By Wayne E. Rivet

Staff Writer

Patrick Irish had some big shoes to fill this fall when he took over as Lake Region’s varsity goalkeeper.

He’s certainly been up for the challenge.

“Pat stepped up this year to fill the rather large shoes left by Dakota Bush, who graduated last year and who was one of the best soccer goalies in our division,” Laker Coach Michael Chaine said. “Pat has done extremely well, earning him recognition from me and more importantly his team. Pat started this year with no varsity game time under his belt in the goal and through his hard work and dedication to the position, he has become the backbone of our team.”

As a tri-captain, Pat’s positive attitude is passed on to his teammates. He is looked up to and respected, Coach Chaine said.

“Pat puts everything he has when he is on the field, and just as much off the field. Pat has been instrumental in helping with rides for players who need them to or from practices and was a great help to me this summer as I ran my first youth soccer camp,” the coach said. “The camp kids love to be around Pat and his love of the game.”

In recognition of his strong work ethic, determination, commitment and good sportsmanship, Patrick is this week’s Boosters and Hancock Lumber “Player of the Week.” Each week, a Lake Region athlete is recognized for his/her dedication (does more than what is asked), work ethic, coachability and academic good standing. Recipients receive a specially-designed t-shirt, sponsored by Hancock Lumber.

The Irish File

Name: Patrick Irish

Year in School: Senior

Town: Sebago

Parents: Penni-Jo Daniels and Michael Irish

School Activities/Sports: Soccer, Varsity Club, Student Council.

Q. Why did you choose soccer? PI. I chose soccer as a way to get physically fit and have fun with friends.

Q. What do you hope to accomplish this season? PI. I hope to make an All-Conference team and win a couple more games.

Q. What do you enjoy the most? PI. I enjoy being with my teammates, mentoring younger athletes, and the team atmosphere.

Q. What do you like the least? PI. I don’t like doing circuit training because it’s brutal on the legs.

Q. What makes you successful? PI. Hard work ethic, being around people who are working equally as hard, and being around my team to push me to strive to get better.

Q. What would your dream moment be? PI. My dream moment would be getting into the playoffs and winning the Class B state championship.

Q. What has soccer taught you? PI. The sport taught me how to get in shape, work hard, learned to handle a loss, how to handle wins, and how to be a good teammate.

Q. Who has inspired you? PI. Dakota Bush. He was the goalkeeper before me, and I hope to be as good as he is. He taught me everything I know about being a good goalie.