LEROY – The recently concluded men’s soccer season has been a very productive one for the Pine River Bucks, who have been the most successful they have posted in several years.
Among the reasons for the success was the play by Javen Wanstead, who was a junior in his third year of college.
“It’s going very well,” he said at the end of the season. “It’s mainly about communicating, passing the ball and talking.
He was a defenseman / sweeper who forced over 15 offside per game and three saves per game. He was an honorable mention of the All-Northern Michigan Soccer Conference 2021, an All District 2021 team.
“As a team manager he was responsible on the pitch,” said Pine River coach David Fisher. “He showed excellent mental toughness, staying focused under the pressure. He helped lead our defense which averaged over 15 offside per game, limiting the opponents’ attacking offense. His speed was a great asset that helped his effectiveness in keeping the ball away from goal. Javen’s ability to know where to be has also helped frustrate our opponents while helping our other defenders find their mark.
“It also helped him make an average of three saves per game. He has also scored a goal this season while playing
defense.”
Wanstead said his role “is to get the ball up the pitch,” he said. “I was able to do this.
On the goal he scored, “it was awesome,” Wanstead said. “It was mostly luck, really.”
Wanstead is also on track and wrestling.
“Football and athletics are definitely my favorites,” he said. “I also like wrestling. I joined a travel soccer team in Cadillac and it helped me a lot.
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