Things are already looking good for the Hamilton Heights boys soccer team.
The Huskies have six returners back from last year’s team, which played a much stronger schedule than in years past and finished 8-9-2. Coach Derrick Dean said his team is already excited about the season.
“Although some key starters have graduated, many of the younger starters are returning for their senior, junior, and sophomore season and will be in a great position to lead the team,” said Dean. “The team attended a summer camp at IPFW where head coach Derrick Dean was extremely pleased with the team’s effort and performance.”
Junior Caleb Grabarz will be the Huskies’ starting goalkeeper this year, with junior Josh Thorpe anchoring the defense. They will be joined by senior Sean Russell and junior Jackson Stuart, with senior Brandt Tappy also playing defense.
“Junior Sam Blake, sophomore Luke Vanderwall and freshman Donovan Trew will also provide key minutes in the backfield,” said Dean.
Moving to the center of the field, senior Logan Fakes and junior Jacob Luckey will split time in defense and outside midfield. Junior Zach Clark is moving slightly, from center midfield to outside midfield. Other midfielders include senior Rojer Lopez at center and sophomore Payton Tindal and freshman Caleb Stuart coming in off the bench at wing and center.
Junior Drew Tomaszewski will lead the attack at outside forward, joining senior Nahuel Zarate. Two freshmen, Caleb Stuart and Tyler Grabarz will also get playing time at forward.
“With the team being young but working hard this summer, the Huskies have set high goals for themselves this season,” said Dean. “Along with wanting to make a huge run in the Hoosier Conference, the team has high hopes for winning yet another sectional title for the boys’ soccer program in our new sectional because of the formation of the soccer three class system.
“After a season of great improvement and tremendous strides last year this season will have several strong players serving in different roles, we will be working on several aspects of the game this summer at various team events like team conditionings, team New Castle tournament scrimmage, summer friendlies, IPFW team soccer camp, and Whiteland tournament scrimmage,” said Dean.
The Huskies open their season Tuesday by hosting Yorktown.
ROSTER
Seniors: Logan Fakes, Rojer Lopez, Lee Martin, Tristan Million, Sean Russell, Brandt Tappy, Nahuel Zarate.
Juniors: Sam Blake, Zach Clark, Caleb Grabarz, Jacob Luckey, Jackson Stuart, Josh Thorpe, Drew Tomaszewski.
Sophomore: Payton Tindal, Luke Vanderwall, Mitchell Walbolt.
Freshmen: Tyler Grabarz, Caleb Stuart, Donovan Trew.
SCHEDULE
Aug. 15: Yorktown, 6 p.m.
Aug. 17: at Pendleton Heights, 7 p.m.
Aug. 21: Tipton, 7 p.m.
Aug. 22: at Lebanon, 7 p.m.
Aug. 24: at New Castle, 7 p.m.
Aug. 29: at Anderson, 7 p.m.
Aug. 31: at Kokomo, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 5: Muncie Burris, 5:30 p.m.
Sept. 6-9: Hoosier Conference Tournament
Sept. 12: Bishop Chatard, 7 p.m.
Sept. 14: Northwestern, 7 p.m.
Sept. 16: Hamilton Heights Husky Invitational, 9 a.m.
Sept. 19: Eastern, 5:30 p.m.
Sept. 21: at Western, 5:30 p.m.
Sept. 26: Liberty Christian, 7 p.m.