For senior Ryan Payne, coming up a bit short in the state finals did not lessen the value of playing soccer for Trinity High School. “This year taught me a lot of lessons I’ll never forget.”

For the 10 seniors, four years of grueling practices, plenty of travel time and hundreds of game hours will be missed. Just over a month since finishing second in the state to Lexington Paul Dunbar, the seniors have had a chance to accept that their time as THS soccer players is over — and to reflect on the past four seasons.

For Payne, the time came with mixed feelings. “I have more free time than I used to, but I miss the team,” he said. “It’s very bitter-sweet.”

The Rocks’ season came to an end on a chilly Saturday night Nov. 9 after being defeated by Dunbar in the state finals. Trinity held a 1-0 lead throughout the game, until Dunbar put in a shot on goal in the last four minutes. After two overtime periods, penalty kicks ensued. Dunbar outscored Trinity and put the Rocks’ season to an end.

“We fought all the way to the end,” senior Jacob Dickerson said.

“I felt disappointed and unsatisfied with the end of my season. We made it so far only to lose in the end,” senior Jacob Gantt said. “We still had a great season, though.”

The players said the days after the state tournament were rough. The final penalty kicks were on constant replay in their heads — being so close to winning, only to have it taken away.  Some distractions helped clear their minds.

“It felt a little weird not having practice every day after school, but my club season picked up only a few days after the season ended so I never really had a break,” Gantt said. “I will finish out the remainder of my club season with a few Trinity players, but I probably will not go on to playing on the same team with any in college.”

Thoughts for some of the players have run from relief to regret to appreciation.

“I was happy the grueling practices were over and that I had more free time, but very upset that we did not reach all of our goals,” Payne said. “I was upset it was my last time playing for Trinity. The countless memories and amazing friendships I made will never be forgotten. I do wish the ending of the season could be forgotten, but it is a lesson.”

Payne remains proud of himself and his teammates, with a 21-3-1 record during the season.

“I’m very proud of all we accomplished,” Payne said. “Every single person on the team means a lot to me, and I felt as if they are all my brothers.”

Many Trinity seniors are planning to play soccer at the collegiate level. Payne and fellow senior Kobie Qualah have committed to play Division I soccer at Northern Kentucky University. Several offers also stand for others.

With graduation and college coming in a few months, the seniors will continue to see endings. No more playing intramural basketball with a team made up of only soccer players. No more sitting at the same lunch table. No more seeing each other in the hallways.

For some, the personal relationships were as important as the soccer.

“Playing for Trinity was one of the greatest experiences of my life,” Dickerson said. “I made so many incredible memories which I will never forget. It really sucks not having brought home a state title, but I know the school and community were still proud of us. I really want to thank the coaches, especially coach (Dale) Helfrich and coach (Barry) Swearingen. Swearingen is like a second father to me and has had my back since I stepped foot onto Trinity’s campus. I really would not be where I am now without them.”

Some of the seniors are looking forward to playing soccer at Trinity again — once a year as alumni.

“I already do miss this,” Payne said, “and I know I will for a long time. I’m looking forward to staying involved with Trinity’s soccer program throughout my life, but most of all, heading the alumni in the famous Trinity team (versus) alumni game.”

For Gantt, Dickerson and many others, one of their greatest moments at Trinity was beating rival St. Xavier at home during the regular season. The student section was packed and had the atmosphere more typical of a football game.

“It was amazing to look up in the stands and know you have the support of all your Trinity brothers,” Dickerson said. “It makes you play a little bit harder.”

Even with the season completed, the competitive spirit and pride remains in Payne. He laughed as he said, “Hopefully, (we alumni) will beat the team — unlike past alumni against us!”