Munoz Proud to be a DeKalb Tiger

By Chris Tramel

It was a hard year for DeKalb County High School spring sports teams. Early on, rain and bad weather kept teams indoors rather than on the practice field. Then, just as it looked like the seasons might get underway, the worldwide coronavirus pandemic struck, putting a halt to all sports all over the world. Hopes were held out that the once delayed seasons might be salvaged in one form or another, but delays eventually lead to the cancellation of the entire school year, and with it the sports seasons altogether.

 The news was especially hard on the team's senior players. They had worked through the team's ranks through the previous three years of high school, and for most this would be their final year on the field of play.

 DeKalb Tigers soccer player Alan Munoz was one of those seniors, and though he is disappointed to have not gotten that final year of play, he's proud of the time he spent on the team.

 Munoz said that soccer has been a part of his life almost from the beginning. "I've played soccer ever since I could walk," he told the Smithville Review. "I started out playing in the rec leagues here in Smithville at the league we have going on here. I then continued to play throughout my middle school years, through 6th, 7th, and 8th grades, then played all four years of high school. I've also been part of the Murfreesboro Soccer Club in Murfreesboro."

 While Munoz was one of the star players on the team, he shied away from such praise and gave credit to his team. "I like to think I'm a piece of the puzzle that creates a cohesive team."

 He went on to explain how the team's season got off to a slow start due to heavy spring rains. "It was definitely a challenge, but I think Coach K (Kleparek) was able to make the most out of the situation. I think we got to play four games in total this year. We got to play three games at our play day that we hosted at our new high school soccer field, and then we got to play one regular game against Smyrna."

 When asked what he misses most about this year's cancelled season, he said it was the challenge of the game. "I miss the adversity in the midst of a game, when it's really deep into the game and no one's scored, and someone needs to score. I really like the atmosphere that I would have with my team mates, knowing they're going to help me out, and I'm going to do what's best to help them out the most. I like just being caught up in that moment and having that feeling."