You have to be experienced to find a spot on this year’s Hamilton Southeastern boys soccer varsity roster.
Everyone on the Royals’ list this season is a senior and a junior. With all those upperclassmen, it’s obvious why HSE has high expectations for the season.
“We are returning all but five varsity players from a team that finished last season ranked No. 10, finished 15-3-4, and lost in the regional championship,” said Royals coach Chris White.
The players back include senior Ethan Pulliam, a center back who has been starting for Southeastern since his freshman year. Junior Ben Haxton returns as the Royals’ goalkeeper, and HSE has three of its top four scorers back in seniors Darian Ghaffari and Matt Kuster, and junior Chayton Davidson.
Southeastern opens its season Tuesday at Pendleton Heights.
“Our biggest attributes this year will be our experience and our depth,” said White. “Our environment has been excellent to start the season and we look forward to the competition ahead, as we try to earn our third straight sectional championship.”
ROSTER
Seniors: Cale Barnes, Evan Barnes, Michael Flores-Rodriguez, Darian Ghaffari, Matt Kuster, Kevin Leffers, Jimmy Maulucci, Ethan Pulliam, Sam Rowlison, Roth Susemichel, Tyler White.
Juniors: Chayton Davidson, Luke Dawdy, Jarren French, Robin Grieger, Ben Haxton, JP Suarez, Tony Vrkic, Bryce Wetzel, Jacob White, Sean Williams.
SCHEDULE
Aug. 15: at Pendleton Heights, 6:30 p.m.
Aug. 19: Carmel, 1 p.m.
Aug. 22: Brownsburg, 7 p.m.
Aug. 29: at Avon, 7 p.m.
Aug. 31: University, 7 p.m.
Sept. 2: Brebeuf Jesuit, 11:30 a.m.
Sept. 5: Fishers, 7 p.m.
Sept. 7: at Kokomo, 7 p.m.
Sept. 9: at Penn Varsity Tournament, 9 a.m.
Sept. 12: at Westfield, 7 p.m.
Sept. 14: Mount Vernon, 7 p.m.
Sept. 16: at Pike, 11:30 a.m.
Sept. 19: Zionsville, 7 p.m.
Sept. 21: at Lawrence North, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 26: at Noblesville, 7 p.m.