By Blake Chadwick
Maize South’s Danny Derath is a part of a long list of Derath’s who have been great soccer players, what makes him different is that this year he has a legit chance to become a three-time state champion for the Mavericks.
Derath is fresh off of a season where he had four goals and eight assists as a junior while being hounded by opposing teams’ defenses.
“When you have a Derath on your team, you know you have one of the top soccer bloodlines in the Wichita area,” head coach Rey Ramirez said. “He is a nifty, creative, and attack-minded player with a knack for goal.”
The Mavericks, the reigning back-to-back champions, and the 5A favorites, have a big hole to fill after losing USA Today Player of the Year, Vitor Geromel. Geromel led the way with 42 goals and 18 assists; with that gone, Derath can fill those big shoes.
“The team is really special this year, Derath said. “We did lose one of our biggest pieces with our last senior class, but that won’t stop us from winning it all. Our chemistry this year on and off the field is great.”
Determined to claim his third consecutive state championship, Derath has even added a personal incentive: a team-wide haircut celebration if they win it all.
“As far as the state championships, two of the most unforgettable experiences for me as a player,” Derath said. “My four years of playing in high school have been high level and high expectations. Our coaches are great and have helped us and me especially to improve and get to that state championship all three of my years. This isn’t our state champ team from last year nor are we state champs yet, but it’s bound to happen.”
