REFLECTIONS ON WHEATON ACADEMY
Jude Barton ’22 had a successful two season with the varsity team during his time at Wheaton Academy. Reflecting on his time at WA, Jude was able to express the profound impact the teachers and soccer program had on him—especially in regards to his faith. He grew immensely as a follower of Christ and an athlete as a result of the investment his teachers, coaches, and teammates poured into him.
On the field, Jude led from defense as a centre-back, and helped Wheaton Academy win their second State Championship in 2021. After suffering a poor run of form and losing his starting position during the 2021 season, he responded brilliantly. He earned his spot back; and when WA progressed to the playoffs, he helped the team concede only three goals in those seven matches. They ultimately went on to defeat Althoff Catholic in the State Final.
ON WHEATON ACADEMY
Over my years at Wheaton Academy, I have more fully realized what my faith and beliefs means to me. Being surrounded by students who are equally eager to live their lives in pursuit of Christ has really helped me to strengthen my Christian convictions.
As a Freshmen, I don’t think I fully understood my calling to be a follower of Christ, but over my years here with the training from the tremendous faculty and my peers I have been cultivated into a mature Christian, knowing my beliefs and how to stand up for them.
I would challenge my freshmen-self and future freshmen at Wheaton Academy to invest in the community to the fullest extent, because you can’t find something like it anywhere else.
FROM TRIAL TO TRIUMPH
I was really struggling at the beginning of the season my senior year. We had a rough start to the season, winning only one of our first four games. I was benched for several games as a result of one of those big defeats, and during those games on the sidelines I was tempted to quit the team.
This served to motivate us, however, and we fought valiantly through numerous trials—overcoming injuries, ineligibility, and illness—until we emerged victorious in the State Final. I can vividly remember the final whistle blowing, and the bench and coaches running out on the field, euphoric. Kaiden Massie, the other injured centre-back who had been watching the final from the sidelines, hugged me, crying tears of joy.
Looking back, God truly blessed me when He allowed me to be a part of this unbelievable team. The bonds between the soccer players here are some of the strongest, most supportive, and most joyful interactions that I have ever seen.