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Summit Country Day boys' soccer wins second consecutive state title

Coach: 'A group like this is truly special'
Posted at 8:15 PM, Nov 13, 2016
and last updated 2016-11-14 07:05:26-05

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The reality of back-to-back state titles for the Summit Country Day boys’ soccer team was fulfilled in the second half Sunday afternoon.

There was hardly any doubt.

But, winning back-to-back state titles may not be palpable for nine of the team’s seniors until Monday morning – or even years down the line.

Seniors Sam Martin and Cameron Belle combined for seven goals as the Silver Knights defeated Kidron Central Christian 9-1 in the Division III state final at MAPFRE Stadium.

It was the second straight title for Summit and the fifth overall for the prestigious program.

Summit (21-1-1) scored six times in the second half after holding a 3-1 halftime lead. It was the second time this season the Silver Knights scored that many goals in a half. Summit defeated Clayton Northmont 12-1 in the season opener.

Summit subbed a lot of players with about 15 minutes remaining Sunday and managed to score again.

The Silver Knights stayed hungry throughout the postseason and it showed Sunday in Columbus. The six goals sealed any doubt.

“To do it in the state finals it was special,” Summit coach Scott Sievering said. “It was special to see these guys respond and to come out in the second half and set a tone.”

David Cook had a goal and two assists. Chuck Steines also added a goal. Goalkeeper Josh Campbell had three saves.

The nine seniors had a goal of defending the state title that Summit won in 2015 – in Sievering’s second season at the helm.

“When goals become reality it doesn’t really sink in,” Sievering said. “When they wake up tomorrow morning it might.”

Summit recorded the most consecutive wins (18) and overall wins in a single season (21) in program history.

The Silver Knights also finished with the highest win percentage in school history and have already scored the most goals in team history (140).

Summit, ranked No. 1 in the state coaches’ poll, outscored postseason opponents 54-1 this fall. That is truly a significant accomplishment.

“This team is the perfect storm of talent, work ethic, leadership and character,” Sievering said. “I am extremely blessed as a coach and very aware that a group like this is truly special.”