Boys Final Four Appearance in State Soccer Playoffs Hopes to Encourage Change at Cross Keys

Known for its rich diversity, students can compete academically among the best. But for several years, the school's athletic program has existed in the shadows of its local counterparts.

Cross Keys coaches are hoping however, that the winning momentum following a deep playoff run by the boys soccer team this spring, will spread to other athletic programs.

The school concluded the year at 15-5-1, and came within one win of the state championship game before falling to Westminster 3-0, in the Class AA Final Four.

For soccer coach Bryan Wallace, who is also in his fourth year as athletic director, the resurgence owes much to an approach that utilizes its diversity, instead of blaming it.

Reaching the semifinal, he says, is a case in point.

“We can’t hope to compete across the board. What we set: take a few things and concentrate energies on those things,” he said. “Our advantage is we have players who are naturally skilled, and we try and channel those things.”

Yet, even as Cross Keys attempts to create niches like soccer, positive signs have crept into other areas of its sports spectrum.

Two track athletes advanced to state, and its football team - still building up its program - won back-to-back games last season for the first time since 2004. Soccer remains Cross Keys’ speciality.

“Different countries play different styles. [The players] really do possess magical skills and great natural feeling,” said Wallace. “We don’t dribble through cones – that’s never been practice for us.”

A challenge for the program will be replacing outgoing seniors. Mpaza Kapembwa and Javier Garcia, both gifted students who earned athletic scholarships, were great leaders on the field for the Indians and will leave a hole in the program.

The duo helped create a strong bond in the team and “dispelled the myths” about Cross Keys not producing fine students, said Wallace. 

But there remains grounded optimism that Cross Keys can match or better this season’s mark. Leading scorer Jordy Banegas, regarded as one of the quickest forwards around and a Division I college prospect, is returning. As are six other starters. Furthermore, the junior varsity squad, which is the feeder team to varsity, finished with an 8-1 record.

“I think we’re going to be in real good shape again,” said Wallace.