Sallisaw soccer senior boys proud being part of program, making Class 4A playoffs
Four seasons ago, the Sallisaw Black Diamonds soccer program was born for the 2022 season.
Three of the senior players, Johan Salinas, Brian Castor and Wyatt Allen, have been a part since inception, and fourth senior Josh Taylor for most of those four years. All four are happy to be leaving a legacy of sorts behind when they graduate later this month.
“I think it’s something I can look back at for the years to come, especially when we started off with zero pretty much,” Salinas said. “We had lots of losses that we had to go through. Lots of restructurizing that we had to go through. We had to build back up from the ground. I think this (program) is something to look at later on to encourage not only me but others to succeed.”
“It makes me feel very excited,” Castor said. “When I grow up, I’ll be able to tell my kids that we started this. Even though there are losses that come with it, you’ll know that one day you’ll be on top.”
“It feels pretty awesome,” Allen said. “We’ve had a lot of butt-kicking and it was pretty rough (for the first couple of seasons). Through hard work, we stuck it out. Now, it’s finally given us something in return. I can always look back to that first year to play with my brothers in soccer. It’s just a good memory to have.”
“It’s exciting,” Allen said. “It’s memorable. I’ve made good memories here. I’m glad to have been a part of it.”
For the first time in the four-year history of the program, the Black Diamonds will be a part of the Class 4A boys soccer playoffs.
The Black Diamonds (10-2) will meet the Skiatook Bulldogs (10-4) at 7 p.m. Monday in Skiatook. All four seniors are glad to have finally kicked down the door to make postseason play.
“I’m very proud of everybody, from the seniors to the freshmen, and from where we came from,” Taylor said. “I’m very proud of what we’re doing here.”
“I think it (making the playoffs) is incredible,” Salinas said. “For the past four years, we started off from scratch, and I think it’s something we can look at and think to ourselves that all the hard work we’ve put in and the passion we have for this sport has finally paid off. It lies heavy on my heart because it’s the last year we (seniors) will be playing, and it’s the only year we will have the opportunity to play in the playoffs. I think it’s something to make the best of and push through.”
“I’m very excited about making the playoffs, especially where we’ve come from year No. 1 (2022 season) where we didn’t even have a goal of making the playoffs,” Castor said. “It (the goal) was just to win a game, or not even lose 10-0 (the mercy-rule score to end a match). In only a span of four years, you wouldn’t imagine a team like this making the playoffs.”
“We’re excited,” Allen said. “It’s breathtaking, really. Last year, we were so close. We sadly missed by one game (of making the Class 4A playoffs). It’s just very exciting to see that this is what hard work can do (make the postseason).”
However, the Black Diamonds are not just satisfied with being a playoff team. They’re thinking of winning the Class 4A state title.
“If we play our game and play good like we have been, I feel like we do (have a chance at making or winning the Class 4A state title),” Allen said.
“I think our run to state would be very likely, especially after playing teams like Hilldale and Van Buren (Ark.),” Castor said. “I think we have a good chance.”
“It would be great,” Salinas said. “It’s something that would be incredible to me, to make history here in Sallisaw for the first time ever (in soccer). It would be something we can teach our kids in the future — that Sallisaw High School soccer is actually worth it.”
“I think we’re very likely to make a deep run,” Taylor said. “I think we can win it all if we play our best games.”
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TO GET THERE — Take U.S. 64 west to the Muskogee Turnpike. Take the Muskogee Turnpike west to Broken Arrow. Take Oklahoma State Highway 51 (the Broken Arrow Expressway) west to U.S. 169. Take U.S. 169 (the Mingo Valley Expressway) north to Interstate 244/U.S. 412. Take I-244/U.S. 412 (the Crosstown Expressway) west to Oklahoma State Highway 11. Take Highway 11 (the Gilcrease Expressway) west to U.S. 75. Take U.S. 75 (the Cherokee Expressway) north to Oklahoma State Highway 20. Take Highway 20 west to Skiatook.
