Shelly Franklin: Dayton Schools
Dayton High's Other Football Team
Soccer is the newest addition to the list of sports from which high school athletes at Dayton High School have to choose. The team consists of both boys and girls and competes against other coed high school teams. The athletes are enthusiastic and dedicated. With the help of their coach, D.J. Frame, they have been able to continue playing the sport that they love. Dayton has sponsored City League teams for younger participants for many years. It was during their participation as youngsters in City League Soccer, that these students developed the skills and the desire to keep playing the game.
Last year, D.J. got together a team for older kids who were able to play through the Walla Walla Parks and Recreation program. For many of the high school freshmen, it was the last year they would be able to look forward to playing because of age restrictions imposed by the Parks program. Dayton High School decided to seriously consider the requests for a school sponsored soccer team this year. D.J. Frame was hired to coach the team. Although the team lost their first match against Walla Walla Valley Academy, they don't appear to be discouraged. One of the young ladies on the team, Heather Truitt, said, "They asked if we got beat or if we lost our own game, I told them we just got out-played this time. We really played pretty well, but still have lots of work to do!
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