Athletes of the Week: Behaylu Barry & Jonah Johnson

The buzzer rings and the students swarm the field as Exeter defeats Andover 1-0 at the 2017 fall E/a games. Last year’s incredible game still resonates in the returning boys varsity soccer players’ minds; it was the perfect way to end a competitive season.

Led by senior co-captains Behaylu Barry and Jonah Johnson, the team is looking to continue this high standard of play as the returning and new players come together to form the varsity soccer team. As veterans of the team, both of the co-captains have the necessary experience and leadership as they enter their final season with a drive to win.

“When you play soccer, it’s like nothing else matters. When I’m on the field, I can’t think about anything else, I’m just trying to get that ball; that’s it.”

Both of Johnson’s parents were avid players of the sport, especially his mother, who regretted only picking up the sport after she became an Exonian. In turn, his parents made sure to start him off as early as possible, allowing him to fully master the sport. Johnson explained, “[My mom] started me when I was three or four, basically as soon as I could run.”

Similarly, Barry started at age four, but had a different introduction. He explained his beginnings by saying, “Back in Ethiopia, my brothers and I would get some neighborhood kids around and get a pick up game going on in the streets somewhere.”

Although their introductions to the sport were different, they share the same undying passion for the sport. “I like winning a lot,” Johnson said. “[Soccer] is just something that I’ve always done, I never questioned it. I’ve never had a reason to and I don’t want one.”

Barry also finds the sport grounding in his life. As a child, Barry fell sick and was not allowed to leave his house to visit friends for a while. As consolation, he found that knocking the ball around was very meditative and enjoyable. He elaborated on the effects of the game by saying, “When you play soccer, it’s like nothing else matters. When I’m on the field, I can’t think about anything else, I’m just trying to get that ball; that’s it.”

The two co-captains share a similar goal for the season. Despite their best efforts last season, the boys’ varsity soccer team was not able to make it to playoffs as it had hoped. However this year, they are back with the co-captains leading the charge towards the playoffs. “I just really hope we make playoffs,” Johnson said. “I think a lot of the guys on the team want to make the playoffs after last season, and that’s something we can try to do together.”

While similar in their strength and passion for the game, the two athletes have different opinions about the perks and responsibilities of being captain. Barry expressed his excitement about his new position, “I love it. I get to tell people what to do, and it’s so nice,” he joked before saying, “It feels good to have people look up to me and to be able to motivate younger players.”

Johnson is humbled to be a leader on the team and enjoys helping other players improve their game. “It’s a lot of new responsibility being captain, so I’m still adjusting, but it’s kind of nice sometimes when kids come up to you and ask you questions. I like being able to offer advice,” he said.

The two varsity players are also admired by their teammates for their excellent leadership and big hearts. Postgraduate Tyler Swanbeck said, “Jonah and Behaylu are not just great soccer players, as that is obvious to see, but are really becoming great leaders and role models.”

Separately, the co-captains have consistently displayed their high quality of character. Fellow senior Raj Das complimented Barry and Johnson. “They lead by example. I’ve been really touched by Behaylu’s kindness in these first few weeks to check in on me as I’ve been out with a pulled hamstring.”

By being friendly and positive at all times, Barry and Johnson inspire and help support their players in what can occasionally be a stressful and competitive environment.  Lower Jack Burgess shared his fond memories of Barry and Johnson, who he considers his mentors, “Last year, at the beginning of my prep fall, I was introduced to Barry. Straight away, Behaylu, as he would say, ‘took me under his wing.’ He helped me get to know other people at the school, and eventually introduced me to man-like Jonah. Whenever I saw ‘J’, he would ‘dab me up.’”

Not only are Johnson and Barry supportive leaders of the team, but they are also exceptional soccer players who have proven to be instrumental to the team’s successes. “Jonah, in particular, is so quick with his feet that even a single touch of his can open up the game or change our point of attack,” Das said. “Behaylu is lethal in attack; he takes on defenders fearlessly, and his pace, skill, and vision so often ignites our play in the attacking third.” Their unique strengths bring a versatile offense that is a challenge for any of their opponents.

Furthermore, Burgess added that Johnson “can beat a man with ease, yet has the football brain to play it simple and keep the ball.” Johnson’s teammates seem to notice his skill and speed on the ball, which makes him a lethal midfielder.

Burgess also said that Barry “has the best left footed ‘pings’ on the team and his finishing is noteworthy.” Barry is regarded as an uncontrollable force at striker, with the determination and power to score goals. Upper Billy Menken also noted that Barry has an “unmatched work ethic—what we call his engine—and [the] best hair.”

Looking forward to this season, both captains hope to make the playoffs. Burgess said, “I am enthusiastic with the talent we have. We have a strong, young team that is only going to get better every time we play with each other.” This quality will certainly help the team this season, but will transfer over next year when these young players are older and more skilled and stronger.

With Barry and Johnson leading the boys’ soccer team as captains, Exeter will put up a fight against any opponent in the league. Barry and Johnson both carry their team on and off the field. They have proven themselves to be natural-born leaders.

Their strong leadership capabilities rally the team together to create a positive practice and game atmosphere. They are also positive influences for any new member of the team.

Despite a tough 0-7 loss to Loomis on Saturday, the team is ready to work even harder in practice to prepare for remainder of the season. Barry said that “every practice is exciting, spending time with the boys. The best part is always the dinner we have afterwards. It’s always loose, no matter how bad or good we play, it’s always a good time.”