a soccer season],” Jancewicz said. “It was really up in the air for a while, so I’m just really happy to be out here.”

The team has been going through all the necessary protocols and have been successful so far in making sure everyone is safe and able to play.

“We’ve handled it pretty well,” Jancewicz said. “There have been some setbacks for sure, but I think we’ve done really well to adjust and have a smooth season.”

“Our student athletes and their families, coaches and administration have been amazing in being so positive, patience, and helpful,” said Friars head coach Craig Blazeri. “They are the team.”