GISST Varsity Boys Football
The Varsity boys have proven themselves unstoppable, yet again. They came home victorious, winning the GISST football championship for the 3rd time in a row. Their journey started in 2022, where they had won division 2 propelling them into the first division, where they were unbeaten in 2023 and 2024, the most recent season.
Saba – our Student Council President – took it upon herself to interview the man behind the success; Varsity Football Boys’ Coach Mr Achkar. Roman Achkar is of polish-lebanese descent and has been at LIS for three years, going into his fourth year, teaching chemistry to secondary students. Aside from football he also coaches the volleyball & basketball GISST teams at LIS.
Interview:
How would you describe your coaching style?
Well, I try to make it fun. I try to help build a team spirit and a game plan. In terms of individual player skills, honestly I don’t even have enough time to develop individual skills. I mainly choose players that already have good skills or skills that I need.
You’ve led the team to two tournament victories already. Can you walk us through one of the memorable moments or turning points from those championship seasons?
I was always amazed by how the students reacted to being one goal down or two goals down. Usually it’s the team spirit that suddenly becomes intense during the tournament. Everybody becomes more serious and all of a sudden its the will to win – that changes everything. I think the turning point was the team meetings in the lockers just before the final, in both tournaments.
What’s the funniest or most creative excuse a player has ever given for missing practice?
Creative excuse for missing practice…? One player wanted to break up with his girlfriend
If you could choose any one player, past or present, to join your team for a game, who would it be and why?
Hmm, for me it’s Roosevelt Lima (graduated in 2024). The intensity he brings and his attitude towards the game is unmatched, although I have a lot of very good players but his attitude and skill are amazing.
What advice would you give to players who dream of reaching the next level in football?
They have to work, they have to sweat, they have to listen to the coaches. They have to know that they are not amazing, your skill is not everything. Most of what you have to do is training, training, training, work on yourself and never think that they are the best. Always work on yourself.
GISST Varsity Girls Football
The Varsity girls have proven determination and resilience in Ulm, fighting the cold and icy conditions, they pushed to an impressive 6th place finish. “Consistency does not guarantee that you’ll be successful, but not being consistent guarantees that you won’t reach success” – Mr. Emm. Wise words from a wise coach, Saba was fortunate enough to ask him a few questions about his experience with this season’s GISST preparation and tournament.
Interview:
How would you describe your coaching style?
I always follow the motto that I have student athletes. So for me its a high priority for the kids to do well in school. Not academically but most importantly in their behavior, so that they can be part of our team. My philosophy is simple; make the training sessions really hard, harder than what you will encounter in the tournament, so that everything is much easier there, which is similar to my teaching philosophy. Our lessons and assessments are more challenging than the real exams so that when you go to the real show, everything is not new to you.
What has been the most memorable moment from training so far?
From this year? Oof, that’s not an easy question. The most memorable so far was last week, when we got to celebrate the two birthdays of our teammates. We did a little surprise. I think that’s very important for team bonding and team chemistry. Nothing to do with the actual sport but the team chemistry which I think really helped.
Last year you won the tournament with the varsity girls team. What turning points was memorable to you from that championship?
We faced extremely difficult weather conditions. It was raining non-stop, it was super windy. At some point the girls were so worn out and tired. Then, because we had great leadership on that team from multiple players – especially from our Gr12’s that graduated – they brought the team together and we were able to come out as one unit in the final, despite so many difficulties playing against the host school. So I would say that combination. The weather conditions with the performance on the pitch, before the final.
Be consistent, because consistency is key in everything. You want school success? You want sports success? You want life success? You have to be consistent in everything with your habits.
Coach Emm
What’s the funniest or most creative excuse a player has ever given for missing practice?
Oof, that’s a good question!
Do you want to know Mr Achkar’s answer?
Yes.
One player asked to be excused to break up with his girlfriend.
Oh, I remember that. Yes, that was last year? I remember because the girl was on my team. So I had to offer some emotional support afterwards. That was terrible. Don’t do that! Don’t do that before the training! Usually the excuses have to do with school “I have a test tomorrow” – or something like that, which I don’t really like. You can prioritise your time, if you know about your assessment in advance then you can combine everything. I am of that philosophy. Most cases are not creative, usually it has to do with school or music or rehearsals, something like that.
If you could choose any one player, past or present, to join your team for a game, who would it be and why?
I can choose an Alumni? Yes? Then the answer is easy. I would bring back Tina Woltersdorf (graduated 2024). Not just for the football skills, mainly for the leadership skills and how she supported everyone on the pitch.
What advice would you give to players who dream of reaching the next level in football?
Keep trying, every year, even if you don’t make it on the team, keep trying. Ask for advice from the coach. Be consistent, because consistency is key in everything. You want school success? You want sports success? You want life success? You have to be consistent in everything with your habits. Don’t give up, progress will come. Usually we give up if we don’t see results very quickly. Keep pushing and the results will come.