You've got to be a little crazy

In the fall of 1978, Jeff Woodward (second row, right) stepped onto the youth soccer field not sure where he should play. But he was unafraid of the ball so the coaches placed him in goal. It’s the place where you’ve got to be a little bit crazy.

And did Jeff ever respond. He helped the Teamen to an undefeated season in 1978 and “one of the best soccer games I’ve ever seen” (referee) in a 3OT championship win over the Strikers.

Fast forward eight years to high school. Jeff was in net for the Cougars, leading the 1986 team to a 13-2-2 record and a stunning 3-0 win over Hanover in the semifinals before bowing in the finals to Oyster River.

The Transcript noted, “Jeff Woodward has been spectacular. Woody survived Hanover’s target practice in the shooting gallery with all potential bullseyes blocked. The Marauders shelled the Conval net with 16 shots and Woodward had 14 saves.”

From “where do I play?” in youth soccer, Jeff went on to become an all-state goalkeeper in high school.

“This team here is the first product of the youth program,” said Coach Pete Ketchum following the 1986 season. “I’m really excited about that program. When I look down and see these kids playing, I know it’s only going to get better. They’re going to have that skill development and we’ll be able to put more things together.”

Jeff wasn’t the only product of the youth program. Also playing varsity for Conval from the Teamen were Dick Tracey, Tom Henault and Al Johnson. All-state Hunter Burgess was a member of the Strikers.

Front row from left: Mark Gagnon, Mike Kelley, Scott Wilton, Dick Tracey, Tom Heanult Christine Kelley and Matt Cabana. Second row: Al Johnson, Matt Talbot, Sue Siegel, Diane Weaver, Dan Perullo, Micky Beauchamp, Randy Goolbis and Jeff Woodward. Back row are coaches Mike McTague and Steve Smith.