Zarek Sierazy hat trick leads the way for Chesterton in 8-0 win vs. Portage on senior night

Patrick Mochen
Onwardtrojans.com

Chesterton boys soccer defeated Portage, 8-0, on senior night on its last home game. The starting lineup featured all 10 seniors, even injured Jackson Whalen. Whalen tore the meniscus on his left knee and missed time in his junior year, and then tore the meniscus in his right knee earlier this year. He was able to play in the game for about five minutes, while doing his best to avoid further injury, and will have surgery in the coming weeks.
Zarek Sierazy had a big night, scoring the first goal to get the ball rolling and finishing the night with a hat trick. Daniel Lule, a transfer student from Portage, scored a goal against his former team, quieting the jeers coming from the Portage bench. Ray Stringham scored and backflipped in celebration.
Not all the contributions came from seniors.
Sophomore David Shumate had a goal and freshman Tyler Hecimovich tallied two.
Head Coach Lucas Sabedra praised each of his seniors after the win. Here are his quotes on the seniors, alphabetically.
Alex Amaya: “One of the hardest workers we’ve had. Does all the stuff on and off the ball that people aren’t willing to do. He does the extra work that we need on the field.”
Nate Kitchel: “He’s another coach on the field. Knowledgeable of the game. Great captain and communicator.”
Daniel Lule: “Wish we had him all four years. Such an important piece to how we play and such a great player. Such a great communicator on the field, he's a great example for the younger guys. Great kid.”
Paxton Martinez: “He’s the first one to practice and the last one to leave. Always puts in the extra work.”
Elliott McEvoy: “Just a great role model in practice. Always has something positive to say. Willing to be coachable, take advice when things aren’t going well.”
Ryan Postelnik: “Great at work ethic. Great attitude, always a team player. Always going to give you his best.”
Isaac Seifrig: “All these guys are here for their team, even though they might get frustrated at times. Isaac’s one of those guys, he’s like the center of the friend group, and he’s like the glue.”
Zarek Sierazy: “So much potential, as far as soccer skill. When he bottles it up and has days like today, it shows his true colors.”
Ray Stringham: “He’s the guy that brings everyone up. Hard worker, extremely talented, he’s been hindered by injuries throughout his high school career, but he’s always had the right attitude through it and he's always been there for his team. Great guy.”
Cal Stuckert: “Just a big old teddy bear, man. As dangerous as he is on the soccer field, he's just happy to be here and has a good attitude. Always positive, even with his injuries.”
Jackson Whalen: “Always has been hindered by injuries, wasn’t able to play his senior season, but has been here for his teammates. Such an important guy.”