PEORIA, AZ (AZFamily) — The Liberty High School boys soccer team will play for a state championship Saturday night — the first time in school history the program has reached the final — and players say they are competing for more than a title.
Head coach Tyler Hussey stepped away from the sideline this season to focus on cancer treatment, leaving interim coach Paul Barron to lead the Lions to the state final against San Luis High School.
‘Playing for Hussey’
Barron hasn’t been with the soccer team long.
“A couple of years, been the assistant coach under Tyler Hussey. Just took over the role as an interim, just as Tyler is going through his battles,” Barron said.
Hussey was diagnosed with cancer four years ago. This season, due to treatments, he stepped away from coaching to focus on his health.
Senior Caleb Anderson said the team has drawn motivation from their head coach’s fight.
“So especially this season, we’ve been playing for Hussey,” Anderson said. “So putting that smile on his face while he’s fighting just always makes us want to fight harder for him.”
Road to the final
The Lions’ path to the championship was not without difficulty. In their most recent playoff game, Liberty trailed 2-0 with nine minutes remaining.
“So it was a little bit of a wake-up call, but I think just through adversity and just putting in the work, putting our bodies on line,” Anderson said.
Junior Logan Barron said the team is focused on making history.
“Yeah, I mean, first time in school history, so go make history,” he said.
Hussey’s message
Though Hussey has not been on the sideline, his presence has remained with the team. Interim coach Barron recounted a conversation with Hussey about the program.
“He goes, ‘I just need to step down because I’m in the way of this team.’ And I said, ‘in the way of this team?’ He said, ‘the team is as strong as they are. It’s because of you,’” Barron said.
Hussey also delivered a message directly to his players ahead of the championship.
“Hey, I am so proud of what you guys have accomplished this year,” Hussey said. “And I think tomorrow you’re going to put it all on the field, for each other, and just keep fighting. What you guys do on the pitch gives me strength every day to keep fighting.”
During the team’s final practice Friday, interim coach Barron reminded players of their motivation.
“And who are we competing for? Hussey. That’s it, yeah? That’s the guy, yeah? That’s the strength we get from it, OK? Those same kind of, the things he’s gone through, the battles he does, he never quits. We never quit, yeah?” Barron said.
Game details
The Liberty Lions will face San Luis High School at 7 p.m. Saturday at Mesa High School. A send-off is scheduled for 4 p.m. at Liberty High School. The team said Hussey is expected to attend Saturday’s game.
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