Unity Christian High School in Hudsonville, Mich., captured its third Division II boys’ soccer championship in six years.
Unity Christian champion boys’ soccer team
Todd Grasman
The Crusaders, who lost in the state championship game last year, allowed just two goals in seven games while scoring 18 goals. In early November they finished the season with a record of 25-2.
“They had been solid all year long but were outstanding in the tournament,” Unity head coach Randy Heethuis said. “Our offense didn’t score as much [as in past seasons], but our defense kept us in every game and gave us a chance to win.”
Heethuis, who also led the Crusaders to state championships in 2007 and 2009, says a demanding regular season schedule helped prepare his team for the state tournament.
“As a coach, you really strive to play your best come tournament time, and it was the case with this team,” said Heethuis, a member of Fairway Christian Reformed Church in Jenison, Mich.
Heethuis has also coached the Unity Christian girls’ soccer program to seven state championships in the last eight years, including a title in May.
Stephan Hooker was named to the Michigan All-State Dream Team, consisting of top players across all divisions in the state.
About the Author
Greg Chandler is a freelance news correspondent for The Banner. He lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan.