Profile: Skyline’s Bryce Schaner talks inspirations and postseason goals
Bryce Schaner is one of the seniors leading Skyline to another impressive season, one year after taking home the state championship. Schaner and his team have their eyes set on potentially repeating, but they know that every game from here on out is going to be a challenge.
The Eagles begin postseason play against Huron on Thursday, Oct. 10 in the first round of Districts.
“Going into districts, this was a perfect match (against Pioneer). Some of these players haven’t experienced the state playoffs like Bryce has, so this will help,” said Skyline head coach Chris Morgan. “I think as a team, we know we’re fighting for each other and working for each other. I would love to repeat. It doesn’t happen very often, but it’s been our goal since the beginning of the year.”
Schaner helped his team earn a 1-1 draw against the Pioneers in their regular-season finale on Monday night. Schaner, who celebrated Senior Night with his teammates, said the Pioneers gave them a few lessons to take with them into the postseason.
“They high pressed us basically the whole game so we have to be able to play quicker,” he said. “I thought we did better in the end of the first half and the middle of the game. Since they’re an in-town rival it’s about getting our emotions straight and remaining calm.
“I thought I had a couple of chances that I could have done better with but you live and learn.”
The senior star talked to about his upbringing and how he was introduced to the sport he now loves, citing his father as his biggest inspiration.
“I started playing when I was like 5 or 6 years old,” he said. “My dad got me into rec and ed. I kind of liked it at first but when I was around 10, I started to get serious with it. I really look up to my dad and I feel like I’m a good representation of him.”
Schaner has certainly learned the game of soccer and he has turned into one of the best players in the area. He has collegiate offers from the University of Dayton and Northern Illinois University, and mentioned that he is seriously considering Akron and Oakland as well.
Morgan shared his thoughts on his star player.
“He was explosive last year but the separation that he gets now is leaps and bounds ahead. He has nice touch, you saw it, and he just leaves people everywhere on the field,” said Morgan.
“We’re going to keep working on the finishing to score more goals,” he added with a chuckle.
Schaner is excited about possibly making another run in the playoffs but is focused on Huron for the time being.
“We’ve been trying to take it one game at a time and that’s what we’re going to continue to try and do for the rest of the season,” he said.
