Posted Monday, April 13, 2009 by Eddie Wright

Roderick Tyler Halpainy, better known to the Putnam City Soccer Family as "Smiles", made what was already a successfull Jamboree tournament, memorable.  Putnam City and N.W. Classen played in a defensive struggle for 50 minutes only to see regulation end in a 0-0 tie.  The game would then go to a 5 player Penalty Kick Shoot-out to determine a winner.  After goals by Felipe Sanchez, Taylor Tripp, and Bleek Wehba, and two fantastic saves by Do Chuong Putnam City held a 2 goal advantage 3-1.  At this point Coach Erick Woodard decided it was time for his secret weapon to guarantee a Pirate Victory.  Woodard elected to send Halpainy to the Penalty Stripe and without hesitation Halpainy took the ball in hand.  As he approached the line everyone in the Stadium leaped to their feet and errupted in cheers of encouragement for the Junior Forward.  Halpainy anxiously approched the line and set it precisely in the spot that he wanted.  He then slowly backed up and planted his feet into the ground waiting for the official to blow his whistle.  Upon hearing the whistle Halpainy with a fury approached the ball and confidently kicked it into the upper left hand corner of the goal leaving the Goalie frozen in his tracks.  Halpainy then turned to see a black heard of his fellow teammates sprinting in his direction and he began to do the same.  Eventually Halpainy and the rest of the Pirate Team met at the 20 yard line with screams of Joy and congratulatory hugs for the triumpth that they shared on the field.  Roderick Tyler Halpainy, better yet, "Smiles" just scored the game winning goal for the Team that he loves more than any one else, playing the game that he loves more than anything else.  And what a week it was for "Smiles".  Just three days earlier he successfully represented Putnam City by placing 2nd in the 400 yard dash at the 2009 Special Olympics.  Congratulations "Smiles"!!!