There will be somewhat of a “changing of the guard” theme to this year’s Hamilton Heights boys soccer team.
The Huskies graduated eight seniors – seven of them starters – from last year’s team, which finished 7-9-2 against what coach Derrick Dean called “a much stronger schedule from previous years.” But Heights will have four starters back, as well as some promising freshman and other young players.
“Although some key starters have graduated, many of the younger starters are returning for their season and will be in a great position to lead the team,” said Dean.
The senior starters coming back are Issiac Hickok, who Dean said will “be playing a stopper defender role,” and Luke Vanderwall, who will play an outside defense position. Junior Donovan Trew will split time between offense and defense, including the third striker position, while Caleb Stuart will share the center midfield role with sophomore Lance Jones, one of many returning lettermen for Heights.
Other letter winners who are back include senior Mitchell Walbolt in the sweeper position, junior Will Hilton, who will join Vanderwall in the outside defense, junior Tyler Grabarz in the backfield, junior Ethan Aspy in the striker position, and sophomores Ben Pavy and Hunter Toll in the outside midfield.
Meanwhile, the freshmen on this year’s Huskies team will make an immediate impact. Jackson McCullough is slated to be the starting goalkeeper, with junior Marcus Shaffer also in the mix for that position. Two more freshmen, Owen Martin and Sam Mayo are possible back-ups in the goalkeeper slot.
Dean mentioned several other players expected to contribute to the Heights team as well: Senior Tyler Andis and junior Wyatt Hardebeck in the backfield, senior Max Stallsmith at center mid and forwats, sophomore Braden Kinder in the outside mid, senior Gerson Martinez in striker and junior Brian Zachary in the forward position.
“With the team being much younger this season they will be looking for guys to step up and be leaders,” said Dean. “Working hard this summer, the Huskies have set high goals for themselves this season.”
Dean said the goals for his team this year include “wanting to make a huge run in the Hoosier Conference” and of course winning a sectional championship.
“Last season was a great year for all underclassmen because of the leadership of the seniors,” said Dean. “This year the younger guys are now older guys and are stepping up, filling some shoes and taking on new roles and positions. I know they are ready for the challenge. We have several guys that can play and have been stepping up since the end of last season.
“Freshman Jackson McCullough has been phenomenal in the goalie position during the off season. Jackson has worked extremely hard this year and continues to improve each day, with a very technical junior Marcus Shaffer and freshman Owen Martin clipping at his heels for the goalie position.”
Dean listed Walbolt, Vanderwall and Hickok as the team captains, noting that many of the players are working hard and motivating each other.
“This is a team that will be looking for and to their leaders,” said Dean. “This is a much younger team than we have had in several years, which will make it challenging for some, but it is a great thing to hear and see guys working to improve each other. This quality in several of these players made it hard for them to choose their captains. With several new guys to the varsity level this season we are looking for them to step up and fill some roles this season as they have started to show over the summer at PFW and summer friendlies. Not to be forgotten are all of the other guys that have been working hard during conditioning and training in order to try and win starting spots. Keep up the hard work.”
The Huskies begin their season on Tuesday by hosting Yorktown, then travel to Pendleton Heights next Thursday (Aug. 22).
VARSITY ROSTER
Seniors: Tyler Andis, Issiac Hickok, Gerson Martinez, Nick Smith, Max Stallsmith, Luke Vanderwall, Mitchell Walbolt.
Juniors: Ethan Aspy, Tyler Grabarz. Wyatt Hardebeck, Will Hilton, Nate Jozsa, Marcus Shaffer, Caleb Stuart, Donovan Trew.
Sophomores: Chase Brennan, Lance Jones, Braden Kinder, Ben Pavy, Hunter Toll.
Freshman: Jackson McCullough.
JUNIOR VARSITY ROSTER
Seniors: Tyler Andis, Nick Smith.
Juniors: Troy Beland, Wyatt Hardebeck, Nate Jozsa, Corbin Kappes, Bayden Lutz, Marcus Shaffer, Brian Zachary.
Sophomores: Chase Brennan, Cole Brown, Daniel Collier, Cody Ensor, Jonathan Glenn, Aidan Helm.
Freshmen: Ogden Aspy, Caleb Haymaker, Gage Hodson, Colin Kuhn, Owen Martin, Sam Mayo, Jackson McCullough, Aidan Orton, Cale Shaffer, Payton Upton.