True Teamwork
- Pamela Palongue
- Sep 18
- 3 min read
Canon-McMillan Boys Soccer builds a legacy on and off the field.
The Canon-McMillan High School boys soccer program is known across the WPIAL for its consistency, competitiveness and a tradition of excellence. With a long-standing reputation as one of the region’s premier programs, the Big Macs have collected multiple section titles and three WPIAL championships over the past two decades.
Today, under the leadership of head coach Tom Sochacki, the program continues to thrive—fielding approximately 45 players across the varsity and junior varsity teams plus an additional 40 at the middle school level, all young athletes proudly wearing Canon-Mac blue and gold each season.
As the 2025 season gets underway, expectations remain high. The team enters this fall with a strong returning core group aiming to again contend for both WPIAL and state titles. But for the Big Macs, success isn’t defined solely by goals scored or games won. It’s equally measured by the character the players display off the field.
The program places a strong emphasis on service, and the boys have embraced opportunities to give back. From assisting at the food bank to ringing the Salvation Army bell outside the Sarris Candies shop, players are visible in the community throughout the year. They’ve also packed more than 450 food bags for Canon-Mac’s Mac Pacs program—helping to ensure that local students have meals for the weekend—and partnered with the District’s Extended School Year Program for students with special needs. Whether joining field trips, playing at recess or lending a hand at a car wash, the boys have formed bonds throughout the community.
“Success isn’t measured only by wins and championships, but also by character and service.” - Coach Tom Sochacki
“Helping in these situations allows us to use our gifts we are fortunate enough to have and share them with the less fortunate,” says senior Jake Ceklosky. His teammate, senior Cole Debbis, adds, “Helping at South Central is the best because the kids have so much fun with us.”
The impact is vast—the community benefits and the players grow as leaders. “I volunteer to help out the community and give kids a look into what impact sports can have on your life,” says junior Brayden Smith. “I also enjoy seeing their smiles and joy when they see us come walking through the doors.”
Balancing soccer, schoolwork and volunteerism requires careful time management, and the CM boys soccer team rises to the challenge. In 2024, 29 varsity and JV players held GPAs above 3.5, with 15 earning 4.0 or higher. The discipline they show in academics mirrors what they bring to the field—a testament to the program’s culture of accountability.
Behind the scenes, coaches, parents and school staff play a vital role. Parents help organize projects and provide transportation, while coaches emphasize character development alongside athletic performance.
“Really none of it would be possible without the parents,” says Sochacki. “They set the example of community involvement and show the boys that volunteering is a lifelong value, not just a team activity.”
For the players, the experiences stretch far beyond soccer. They learn leadership, responsibility, empathy and teamwork—life lessons that will serve them long after high school. “I like being a role model for the younger kids of Canon-Mac. I also like being with my teammates off the soccer field,” says junior Ben Caputo.
“Our boys are students, leaders and young men learning the value of giving back,” says Sochacki. “Success isn’t measured only by wins and championships, but also by character and service.”
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