Diego Escobedo and Edgar Esquivel didn’t know each other before coming to East Aurora three years ago.
What they shared was a passion for soccer and now the two co-captains are working together to lead a soccer program that has more than 120 players.
“We crossed paths freshman year because of soccer and now here we are,” Esquivel said. “Before freshman year I didn’t even know who he was. We’ve gotten close and we both are trying to support the guys and help them win.”
They’ve had to grow into leaders and coach Nathan Parry admires how they’ve developed into that role.
“They’re good guys and they have been like that since last year even though they weren’t elected captains,” Parry said. “I always tell guys they can be leaders even when they aren’t captains. And they have definitely stepped up and were natural selections as captains this year.”
Parry saw them take on a bigger role during the offseason, which can be tough with kids vacationing, working and even skipping optional conditioning.
“They were on the guys and motivating them and that’s a big part of being a leader,” Parry said. “Doing the sprints in the hallways, getting the work done in the weight room, they were the ones leading it and it’s carried over to how our season has started.”
It’s more than just leading a 21-man varsity roster though, as they’re both go-to guys in the action on the field.
“They’re both great at whatever position or situation we put them in,” Parry said. “They could probably play anywhere other than keeper. They’ve been pretty good wherever I put them.”
And they’ve got the Tomcats (4-2-1) off to a nice start.
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It’s a welcome change for a program that last had a winning season and took home a regional championship in 2012. In the four seasons prior to this year, the Tomcats had only 20 victories overall.
“We have 10 new players on varsity and when you have that you need guys who can lead them and help them step into their roles,” Parry said. “We’re fortunate that there is such a love for soccer in this community. But it takes more than that and these guys have really helped our program.”
It’s a program that’s blessed to have a new home and that’s serving as additional motivation for the Tomcats to succeed.
“We’re happy with our start so far and excited to play in the new stadium,” Escobedo said. “We’ve already faced some good schools and been challenged, and from what I’ve seen, I can tell you it’s going to be a good season.”
It’s one in which these two seniors want to leave their own legacy, especially since there’s the possibility that the Tomcats could host a regional in October. Finishing with a winning record and a regional title is something that Esquivel and Escobedo have their teammates focused on.
“If you want to accomplish something you’ve got to work hard and even then it doesn’t mean it’s going to go your way,” Escobedo said. “We have to keep our heads up at all times and keep them all motivated. That’s what we’re trying to do because good things don’t happen all the time.”
Regardless, that’s part of enjoying the journey.
“As a senior you’ve got to make the most out of it,” Esquivel said. “Playing soccer, going to school, friends, everything.”
C.R. Walker is a freelance writer for The Beacon-News.